Steel Structures of Prefabricated Halls have gained great popularity in recent times due to their durability, resistance, the possibility of various modifications, and their ability to adapt well. However, they are exposed to various weather conditions that can affect their safety and lifespan. We will focus on the most common weather influences and how steel hall structures cope with them.
Even though steel halls are treated with coatings, corrosion does not always avoid them. The structures are usually treated with special coatings, galvanization, and protective layers, but they are still exposed to the effects of salts, acids, and other corrosive substances. Steel structures can also be exposed to direct contact with water, which can accelerate the corrosion process.
High temperatures also have a negative impact on steel hall structures. Steel structures are mostly used in industrial operations with high temperatures, so they must be well insulated to prevent deformation of the structure.
Among the adverse factors that can affect steel hall structures are wind and snow. These structures must be designed to withstand weather conditions and snow loads. A prefabricated hall must withstand weather influences. The structures must be properly designed and made from high-quality steel with a high degree of resistance and strength. It is important to carry out regular inspections and maintenance to minimize damage caused by corrosion and other weather effects.
Corrosivity Categories
Standard EN ISO 12944 defines corrosivity categories as types of environments in which metal structures and surfaces are exposed to external influences.
These categories are labeled from C1 to C5 and are as follows:
- Corrosivity category C1 – very low: environments with a very low content of aggressive substances, e.g., heated buildings with clean atmospheres, such as heated halls, offices.
- Corrosivity category C2 – low: environments with a low content of aggressive substances, e.g., unheated halls where condensation may occur, such as warehouses, sports halls.
- Corrosivity category C3 – medium: environments with a moderate content of aggressive substances, e.g., production areas with high humidity and low air pollution, such as food production halls, laundries, breweries, dairies.
- Corrosivity category C4 – high: environments with a high content of aggressive substances, e.g., chemical plants, indoor swimming pools, shelters for small vessels above sea level.
- Corrosivity category C5 – very high: environments with an extremely high content of aggressive substances, e.g., chemical plants, petrochemical plants, and environments with high humidity and aggressive gases.
Corrosivity categories are used to determine the level of corrosion protection required for a given surface or structure. Higher levels of aggressiveness require more effective corrosion protection.
Corrosion Protection Systems
- Coatings – each manufacturer determines the composition and type of paints for the given corrosive environment, including the preparation of the steel surface
- Hot-dip galvanizing – used from corrosivity category C3
- Electro-galvanizing – used from corrosivity category C3, rarely for steel structures, more often for locksmith elements
The service life of coatings is divided into four groups
- Low L – up to 7 years
- Medium M – from 7 to 15 years
- High H – from 15 to 25 years
- Very High VH – over 25 years
Even though we have corrosivity categories, each manufacturer proposes a coating procedure that may always differ due to corrosion and the environment, and thus the lifespan of the hall may vary. Only a technician from the specific manufacturer can assess and propose a solution so that the structure resists the surrounding environment as much as possible.
