Amid the bustling energy of Miami’s downtown, where the glimmering waters of Biscayne Bay meets the modern cityscape, a testament to engineering excellence emerged – the GB Welding Canopy. This visionary project aimed not only to be near Miami’s waterfront but also to stand strong against the corrosive saltwater air and hurricane force winds.

As the project’s stage was set, the question of how to safeguard against the coastal environment of salty air emerged. The answer was unveiled through a decision to hot-dip galvanize the entire structure.

When compared to other coating options, galvanizing stood above the rest because of its corrosion protection. Being right by the bay in a marine environment meant that the protection had to be heavy-duty and built to last. Paint would simply flake and succumb to the environment within a short period of time, resulting in recurring maintenance and expensive repairs. The customer opted for a white duplex coating over galvanizing which would guarantee an additional 1.5-2.3 times of the sum of the expected life of each system alone.

Along with corrosion protection, the modern look and feel of galvanizing blended seamlessly into the high-end area of town that the project was going to stand. Additionally, the canopy promises abundant shade from the scorching Miami sun, welcoming all residents and tourists who frequent the area annually.

Every facet of the canopy’s design was a nod to resilience. Reinforced uprights and meticulously welded fins helped meet Miami Dade County's Hurricane Code Category IV Building & Structures requirements. That means this structure will be able to withstand 195 mile per hour winds, allowing it to stand strong long into the future.

The biggest challenge that the customer and galvanizer had to face was the logistical feat of maneuvering such sizable components onto the project site. This structure had to be dissembled and transported through an 11-foot corridor. After reassembly at the project location, the structure was welded together. The intricate installation required exacting transportation and logistics coordination across project members. The galvanizer needed to meet all deadlines and provide a quality product that the customer would be proud of.

Benefiting from years of expertise, the galvanizer was able to provide support to the customer and maintain open communication throughout the project’s lifecycle. Additionally, the advantageous proximity of the galvanizer to the client’s location streamlined the material transportation process.

For many years to come, the GB Welding Canopy will be standing strong and will serve the area for generations to come thanks to the decision to embrace the strength of hot-dip galvanizing.