The Carillon power plant and dam on the Ottawa River is now over 50 years old and hot-dip galvanizing was the natural choice to protect steel from corrosion then as now.   In preparation for a major upgrade over the next few years some temporary structures were needed to maintain full functionality during the coming multi-year upgrade and rejuvenation project.

The decision to use hot-dip for a temporary structure pays homage to galvanizing in two important ways.  First is the complete confidence Hydro-Quebec has in galvanizing with virtually all exposed steel being galvanized in their many projects from dams to transmission lines or substation down to pole line hardware.  Some of their oldest galvanized transmission towers have now exceeded 100 years of maintenance free service. 

The second is a testament to how modern efficient galvanizing plants have changed the competitive playing field compared to our paint competitors in recent years; with galvanizing now often costing less than paint systems even this temporary structure was slated for galvanizing.  Apart from competitive coating cost other factors also played in the decision such as galvanizings exceptional impact and abrasion resistance which eases erection time and cost by eliminating costly and ineffective touchup work while also avoiding the need for kid-glove treatment of steel during transport and on site.

While 85 tons is a tiny job by Electric Utility standards having a temporary structure such as this galvanized by such a knowledgeable major and capable end user speaks volumes about how far our industry has come in terms of efficiency, competitiveness and quality in recent years.