Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
Industry: Infrastructure
Location: Arizona, USA
Products: Super Therm, Rust Grip, Enamo Grip
Global Partner: SPI Coatings
Project Description
SPI earned the SSPC 2011 E. Crone Knoy Award in recognition for the performance of Super Therm®, Rust Grip®, and Enamo Grip coatings at the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, also known as the Colorado River Bridge. The railings of the observation deck were treated with the 3 products. The observation deck expects 3-5 million visitors each year.
Coating Solution
After extensive testing, the SPI Coatings were selected for the railings surrounding the observation deck on the Bridge. No other coatings could produce the level of corrosion protection, ease of application, and radiant heat reduction on the railings demonstrated by the SPI Coatings.
In submitting this project for recognition, Pacific United/Anco Services, a member of The Brock Group, said, “A very unique coating system was used on the project called Super Therm. This product reflects 95% of radiation from the sun. That is why the Federal Highway Department chose this product. The extreme temperatures of the Arizona/Nevada desert averages 95°F (35°C) to 110°F (43°C) on most days, with UV exposure from the sun.”
Super Therm® testing performing has been consistent where it reduced the surface temperature on the railing from 63°C down to 52.8°C. 9.2°C drop in surface temperature or only 3°C over ambient.
Coatings Sequence
- Steel railings were allowed to develop flash rust in preparation for the Rust Grip® application
- Railings were power washed at 3,500 psi and primed with Rust Grip®
- Super Therm® was applied to prevent heat from loading onto the steel railings, possibly burning visitors
- Enamo Grip topcoated Super Therm® to prevent hand oils from deteriorating surface.
Award Winning
Superior Products International II, Inc. was recognized as the recipient of The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) 2011 E. Crone Knoy Award. SSPC gives the E. Crone Knoy Award annually for outstanding achievement in commercial or industrial coatings work that demonstrates innovation, durability or utility.
Qualities considered include use of state-of-the-art techniques or products to creatively solve problems. “We are thrilled to recognize this exceptional project” said JPCL editor-in-chief Karen Kapsanis, who presented the awards at SSPC’s first annual meeting and awards program at SSPC 2011 in Las Vegas. “The range of craftsmanship, commitment and ingenuity displayed in this project reflects the best of the best in our industry.”
2 Years After Application Review
Between 3 to 5 million people per year walk over and handle the railing. Lean on, slide over, sweat, spill drinks rub with belts, jeans and other materials and objects.
TheSuper Therm® system (Super Therm® with over coat ofEnamo Grip in light grey colour) was tested against the competitive coatings to see which coating could reduce the surface temperature of the railing in the summer heat of 49°C that caused the railing surface to be 63°C and burn hands.
The competitive coating tested reduced the temperature on the railing from 63°C down to 62°C. Only 1°C drop in surface temperature.
TheSuper Therm® system reduced the surface temperature on the railing from 63°C down to 52.8°C.
9.2°C drop in surface temperature or only 3°C over ambient.
Tested by construction engineers on-site 7/27/09. Project performed by John Grey/Sandra Hubbert – Distributors
Contact SPI Coatings regarding RUST GRIP®, SUPER THERM® or ENAMO GRIP®
