Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard supports corrosion protection for steel reinforcing bars galvanized by zinc or zinc-alloy coatings for protection from corrosion. The standard (A1094/A1094M, Specification for Continuous Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement) provides a high performance, low cost option for building and protecting concrete structures.

ASTM member Gary Dallin is the director of the GalvInfo Center, a program of the International Zinc Association. Dallin notes that in addition to protection, the unique fabrication properties of the bars covered by the standard will help minimize installation and long-term maintenance costs.

"Galvanizing is a proven and effective way to protect reinforcing bar from corrosion, as it provides both barrier and galvanic protection to the steel substrate," says Dallin. "It also increases the chloride threshold of the reinforcing bar."

According to Dallin, the new standard will be useful to several entities:

"According to the World Corrosion Organization, the worldwide cost of corrosion is currently in the same order of magnitude as the cost to produce and distribute food worldwide," says Dallin. "This standard will make a positive impact in reducing these huge costs while improving the sustainability of global infrastructure."

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Gary W. Dallin, GalvInfo Center • Burlington, Ontario, Canada • tel +1.905.315.7443 | ASTM Staff: Kevin Shanahan • tel 1.610.832.9737 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 16-19 • November Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.