Newry MarketWhen it came to designing Newry's Street Market, the challenge was to
re-create ''old world'' charm and character. This was achieved through the use
of Victorian style, steel columns that support the attractive timber paneled
roof.
As is often the case, functionality and aesthetics needed to
combine in order to achieve a successful outcome. Nicolas O'Dwyer Consulting
Engineers had a requirement that the steelwork would meet certain criteria:
(1) It should be adequately protected from corrosion.
(2) It should be maintenance free for the maximum period achievable.
(3) It should provide an aesthetic impression in keeping with the
overall design concept.
Corrosion Protection
The key to corrosion protection was Hot Dip
Galvanizing. It has great advantages over other systems. Firstly, the dipping
process ensures that all the steelwork is protected inside and out. Secondly,
the sacrificial action of the galvanized coating ensures that any local damage
caused in the future would not spread as sideways creep of rust is prevented.
The other great advantage of Hot Dip Galvanizing is its longevity. The corrosion
rate of zinc is so slow that 80-100 years life to first maintenance is quite
achievable in an environment such as this.
Aesthetics
Finally, to finish off the steelwork a topcoat of paint
was required to provide the aesthetic appeal that was appropriate. The
difficulty has always been to find a quality paint that would adhere well to the
galvanized surface while also providing a tough, long lasting surface that would
stand up to daily abuse and natural weather conditions.
The answer to this problem was GALVACOAT® paint system. This is quite simply a top
quality, 2-pack polyurethane paint system with unique binding agents that allow
it to bond successfully with galvanized surfaces - immediately after
galvanizing.
Consulting Engineer: Nicholas O'Dwyer
Steel Fabricator:
Terence McCormack Ltd.
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