HDG vs. Paint in Life-Cycle Assessment Case Study 2: Parking Structures
Based on its maintenance-free durability for 75 years or more in most environments, hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel has a lower economic cost and environmental impact than paint. It uses a healthy, abundant, and recyclable metal, zinc, to provide corrosion protection, therefore it should be considered the preferred construction material for architectural and industrial applications.
To measure the sustainability of hot-dip galvanized steel and provide a basis for future improvements in life-cycle performance of zinc products, the Institute for Environmental Protection Technology at the Technical University of Berlin, conducted life-cycle assessments (LCA) comparing a hot-dip galvanized parking structure to a painted parking structure.
Developed in 2009 as part of a Talking Points series to educate legislators and the general public about hot-dip galvanized steel, this one-page case study compares the life-cycle of a hot-dip galvanized parking garage to the life-cycle of a painted steel garage.
Copies of this resource are available for purchase. Architects, engineers, and other specifiers in North America may request a single copy of any publication at no charge, unless otherwise indicated. Multiple copies require a $25.00 (US funds) minimum order, plus shipping and handling. Prepayment is required. (Member galvanizers are not eligible for complimentary printed copies and require a $75.00 minimum order.) Non-member galvanizers must contact the AGA directly at 720-361-4483.
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This series of reports describes the numerous ways in which hot-dip galvanizing can be used in Parking Garages. View Details »
As countless cars whiz back and forth across busy streets and highways, the need for parking structures is obvious and undeniable. In an age of environmental consciousness, however, there is more to parking cars than the immediate gratification... View Details »
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Located in a fairly aggressive urban environment, hot-dip galvanized steel was chosen for this parking garage because of its aesthetic appeal, quick turnaround delivery time, and the maintenance-free... View Details »
Hot-dip galvanizing has provided steel corrosion protection for over 150 years, and has been used in parking garages for over 30 years. When it comes to protecting steel from the inevitable onset of corrosion, no other coating provides the... View Details »
Based on its maintenance-free durability for 75 years or more in most environments, hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel has a lower economic cost and environmental impact than paint. It uses a healthy, abundant, and recyclable metal, zinc, to... View Details »
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is the study of the environmental impact of a process or product, and includes measurement of energy consumed and all emissions during raw material production and manufacturing of the final product through use and... View Details »
A common exposure for hot-dip galvanized steel is partially or fully buried in soil. With more than 200 different types of soil identified in North America, hot-dip galvanizings performance in soil is varied and hard to predict.... View Details »
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This case study details a wind energy system in Nebraska that utilizes hot-dip galvanized steel for corrosion protection. View Details »
The fact is hot-dip galvanized steel is less expensive than paint. Empirical cost and performance data provided by the paint industry show initial and life-cycle galvanizing costs are lower. Additionally, time to the job site is shorter... View Details »
Sustainable development is increasingly important to specifiers and the general public throughout the construction industry. Sustainable development is the social, economic, and environmental commitment to growth and development that meet the needs... View Details »