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ALUMINUM MARINE EXPOSURE

I AM A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER DESIGNING AN OUTDOOR STRUCTURE SITUATED ON A PIER OVER A SALT-WATER BAY. DUE TO WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON THE PIER, I WOULD LIKE TO USE ALUMINUM ALLOY 6061-T6 IN STRUCTURAL SHAPES AND GRATINGS FOR THE STRUCTURE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE ALLOY'S SUITABILITY TO WITHSTAND SALT SPRAY AND ATMOSPHERIC EXPOSURE IN THIS MARINE ENVIRONMENT. THE MEMBERS WILL NOT EXPERIENCE SALT-WATER CONTACT AS THERE ARE WELL ABOVE THE HIGH TIDE LINE. CAN YOU COMMENT (ASAP) ON THIS ALLOY'S LONG TERM CORROSION RESISTANCE IN THIS APPLICATION?

THANKS,

RALPH D'APUZZO
- UNION, NEW JERSEY, USA
2003

Sounds like anodize or hardcoat anodize with a good quality seal would be good for this application.

David A. Kraft
- Long Island City, New York
2003

Look into fiberglass. There is a world of material that only requires sawing and assembly with stainless steel fittings. If you look at several companies offerings, you can find a wide assortment of colors.Price is in the same range as anodized aluminum and will outlast it in your environment.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003