The right system for strict timelines
When Geelong was named the new Victorian home of Spirit of Tasmania, a new terminal building was required at Corio Quay. Kane Constructions started the build in May 2022, with the facility welcoming its first passengers in October the same year – just six months later.
Alternative methods to protect the mild steel was investigated and was deemed unsuitable due to the longer lead times required. Instead, a AS2312.1: 2014 PUR5 system was specified to support project timelines and achieve outstanding durability.
Maddison Wright Engineering fabricated the steel while Cox Steel Coating applied the specification in a specialised blast room.
Following a Class 2.5 blast clean, all three coatings were applied with an airless spray:
- Primer Dulux® Zincanode® 402 at a dry film thickness (DFT) of 75-microns (µm)
- Dulux® Durebild® STE MIO at 200-microns (µm) DFT with the addition of Quickturn® Hardener
- High gloss, UV resistant topcoat Dulux® Luxathane® HPX at 50-microns (µm) DFT with Dulux® Luxathane® Accelerator
Fast curing options outsmart Melbourne winter
Dulux Protective Coatings Technical sales representative Chris Eldred says fast curing options for both the intermediate coat and the topcoat enabled the project to be completed on time.
"The project began at the start of winter, with Melbourne's colder conditions threatening to slow down the overcoating and curing process. "Adding Quickturn® Hardener to the Durebild® STE MIO enabled faster overcoating," Chris explains. "Luxathane® HPX has very good drying and handling properties, but the addition of Luxathane® Accelerator sped up the process."
In colder temperatures such as 15° C, the use of Quickturn® Hardener allows Durebild® STE MIO to be overcoated within 9 hours. With Luxathane® HPX, adding the Luxathane® Accelerator means the topcoat can be dry to touch within the hour and can be handled after 7 hours.
Technical support and stock fulfilment
Chris and the Dulux Protective Coatings team were on hand throughout application and construction, helping to solve questions around temperature, dew point and other environmental conditions.
"This ensured the coating system was completed within the specification documents," Chris explains.
Our Victorian store network also pitched in to ensure timely stock fulfilment via the applicator's local Dulux Trade Centre.
"We also received feedback that the products were easy to apply."
Touch-ups were required on site, which Chris says is to be expected after transporting steel on site. Bristle blasting was used to repair abrasions followed by re-application of the system.
For more information, download our Guide to the Australian New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 2312.1:2014) for the protection of steel against atmospheric corrosion. You can also submit an enquiry or phone our help and advice team.
