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Overview
Project
Heinrich Schmid replaces slag with GMA PremiumBlast™ for Salier Bridge corrosion protection project.
Location
Speyer, Germany
Surface Area
25,000 ft² (2,323 m²)
Coating & Structure
Removal of a 10 mils coating from structural steel and beams, targeting a profile of 2-4 mils (50-100 µm).
Task
Conduct a blasting trial on Salier Bridge to remove coatings from structural steel and beams.
Challenge
The previous abrasive, 10X Abrasive, Oxide Mineral, resulted in low productivity and high dust levels, failing to achieve desired surface cleanliness.
For cleaner and more efficient abrasive blasting results
When corrosion protection experts Heinrich Schmid took on the maintenance work for Salier Bridge in Speyer, Germany in 2019, they found the slag abrasives they were using to be underperforming. Moreover, the dust levels during blasting were very high. The search for a cleaner and higher performing abrasives has led them to GMA PremiumBlast™ garnet. The Salier Bridge, built in 1956 has two road traffic lanes, pedestrian and bicycle lanes. the 595m long steel bridge spans across the Rhine river between between Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
According to the old paint coating (thickness between 300 - 450 µm) on the steel beams under the bridge must be thoroughly and safely removed as it contained lead, a dangerous and toxic metal. The workers were required to wear personal protective equipment and enter the worksite via hermetically insulated airlock doors. The project covered four construction areas of similar size with 1,400m² per area and a total area of 5,600m². The blasting works were conducted in two stages due to the presence of hazardous materials. The coating was first removed followed by rust removal in stage two. Therefore, the blasting works in each area were performed twice.
49.2%
Savings
$79,112
Investment
Using GMA PremiumBlastTM
Results
The trial of GMA PremiumBlast™ on the Salier Bridge showcased significant improvements over the previously used 10X 30/60 Mesh abrasive. GMA PremiumBlast™ achieved:
- Remarkable productivity gains: A 49.2% reduction in overall project costs.
- Enhanced safety: Reduced dust emissions leading to cleaner surfaces and quicker inspection approvals.
- Operational efficiency: Set a new standard for future projects with substantial labor and time savings.
- Abrasive savings: 63% reduction in abrasive consumption, saving 16.07 kg/m².
Why Choose GMA Garnet™?
- Surface Quality: Proven choice for exceptional coating adhesion with reduced embedment.
- High Productivity: Maximizes productivity and significantly reduces surface preparation costs.
- Reduced Consumption: Achieves 63% lower abrasive consumption.
- Worker Safety: Minimizes the presence of heavy metals and silica, ensuring a safer work environment.
- Low Dust Blasting: Cuts dust by up to 80%, enhancing visibility and reducing contamination.
- Sustainable Resource: Garnet recovery programs offer cost-effective and environmentally responsible disposal solutions.