The Application of Galvanized Pipe Fittings in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Galvanized pipe fittings, due to the electrochemical protection mechanism formed by the zinc layer on their surface, demonstrate excellent corrosion resistance and structural stability in the construction field.From the temporary supports during the construction phase to the permanent structure of the building, from the basic water supply and drainage system to the crucial fire protection facilities, its wide application runs through the entire life cycle of the building, providing core guarantees for the safety of the project and its long-term operation. It is a key component in modern buildings that combines practicality and economy.

Table of Content:

1. Application of Supports in Building Structures
2. Key Roles in Water Supply and Drainage and Fire Protection Systems
3. Application in Indoor and Outdoor Facilities and Electrical Installation
4. Summary

1. Application of Supports in Building Structures

• Construction Scaffolding System

In construction projects, scaffolding is the core facility for ensuring the safety of high-altitude work. The main components such as upright poles, horizontal bars, and fasteners of the scaffolding are almost all made of hot-dip galvanized pipe fittings.The 80-120 μm thick coating formed by the hot-dip galvanizing process can effectively prevent moisture from contacting the steel during rainy seasons or in humid environments, avoiding the decrease in locking force caused by rust on the fasteners. For example, in high-rise building construction, galvanized scaffold pipe fittings can withstand a construction load of 3-5 tons per floor, and do not require additional rust prevention treatment during a 6-12 month construction period, resulting in a maintenance cost reduction of over 40% compared to ordinary steel pipe scaffolding.

• Permanent structural framework

In lightweight steel structure buildings, galvanized pipe fittings are commonly used in areas such as balcony railings, air conditioning outdoor unit supports, and rooftop photovoltaic supports. Taking residential balcony railings as an example, a framework made of welded galvanized square pipes has a zinc layer thickness of over 60μm, which can resist the erosion of high humidity environments in coastal areas and ensure no significant rusting within 20 years. Moreover, in the supporting ribs of glass curtain walls, the galvanized pipe fittings maintain the integrity of the coating after cold bending processing. This not only meets the flexibility of architectural design but also can withstand the weight of glass and wind loads, ensuring the long-term stability of the curtain wall system.

2. Key Roles in Water Supply and Drainage and Fire Protection Systems

• Domestic Water Supply and Drainage Pipelines

For domestic water supply pipelines in buildings, galvanized steel pipes are widely used both indoors and outdoors. The zinc layer on the inner wall forms a passivation film that can prevent the growth of microorganisms in the water, and the smooth surface reduces water resistance and lowers energy consumption. In the water supply system of residential communities, pipelines connected with DN50-DN150 specifications of galvanized pipe fittings can withstand a working pressure of 0.6-1.0 MPa, meeting the water supply requirements for buildings of 30 floors or less. Compared with plastic pipes, galvanized pipe fittings have no risk of freezing and cracking in winter low-temperature environments, and are especially suitable for outdoor pipeline laying in northern regions.

• Fire Protection Pipeline System

The fire protection system has strict requirements for the reliability of pipe fittings. Galvanized pipe fittings, due to their excellent sealing and pressure resistance properties, are the preferred choice. In the automatic sprinkler fire suppression system, the threaded connections between galvanized tees, elbows and pipes meet the standards of GB/T 7306.2, ensuring no leakage under a test pressure of 1.6 MPa. During a fire, the network composed of galvanized pipe fittings can maintain structural stability in a high-temperature smoke environment. For example, at fire scene temperatures below 200℃, its compressive strength can still maintain more than 80% of the design value, providing continuous water supply support for fire fighting and rescue operations.

3. Application in Indoor and Outdoor Facilities and Electrical Installation

• Building Facilities

Outdoor facilities such as fence railings, parking lot barriers, and community fitness equipment can be significantly enhanced in durability by using galvanized pipe components. For example, the column supports of the park corridor are made with hot-dip galvanized round pipes, and even when exposed to rain and snow for a long time, the annual rusting rate is only 0.02mm, with a service life of over 15 years, which is three times longer than ordinary painted steel pipes. In the indoor area, such as shopping malls' shelves and office buildings' partition frames, galvanizing treatment can prevent rust caused by daily knocks and reduce the frequency of renovation and maintenance.

• Electrical and Communication Protection

In building electrical installations, galvanized steel pipes are widely used as cable protection pipes. The DN20-DN100 galvanized pipes buried underground or within walls can prevent the contact between the cables and the acidic or alkaline substances in the soil, as well as protect against rodent gnawing. In the strong current shafts of high-rise buildings, the cable support system composed of galvanized trusses connected by bolts can bear a weight of 50-100 kilograms of cables per floor, and the zinc layer can prevent the risk of leakage caused by the damp environment inside the shaft, ensuring the safety of power transmission.

4. Summary

Galvanized pipe fittings are applied throughout the entire process from construction to operation in the construction field. The perfect combination of their anti-corrosion properties and structural strength not only reduces the maintenance costs of the project but also enhances the safety redundancy of the building facilities. With the advancement of green building concepts, the optimization of environmentally friendly processes (such as chrome-free passivation technology) will further reduce environmental pollution. Moreover, the application of new materials like zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coatings is expected to extend the service life of pipe fittings to over 30 years, providing a more reliable material solution for the sustainable development of the construction industry.