Welcome to the Industrial Galvanizers Corrosion Mapping System

This Corrosion Mapping System (CMS) has been developed to allow corrosion rates for zinc (galvanized) coatings and steel to be estimated in any Australian location.

The CMS uses corrosion modeling algorithms based on factors influencing metal corrosion including levels of airborne chlorides, rainfall, prevailing wind direction and average temperature. Proximity to ocean surf can also be factored into the CMS for coastal location for improved micro-climatic corrosivity estimation.

The CMS allows the user to locate a position in Australia using an interactive map or by entering known co-ordinates. Once the location is identified, the CMS will then deliver the corrosivity data for the site. For ocean-side locations, further refinement of the corrosivity data can be implemented by defining the exact distance from the coastline, up to I km.

The data from the above actions can then be further refined to take into account the effect of the item’s position in its service environment. The position may be classified as exposed, partly sheltered or sheltered. Where airborne chlorides are present, these qualifications are important, as sheltered (not washed by rainwater) areas may be subject to chloride accumulation that will significantly increase corrosion rates. The CMS accounts for these higher rates of corrosion.

If refinement of corrosivity data is required, further assessment can then be done by trained staff. This second level assessment should evaluate local topographical data: actual salt test results, coastal forms (cliffs, etc.) height above sea level, prevailing winds, vegetation and the built environment.

An additional module has been included in the CMS to provide information on soil corrosivity - for use where steel or galvanized steel items are required to be buried in soil in service.