Comparison of steel bridge coatings

The presently used paint systems for steel bridges approved by the Finnish Road Administration comprise several layers of paint and much solvent. New paint systems developed to meet EU's VOC Decree and facilitate painting comprise fewer layers and are low-solvent. The study analysed the weather and corrosion resistance of the new paint sys- tems and their suitability for painting bridges. In the same connection, the suitability of a new laboratory test method as the approval test for steel bridge coatings was examined. Sev- eral new paint systems proved at least as corrosion resistant as the presently used ones ap- proved by the Road Administration. Thus, substitute low-solvent paint systems are available. The used laboratory test proved fit for use in the evaluation of the long-term durability of steel bridge paints.