ZINC AND STEEL - PARTNERS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

摘要

Zinc, a protective coating for steel, takes many forms - zinc-rich paints, coated steel sheet and galvanized coatings increasingly used for structural steelwork. As steel finds new markets and applications, zinc's growth matches that of steel. For construction, steel and zinc combinations offer simple, effective and sustainable options and solutions. This paper explores key sustainability aspects of interest to designers using steel protected with zinc: Durability- significant improvements in zinc's performance in exterior exposed environments, resulting from worldwide lower atmospheric sulphur dioxide concentrations, mean that zinc coatings now provide decades of protection previously thought unattainable. Key tools and sources of current durability information are highlighted. Recycling- inherent recyclability of zinc and steel are major sustainability assets. The current status is described, with particular emphasis on future developments and prospects. Environment-environmental profile of construction materials is an important consideration in sustainable construction. Zinc's status as a natural and essential element is reviewed. A summary of work demonstrating the environmental safety of small releases of zinc through corrosion is presented. International Zinc Association's, the zinc industry's global equivalent of IISI, has 42 members representing 70 percent of world zinc metal production and 60 percent of world zinc mining. IZA's associate members, largely zinc-using industries, participate in a wide range of programs and activities.