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Physical properties are defined by ASTM testing standards, The Aluminum Association Design Manual, and/or standard engineering practice. The values shown are nominal and may vary. The information found in this document is believed to be true and accurate. No warranties of any kind are made as to the suitability of any CMI product for particular applications or the results obtained there from. ShoreGuard, C-Loc, TimberGuard, GeoGuard, Dura Dock, Shore-All, and Gator Gates are registered trademarks of Crane Materials International. ArmorWare, Ultra Composite, GatorDocks, and CMI Waterfront Solutions are trademarks of Crane Materials International. United States and International Patent numbers 5,145,287; 5,881,508; 6,000,883; 6,033,155; 6,053,666; D420,154; 4,674,921; 4,690,588; 5,292,208; 6,575,667; 7,059,807; 7,056,066; 7,025,539; 1,245,061; Other patents pending. 2007 Crane Materials International. All Rights Reserved.
2007 Crane Materials International 4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite E-5370 Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone 866-867-3762 Fax 770-933-8363 International 00+1+770+933+8166
Aluminum is Aluminum...Right?
You are probably familiar with aluminums reputation as a highly corrosion-resistant material, but you may have also heard stories of, or actually experienced cases of extreme aluminum corrosion in your area. The first and single most important step towards capitalizing on aluminums advantages is making certain that a marine grade alloy is used. An inspection of the vast difference in corrosion-resisting abilities of stainless steel and plain carbon steel may give some insight. As its name suggests, stainless steel is very corrosion resistant, while plain carbon steel is attacked almost immediately when exposed to the atmosphere. Just as stainless steel alloys have specific additives and properties that provide an optimum combination of
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2007 Crane Materials International 4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite E-5370 Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone 866-867-3762 Fax 770-933-8363 International 00+1+770+933+8166
When the two dissimilar metals come into contact, the electrical loop is closed, and the natural voltage differential between them causes electron flow. One metal will become the anode (negative) and one will become the cathode (positive).
consumed
restored
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2007 Crane Materials International 4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite E-5370 Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone 866-867-3762 Fax 770-933-8363 International 00+1+770+933+8166
Which metal will be the anode and how intense will the reaction be?
Metals are ordered in what is known as the galvanic series. The galvanic series is a list or table that describes how reactive or noble (less reactive) different metals are likely to be. The metal nearer the noble end acts as the cathode and the metal nearer the active end acts as the anode. The farther away the two metals are from each other in the series, the larger the voltage potential, and the more intense the reaction. The intensity of the reaction is dependant on many other things as well (for example, the particular electrolyte involved and the anode to cathode ratio). Many versions of the galvanic series exist, and although it is a good indicator of the roles that each metal will play, and the relative intensity of the reaction, it cannot be used to predict actual reaction rates due to the many variables at play. Furthermore, there are many exceptions to the predictions made, due to real world conditions.
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2007 Crane Materials International 4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite E-5370 Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone 866-867-3762 Fax 770-933-8363 International 00+1+770+933+8166
Tips:
Always use a marine grade alloy. Test to ensure backfills and/or native soils have a pH of 4.5-8.5, and, when possible, avoid clays or highly organic soils. If poorly compatible soils are anticipated or dissimilar metal contact cannot be avoided, use cathodic protection. The sacrificial anode should be checked at regular intervals, and may need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. Insulate contact with other materials that may have significant metal content (steel fasteners, concrete, pressure treated wood, etc.). Use stainless steel fasteners. If stainless steel is not an option, use HDG fasteners. It is always a good idea to separate steel fasteners from the aluminum structure with polymer washers. When economically feasible, use anodized aluminum components because of their increased corrosion protection. Avoid grounding electrical circuits to aluminum structures when possible. Avoid unusually high stresses or surface damage. Residual stresses may amplify corrosion. Over the last several decades the aluminum industry has developed, tested, and proven in field applications, hundreds of aluminum alloys with a variety of characteristics engineered and analyzed specifically for a given application. From aircraft to electronics to nuclear boilers to food packaging, aluminum has proven its versatility and longevity. 1. United States Army Corps of Engineers. EM 1110-21614 Design of Seawalls and Bulkheads. Washington DC: USACE, 1995 2. The Aluminum Association. Specifications & Guidelines for Aluminum Structures. 8th ed. Arlington, VA: The Aluminum Association, 2005
Conclusion
When aluminums corrosion characteristics are properly understood, it becomes easy to predict how it will behave in the field. When negative effects are anticipated, solutions are inexpensive, effective, and easy to include in the design phase. Here are several tips to ensure a long lasting aluminum structure.
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2007 Crane Materials International 4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite E-5370 Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone 866-867-3762 Fax 770-933-8363 International 00+1+770+933+8166