Design for durable structural steelwork in New Zealand

Steel is one of the most sustainable materials on Earth. It is 100% reusable, recyclable, easy to use and maintain. To complement the numerous benefits of steel and extend its life, suitable protective measures must be taken to ensure structural performance is not reduced over its design life. Corrosion protection systems have been used for decades, but recent advancements in coatings; use of weathering steel, and improved durability design guidelines and quality control, can extend the time to first maintenance and improve the sustainability of steel structures.

This paper looks at the various methodologies to improve sustainability by outlining the guidance available for sustainable durability design and provides a brief introduction to those systems.

Raed El Sarraf, BE(Civil), MEngSt, ME(Civil)(Hons),GIPENZ
NZ Heavy Engineering Research Association, Manukau City, New Zealand

Willie L Mandeno, BE, FIPENZ, CPEng, IntPE(NZ)
Opus International Consultants, Wellington, New Zealand