Large or small, bridges commonly face a wide range of maintenance challenges:

• Corrosion caused by extreme weather, water and salt laden air
• Graffiti and frequent removal
• High traffic
• Extreme UV exposure
• Pollution and grime
• Adherence to mandated specifications and standards
• Maintaining aesthetics including colour and appearance
• Minimising maintenance disruptions
• Achieving extended maintenance cycles

Protective coatings that solve these challenges can significantly increase a bridge’s durability, extend its lifespan, and reduce the cost of maintenance.

The solution

Dulux Protective Coatings products and coating systems are designed specifically to counter the challenges of bridge protection all over Australia. Our experienced sales and technical consultants provide tailor-made solutions as well as product specification and application support. The topcoat range for bridge protection include:

• Dulux® Zincanode® 402 – offering rapid dry and overcoat times, this two-pack epoxy zinc rich primer has been formulated to resist corrosion in harsh environments.
• Dulux® Weathermax® HBR – this high-performance coating exhibits excellent gloss and colour retention during extended service periods in severe industrial and marine environments and in extreme UV exposure. An effective barrier against graffiti, it resists repeated cleaning with graffiti removal agents.
• Dulux® Durebild® STE – suitable for fresh and saltwater immersion, this high-performance maintenance coating provides excellent barrier protection for steelwork.
• Dulux® Duremax® GPE – this high-performance two-pack epoxy protective coating has been locally developed for Australasian conditions. It is ideal for the protection of structures exposed to severe environments and is suitable for fresh and saltwater immersion when cured with Fast Cure Hardener. It can be topcoated with a wide range of coating types.
• MIO coatings contain micaceous iron oxide pigment that imparts outstanding durability and abrasion resistance, including Dulux® Ferreko® No. 3, Dulux® Ferreko® No. 6, Dulux® Weathermax® HBR MIO, Dulux® Durebild® STE MIO and Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO.

 Projects

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: Ferreko No. 6 protects Australia’s most recognised bridge. The micaceous iron oxide (MIO) pigments in Ferreko No. 6 provide excellent durability, water and chemical resistance while creating a barrier against moisture ingress and resisting degradation by UV light.
• West Gate Bridge: Re-painted for the first time in more than 40 years, this Melbourne landmark requires a high durability system that offers corrosion-resistance, damage-resistance, an extended maintenance cycle, fast application and dry times and a high build finish.
• Kangaroo Point Green Bridge: Dulux Protective Coatings is providing a three coat AS/NZS 2312.1 PUR5 system to protect the structural steel on this world-class Brisbane landmark and deliver an extended maintenance cycle. Importantly, our specification complies with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads requirements outlined in TMR TN144.
• Lachlan’s Line Bridge: As well as durability and corrosion protection, achieving a long-lasting, vibrant colour was important for the world’s first double helix bridge. Finish and strength were achieved with a system that delivers excellent UV protection, gloss retention and graffiti resistance.
• Perth Kids Bridge: The award-winning coatings system on this pedestrian bridge achieves vibrant colour plus graffiti protection and resistance to extreme UV. The Dulux Protective Coatings team designed a whole system to meet government specification requirements.
• Adelaide University footbridge: This historic bridge was constructed in 1937 as part of the Adelaide City Council's contribution to South Australia's centenary. It is maintained in remarkably good condition thanks to a Dulux Protective Coatings system featuring Durebild STE and Weathermax HBR.
• Bribie Island Bridge: Corrosive, salt laden winds put this Queensland offshore bridge at risk of concrete spalling. A tailored, chloride ion resistant coating system provides excellent protection for the bridge’s reinforced concrete.
• South Gippsland bridges: Victoria's South Gippsland Shire Council required a highly flexible coating system capable of protecting bridges from the coast to the foothills. The superior corrosion resistance of Zincanode 402 and Dulux® Duremax GFX provided the corrosion protection required, while minimising the amount of time bridges needed to be closed for maintenance.