The Structural Integrity of Galvanized Square Tubing
Galvanized square tubing is growing in popularity for use in structural applications, from handrails and fences to trailer frames and machinery parts. Compared to alternatives like round tubing, galvanized square tubing offers superior strength thanks to its shape and durable corrosion resistance from its zinc galvanized coating.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why galvanized steel square tubing should be a mainstay in your next building project, exploring its unique benefits and key considerations around structural integrity. We’ll also touch on complementary metals and preferred connection methods when working with galvanized square steel tube stock. Let’s get started!
The Unique Properties of Galvanized Square Tube Profiles
Galvanized square steel tubing stands out for its optimal balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The square shape inherently resists twisting forces better than round tube stock. And the galvanized zinc coating prevents interior and exterior corrosion caused by exposure to moisture over time.
Galvanized coatings can be applied to various steel alloys, but galvanized A500 and A513 square tube stock are very common. The A500 grade denotes structural-quality carbon steel with a minimum yield strength of 46,000 PSI, while A513 indicates draws-quality carbon steel often used in structural applications. Both nicely match the durable corrosion protection of the zinc galvanize coating.
Other major advantages include:
•Uniform shape predictably resists loads
•Lightweight with excellent strength-to-weight ratio
•Impact resistant for industrial settings
•Cost-effective for range of applications
When your application calls for square tubing to withstand structural, weathering, or general industrial demands over decades, galvanized steel checks all the boxes.
Optimizing Connections with Other Metals
While galvanized square steel tubing boasts excellent durability and structural integrity on its own, you must also consider what it’s connected to in your overall application. Mixing galvanized steel with certain other metals can accelerate corrosion through a process called galvanic corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact in a conductive medium like water. An electrolytic reaction causes accelerated corrosion of the metal higher in the galvanic series, often the less “noble” metal. In extreme cases, the more noble metal will steal ions from the other metal, deteriorating the microstructure of the less noble counterpart.
For galvanized steel square tubing, optimal metal pairings include hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, and epoxy coated carbon steel, as these combinations minimize galvanic potential. On the other hand, plain carbon steel, copper, brass, and especially aluminum can set up a high galvanic potential reaction if connected to galvanized steel.
To combat this, engineers may specify stainless steel or engineered polymer fasteners when connecting to other sensitive metals. Isolation pads or epoxy coatings on contact surfaces also help obstruct galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. Overall, proper material selection and isolation processes can allow you to safely pair galvanized tube stock with other metals for long-lasting connections.
Robust Connection Methods for Structural Assemblies
Once you’ve aligned complementary metals and accounted for galvanic corrosion risks, the other major factor governing real-world performance is how you connect galvanized square steel tubing together or to other structural members. The most robust and permanent joining techniques include:
Welding: Fusion welding is preferred over mechanical fasteners for the strongest structural joints with galvanized square tubing. All common welding methods like MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored arc welding apply. Just take care to remove or avoid galvanized zinc coating in the weld area to prevent toxic zinc fumes.
Bolting: Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel bolts make durable connections for large structural assemblies using square tube stock. Grade 8 bolts offer the best strength for critical joints. Apply appropriate thread locker or anti-corrosion paste to secure.
Concrete Anchoring: When securing galvanized square steel tubes into concrete slabs or block walls, expandable wedge anchors or epoxy anchors provide reliable anchorage strength. Apply waterproofing at the concrete interface to avoid moisture issues over time.
In summary, welding provides integral joints without fasteners, while bolting and concrete anchors allow adjustable, serviceable connections that resist vibrations and loads. Employ the optimal technique for your distinct galvanized square steel frame design and expected operating environment.
Leverage Galvanized Square Tubing in Your Next Project
With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, weathering properties, and structural integrity, galvanized square steel tube stock makes sense for everything from DIY trailer frames to industrial equipment guards. By selecting suitable connection metals and methods, while accounting for potential galvanic corrosion, you can expect decades of reliable service even in harsh outdoor or factory conditions.
Does your upcoming fabrication or construction project call for straight, uniform tubing to simplify structural design? Does it need to withstand years of loading, impacts, or exposure to the elements? If so, turn to galvanized square steel tubes as a go-to material choice. You’ll benefit from the dimensional stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness galvanized square tubing provides.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to chat more about how to optimize your use of galvanized square tubing in your unique application.
