Building for high corrosion environments: Considerations when specifying aluminium and steel-based products

When it comes to designing and constructing buildings around Australia’s vast coastline, corrosion is the arch-nemesis of architects and builders and costs the Australian economy almost $80 billion every year. Corrosion can be greatly reduced by making small adjustments, such as choosing materials carefully. Among the most widely utilised materials in the construction sector are steel and aluminium. Even if they appear quite similar, aluminum and steel are two very different metals with their own distinct properties especially when it comes to corrosion resistance. 

Building for high corrosion environments: Considerations when specifying aluminium and steel-based products explores the design considerations when specifying aluminium and steel-based products for aggressive, high-corrosion environments. First, we describe what constitutes a “high corrosion” environment, and the common types of metal corrosion. We then compare the different properties of steel and aluminium, particularly in relation to corrosion resistance. We also look at the architectural advantages of aluminium that make it the superior choice for many applications.

PERMALITE® aluminium is the BlueScope solution for aggressive environments where durability and stylish good looks must be delivered with cost effectiveness and without compromise. All PERMALITE® cladding profiles, purlins, flashings and structural sections are produced entirely from marine-grade aluminium, an alloy specifically developed for its resistance to corrosion in marine, industrial, commercial and other caustic environments.