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SAFETY
DURABILITY
AESTHETICS
SUSTAINABILITY
LIFE-CYCLE COST
MAINTENANCE FREE

AMERICAN GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION

 Hot-Dip Galvanized
Stadiums and Speedways
The most spectacular displays of talent and performance are witnessed in
stadiums, speedways, and venues around the world. While a close eye is given to
the performances within, the performance of the stadium itself is often overlooked. The
structural performance is responsible for the safety of tens of thousands, and it is expected
to function perfectly.
Stadiums are held to even higher performance standards than the teams they house. Constructed
with vast quantities of steel, corrosion protection is vital to the overall performance of the structure.
Currently, the structural stability of many stadiums is compromised by corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing
(HDG) is the corrosion protection system chosen to protect the steel backbone of venues around the world
because of its durability, safety, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, sustainability, and low life-cycle cost.
Hot-dip galvanizing is the preferred corrosion protection system for many stadium and speedway products including:

Beams Columns Girders Seats

Bolts/Fasteners Fabric/Mesh Guardrail Stair Stingers
Chain Link Fence Facades Handrails Stair Treads
Checker Plate Frames Posts/Rails Trusses

DURABILITY
Possibly the most desirable feature of hot-dip galvanized steel is its durability. HDG coats the entire steel surface, inside and
out, to ensure it can hold up to even the most corrosive environments. Not only do snow, humidity, hail, and rain contribute
to the corrosion of stadiums, but the constant foot traffic of thousands of fans also tests the durability of steel. Durability is
essential because of the projected long lives of stadiums and other venues. These multi-million dollar facilities are investments
expected to last decades. Both outdoor and dome stadiums need to withstand the surrounding corrosive elements. Rising to
the task, hot-dip galvanized steel provides superior corrosion protection lasting at least 75 years without maintenance.
The durability of HDG is a result of the zinc coatings barrier and cathodic protection. The zinc coating provides a barrier from
corrosive elements in the environment, and sacrificially corrodes to protect the base steel. There are many stadiums and
speedways currently suffering from poor durability and other issues which could have been prevented by using HDG steel.

SAFETY
Millions will venture into stadiums and speedways without giving thought to the trust they are putting in the structure
beneath them. The structures are composed of a mixture of concrete-frame and steel-frame structural supports, as seen in
the support beams of the Daytona International Speedway structure
(right). Without corrosion protection, structural integrity could become
compromised over time.
In recent stadium architectural designs, more and more steel is
left exposed to the elements, increasing the need for corrosion
protection. With exposed supportive steel beams, the most durable,
maintenance-free coating is recommended. In addition to steel
beams and columns, there are other steel components exposed to
corrosive elements including handrails, stairways, bleachers, and
more. They must be protected to combat rusting that can cause
jagged edges. Galvanized steel keeps the stadiums rust-free and
safe for guests. Safety is also a concern because of the enormous
liability a stadium has when housing tens of thousands of people.
Action must be taken quickly before the stadium is too compromised Hot-dip galvanized steel grandstand support beams at
to function safely. Daytona International Speedway

MAINTENANCE-FREE
Stadiums and speedways are exposed to the elements year round, as well as the wear and tear of multiple events. Even
during the off season, these venues are often used for concerts, tradeshows, fundraisers, and other events. With virtually
no downtime, shutting down the stadium for corrosion maintenance is not only inconvenient, but also costly. In addition
to the cost of labor and materials to perform the maintenance, there is potential revenue lost from not renting the facility
 100
90
Time to first maintenance* (years)

80
Key
70 Rural

60 Suburban
Temperate Marine
50 Tropical Marine

40 Industrial

30
20
10
0
1. 0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
1 mil = 25.4m = 0.56oz/ft2
Average Thickness of Zinc (mils)
*Time to first maintenance is defined as the time to 5% rusting of the steel surface.
Figure 1: Time to First Maintenance Chart

during maintenance. Building or renovating stadiums and speedways requires initial multi-million dollar investments, so
without adequate corrosion protection, the cost over time can increase exponentially. These facilities are built to function
for decades, thus the structural steel utilized must be able to withstand decades of wear and tear. Hot-dip galvanized steel
provides at least 75 years of maintenance-free corrosion protection, which is often the expected life of the venue. Figure 1,
developed from real-world data, shows the time to first maintenance for hot-dip galvanized stadium trusses, beams, stair
stringers, etc. in five different environments.

AESTHETIC APPEAL
Stadiums, speedways, and arenas are often the cherished gems of the city
and community, playing host to friends and competitors from around the
world. Rust from corrosion only dulls the citys charm. While galvanized
steel in a stadium protects the structure from the corrosive environment
and heavy use, it also keeps the stadium looking its best for decades.
Most corrosion protection coatings require routine maintenance to avoid
costly reapplication, while galvanized steel stays both maintenance-free
and beautiful for decades. Furthermore, in todays modern architecture, the
metallic look of galvanized steel is in high demand. It provides a modern
industrial look to a structure adding to the overall value of the facility.
In addition to the gray/silver color provided by bare galvanized steel, every teams color scheme can be represented by
using a duplex system. This system utilizes the cathodic protection of a zinc coating as a primer for paint or powder coatings.
The synergy between the two coatings provides a durable and colorful effect. Utilizing a duplex system takes advantage
of the corrosion protection of hot-dip galvanized steel while providing more options for color preference.

SUSTAINABILITY
With the environmental mindset of todays sports fans and participants, universities and cities are paying more
attention to the sustainability of the materials used in stadiums. HDG is the optimal green coating because
it utilizes 100% natural, recyclable zinc and steel. HDG does not contribute to the discarded construction
materials in landfills. Rather, the steel and zinc are recycled and reused. Furthermore, zinc is the 27th
most abundant element in the Earths crust. Galvanizing puts this plentiful element to use as a very
earth-friendly solution for corrosion protection. The durability of HDG also eliminates the use of
additional energy and emissions created during maintenance. Replacing and fixing existing
steel in a stadium increases the use of resources exponentially. Avoiding environmentally
costly maintenance, galvanized stadiums and speedways will continue to shine free of
corrosion while supporting the environment around them.

continued on back page...

LIFE-CYCLE COST
With large scale architectural projects, long term thinking is
essential. Before a stadium is up and running, decisions must
be made to maximize the stadium in every aspect. The cost of
galvanized steel is often initially less expensive or cost competitive
with high-performing paint systems. Additionally, the long-term
advantages of HDG save millions of dollars over the life of the
project. Because galvanized steel is durable and maintenance-
free, the majority of cost is incurred upon construction. Hot-dip
galvanized steel stadiums are economically superior because
of galvanizings low life-cycle cost.
The cost of a lawsuit from an injured guest can be costly
both financially and publicly there is no limit to how much
corrosion can cost when inadequate protection systems
are used. Galvanized steel not only increases the life span
of a stadium, but also improves the quality of the structure
throughout its life. To compare the life-cycle cost of HDG to any
of the common paint systems visit lccc.galvanizeit.org. Using
hot-dip galvanized steel ensures the initial cost of the structure
will be the only cost for at least 75 years.

Calculate the value of utilizing

HDG in your next project.
Visit lccc.galvanizeit.org

American Galvanizers Association

6881 South Holly Circle, Suite. 108
Centennial, CO 80112
720.554.0900
www.galvanizeit.org

Copyright 2016 American Galvanizers Association. The material provided herein has been developed to provide accurate and authoritative information about after-
fabrication hot-dip galvanized steel. This material provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for competent professional examination and
verification as to suitability and applicability. The information provided herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of the AGA. Anyone making
use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
Case Studies
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY - DAYTONA, FLORIDA
Given Daytona International Speedways proximity to corrosive environments
including the Atlantic Ocean, busy highway systems, and Daytona Beach
International Airport, it was essential hot-dip galvanized steel was specified
for corrosion protection. Hot-dip galvanizing played a major role in the
overall safety design of the massive grandstands and press towers at
the Speedway. The original construction of the galvanized bleachers and
grandstand began in 1957 and has continued ever since. Due to the year-
round racing schedule involving stock cars, motorcycles and amateur
racing, construction of new the grandstand and towers had to be completed
on very tight schedules. Hot-dip galvanized steel allowed for the project to
be completed in a timely, and efficient fashion.
Daytona Motor Speedway utilizes hot-dip
The high profile Daytona International Speedway is the Grand Daddy of the galvanizing to protect the steel from the corrosive
Nascar Racing circuit. In 2014, the flagship racetrack was in need of some atmosphere of a racetrack near the ocean.
updating, and so began the Daytona Rising Project. Because the original
galvanized portions of the racetrack were still in very good condition, it was only natural this new segment of the racetrack
would also be hot-dip galvanized. Communication between the specifier, fabricator, and galvanizers was key in ensuring
this renowned stadium will remain standing corrosion free for many decades.

COTTON BOWL RENOVATION - DALLAS, TEXAS

Hot-dip galvanized beams provide the Cotton
Bowl Stadium structural support with lasting
corrosion protection.
The original home of the Dallas Cowboys football team, the Cotton Bowl in
Dallas, Texas, benefited from a $50 million project adding 28,000 additional
seats in 2008. After the addition of an upper deck in each end zone and
completion of the oval bowl, the stadium capacity was the ninth largest in the
country at the time.
The fabricator, who uses hot-dip galvanized steel for nearly 100% of their
projects, knew galvanizing the structure would protect the stadium from the
unsightly and potentially hazardous effects of corrosion in the exposed outdoor
location. With a capacity of more than 90,000, safety was essential, and hot-
dip galvanized steel provides superior protection against corrosion. More than
200 tons of galvanized steel made this high-profile project a safe, gleaming,
attractive place to enjoy Texas football.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Home of burning rubber and rumbling engines, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
(IMS) is one of the largest sport facilities in the world. Since the installed addition in
1992, IMS has chosen hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel as its method of corrosion
protection. Prior to then, the Northwest Vista was painted for corrosion protection;
however, as the paint failed over the years, the owner began searching for a
better corrosion protection system. Instead of repainting the section, IMS chose
the arduous process of tearing down the structure, sandblasting the failed paint
system, and finally, galvanizing the steel.
Rather than enduring the maintenance and repair costs of a painted system,
IMS can expect decades of maintenance-free corrosion protection. They knew
HDG would be the perfect solution for corrosion protection and the safety of the
millions of fans who attend races. Galvanized steel resists the rust that could Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), one
devalue a structure such as the speedway. The durability, aesthetic appeal, and of the largest sport facilities in the world,
maintenance-free qualities of galvanized steel made it the perfect choice for is supported by hot-dip galvanized steel to
corrosion protection. ensure the safety of nearly one half-million
continued on back... fans on site.
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY - FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Galvanized in 1996, Texas Motor Speedway is home to hundreds of
thousands of racing fans annually. Because the stadium utilizes hot-
dip galvanized steel, it remains corrosion-free today. The galvanizer
collaborated closely with the fabricator to determine the most efficient
and practical method to achieve a coating that would last for decades-
hot-dip galvanizing was the perfect solution.
As an outdoor facility, Texas Motor Speedway is subject to year-round
abuse from the elements. HDG provides the durability and resilience
Texas Motor Speedway is a great example that withstands the sweltering summers and damp, brisk winters
of utilizing hot-dip galvanized steel in a characteristic of North Texas. Cathodic protection and the zinc-iron
speedway setting alloy layers provided by HDG far exceeded other forms of corrosion
protection, most of which offer merely barrier protection. Because the
zinc-iron alloys are harder and more scratch-resistant than the substrate steel, galvanizing was the easy corrosion
protection choice when considering the millions of spectators utilizing the steel structure.

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK - SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

After a grueling, multi-city competition for the privilege of
providing Spring Training facilities for both the Arizona
Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies baseball
teams, the winning bidder, Pima & Maricopa Indian
Tribes, wanted an attractive facility that would hold up
over time without excessive maintenance costs. The
teams committed to a 20-year agreement to the facility,
although the duplex coating will protect the hot-dip
galvanized steel much longer than that.
By utilizing the synergistic effect of the duplex coating, the
architect was able to provide the long lasting durability
and corrosion protection of hot-dip galvanizing, along
The Salt River Fields utilizes a duplex system of paint
with the artistic and environmental blending properties
over HDG steel to provide decades of maintenance-free
contributed by their selection of paint colors. Hot-dip corrosion protection.
galvanizing brings the durability of four alloy layers with
3600 PSI adhesion that provides three forms of corrosion
protection along with harder than steel abrasion protection. With the safety of over 11,000 fans at stake each
game for the next 20 years, there was no room for the potential hazards caused by corroding steel.
Many sports facilities require the aesthetic appeal of the area, but still want the protection offered by HDG. This facility
is surrounded by scenic views that would complement the duplex coated stadium. It provides a fine example for steel
stadiums who want to meet requirements of school or community colors, without compromising on corrosion resistance.

American Galvanizers Association

6881 South Holly Circle, Suite. 108
Centennial, CO 80112
720.554.0900
www.galvanizeit.org
Copyright 2016 American Galvanizers Association. The material provided herein has been developed to provide accurate and authoritative
information about after-fabrication hot-dip galvanized steel. This material provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute
for competent professional examination and verification as to suitability and applicability. The information provided herein is not intended as a
representation or warranty on the part of the AGA. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.