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Discussion Forums - The Hendrix Group
HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsGeneral Corrosi...General Corrosi...Aluminum HandrailsAluminum Handrails
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4/6/2004 9:00 AM
 
I am a structural engineer at a naval shipyard and we are currently in the process of replacing several thousand feet of handrail around our docks. The handrails are removed regularly and will be exposed to sea water (not submerged) so we are looking at 6061 or 6063 alumimum to cut down on weight and for corrosion resistance. My question has to do with the anchorage of the handrails to our concrete docks. The handrails will be removable at the base with either a stainless steel socket grouted into existing concrete or a stainless steel socket cup anchored to the concrete edge. I am thinking about using Type 316 stainless steel for the sockes and anchor bolts and am wondering if there is any problems with stainless/ aluminum galvanic corrosion. The liturature I have read seams ambiguous and some say that I need to use a passive stainless steel? What about using galvanized carbon steel for the socket cups? Also, if I attach a stainless handrail socket cups to painted ASTM A36 carbon steel structural members can galvanic corrosion still occur in the alumimum handrail due to a current path through the stainless bracket? Any help with these issues would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt Walz
 
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4/6/2004 9:00 AM
 
Matt: The aluminum handrail to stainless steel socket connection will create a galvanic couple with the aluminum as the anode (corroding member). How much corrosion will occur will depend on the specific environmental conditions. You should probably prevent seawater accumulation in the rail/socket annulus. A galvanized carbon steel socket or cup will reduce the potential difference between the aluminum rail, compared with SS. Painting should prevent galvanic corrosion as long as the paint film is thick and continuous. Hope this helps! David Hendrix The Hendrix Group Inc.
 
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