Michael Taylor, Principal Highway Structures Engineer, describes his experience utilizing an FEVE coatings system to repaint a corroded West Sussex County Bypass bridge. Upon inspection, portions of the original paint was found to have “debonded” from the steel, while the remaining paint system was simply beyond repair.
Taylor describes, “As the designer of the scheme and the Principal Engineer responsible for the maintenance and inspection of West Sussex County Council’s structures stock (circa 880) I am well versed in asset management principles and therefore recognized the importance of selecting a paint system that could offer both durability and value for our customers. In addition to this, I was mindful of minimizing carbon footprint in line with WSCC’s long term priorities/commitments.”
Familiar with more traditional paint systems, Taylor sought a more innovative approach and while attending a presentation by A&I Coatings, an Australian coatings manufacturer, he learned of FEVE resin technology. FEVE resins have been used in Japan since the 1980’s, showcasing their unparalleled weatherability and durability in the Japanese bridge market. As Taylor explains, the product has since been used internationally expanding into the architectural marketplace as well. Used in various harsh climatic conditions, FEVE resins have been tested and proven to withstand wind, water, UV, and salt damage.
“As a highway structures professional I am always searching for products that will provide maximum benefit for minimum environmental/financial cost and all of the data on FEVE pointed towards it being a game changer for asset managers in UK and the ideal solution for Angmering Bypass Bridlebridge so I specified it in my design and worked closely with A&I Coatings who were hugely knowledgeable and were trying to break into the UK market so were very helpful indeed in answering the numerous questions that I had for them,” Taylor further describes.
With his FEVE bridge recoating experience, Taylor describes the various benefits he discovered including reduced lifecycle cost, reduced carbon footprint, UV resistance, and ease of application. Taylor’s article seeks to assist others in the decision-making process when choosing a coating system, he further describes information on his experience, the application and testing process, a list of advantages and disadvantages of FEVE, and more.
information and photography courtesy of Michael Taylor
Categories Bridges