The steel framework of the shade sails at Townsville's Tobruk Memorial Baths required lasting protection against chlorine exposure, harsh UV radiation and a highly corrosive coastal environment.
Project partners
Asset Owner: Townsville City Council
Client: Tobruk Memorial Baths
Fabricator: Jackson Semler Pty Ltd
Applicator: Waters Abrasive Blasting
Shade Sails: Shade and Membrane Structures Australia
Coatings
• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (μm)
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO @ 200-microns (μm)
• 3rd coat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR @ 100-microns (μm)
What was the challenge?
Situated in Townsville's corrosive coastal environment with permanent exposure to high levels of chlorine and UV radiation, the steel framework of the shade sails covering the swimming pools of Tobruk Memorial Baths needed lasting protection.
What were the inspection findings?
After 3 years, a full visual inspection of the structural steel showed the coating system to be in excellent condition.
Coating rating after 3 years?
Rating 1*
Up close
"The coating is in excellent condition which is an impressive result given the highly corrosive environment it's exposed to," says David Vivian, Dulux® Protective Coatings' Regional Sales Manager in Northern Queensland. "There are no signs of corrosion, film degradation or damage."
System benefits
The corrosion protection of Zincanode 402 and Duremax GPE MIO, combined with the lasting colour and gloss delivered by Weathermax HBR has ensured the steel framework of the shade sails continues to look great, with the coating providing excellent protection for the substrate, more than 3 years on.
• Zincanode 402 is a two-pack epoxy zinc-rich primer formulated for cathodic corrosion resistance in harsh corrosive environments.
• Duremax GPE MIO is a high-performance protective coating locally developed for Australasian conditions using the latest epoxy technology. It contains micaceous iron oxide pigmentation for added barrier protection.
• Weathermax HBR is a polyurethane coating that provides excellent gloss and colour retention even when exposed to extreme UV radiation.
* Coating Inspection 5-Level Rating System
Coatings are inspected to determine the degree of deterioration. Ratings indicate the following condition status:
1. No film damage other than dirt and minor staining
2. Soiled, stained, ingrained dirt, chalking or loss of gloss
3. Minor film damage (cracking, flaking or erosion of topcoats) in small areas
4. Minor corrosion where up to 0.5% of the base metal is showing signs of rusting
5. Widespread and excessive corrosion and damage
