Australian PFC channel steel offers three common surface treatments, tailored to Australia's climate:
Hot-Dip Galvanizing: Zinc coating (per AS/NZS 4680) provides corrosion resistance for outdoor applications (e.g., bridge bracing, outdoor structures in coastal areas like Perth). The coating thickness (min 85 μm) protects against salt air and rain.
Primer Coating: A zinc-rich primer (per AS/NZS 2312) is used for indoor applications (e.g., building frames in Melbourne) to prevent rust during construction, with a topcoat added later.
Mill Finish: Uncoated, with a thin oxide layer from rolling. Suitable for indoor, dry environments (e.g., warehouse supports in Adelaide) where corrosion risk is low.Surface treatments are tested for adhesion and thickness, with results included in material certificates. The choice depends on application and climate-galvanizing is mandatory for coastal PFC channels to withstand Australia's harsh saltwater environments.