Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, one of the top three hospitals in the nation, is the newest hospital to be added to the UCLA medical complex. It is built to the highest standard of quality, including being one of the first buildings in California to be built to the most recent seismic standard able to withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake. With such great attention to protecting the structural stability of the building, it is natural hot-dip galvanized steel was incorporated in the design. The exposed steel from canopies, hand rails, grating and some external fascia were all galvanized, then given the additional protection of a coat of paint a combination known as a duplex system.

This method of corrosion protection is not only preferable because of its durability, but also for its aesthetic appeal.

Located a mere five miles from the Pacific Ocean, the medical center is regularly exposed to a harsh environment of extreme heat and fog; however, a duplex system utilizing hot-dip galvanizing will provide unparalleled corrosion protection from the damaging effects of sun and sea. Not only will the duplexed steel receive the benefit of the inherent cathodic protection provided by the inter-metallic and free-zinc layers of a hot-dip galvanized coating, but it will also have the additional barrier protection provided by a coat of paint.

This method of corrosion protection is not only preferable because of its durability, but also for its aesthetic appeal. Utilizing a duplex system gives the specifier both the superior protection of hot-dip galvanized steel and the ability to uphold a predetermined color scheme. Now the Medical Center has the highest standard of earthquake protection, as well as the highest standard for corrosion protection.