By: Metal Culverts, Inc
A Lone Star Valentine
In the heart of Texas, February 2015 witnessed a love story of a different kind. Union Pacific Railroad faced a challenging drainage project near Sierra Blanca. A high build epoxy coating emerged as the perfect solution. Metal Culverts, Inc. stepped up to the challenge, supplying 390 feet of 60-inch diameter, 12 gauge (3”x1”) riveted corrugated steel pipe. Each piece was fortified with a corrugated steel pipe coating (HBE-95). This formidable piping was destined for the Valentine Project – MP 742.37. It is a site approximately 70 miles southeast of El Paso on I-10, where the soil presented challenges as tough as the Texas landscape itself.
High Build Epoxy Coating: A Shield Against the Elements
The project specifications demanded a high build epoxy coating. This coating needed to withstand the corrosive forces of the highly alkaline and acidic soil. Furthermore, it had to meet the stringent requirements of AWWA C210-07, “Liquid Epoxy Coating for Exterior and Interior of Steel Pipe and Fittings.” In addition, the coating had to be sourced from a select group of approved vendors. The chosen champion was a two-component, fast-set, type V high build epoxy coating. This formidable coating met ASTM D 16 standards and boasted a high-temperature resistance of up to 203°F. Moreover, this coating could be applied in a single coat up to 50 mils thick, ensuring robust defense against the harsh environment.
Denso North America: The Coating Connoisseurs
To ensure flawless application of the corrugated steel pipe coating, Metal Culverts, Inc. partnered with the experts at Denso North America. Upon receiving the galvanized corrugated steel pipe at their Houston facility, Denso North America meticulously removed the existing galvanization layer through sandblasting. Then, with precision and care, they spray-applied the HBE-95 coating to a minimum thickness of 20 mils, all within their state-of-the-art factory.
From Houston to the Heart of the Project
Once cured, the pipes began their journey from Houston to the project site near Sierra Blanca. There, crews carefully installed the pipes to create a multi-run drainage structure beneath the railroad tracks. This structure showcased the strength and resilience provided by the high build epoxy coating. Because of this, engineers selected this corrugated steel pipe coating specifically to combat the aggressive soil conditions. This choice ensured the longevity and performance of the drainage system.
High Build Epoxy Coating: A Triumph in Texas
The Union Pacific Railroad’s Valentine Project stands as a testament to the power of high build epoxy coating. In the face of challenging environmental conditions, this high-tech coating proved its mettle. It safeguarded the corrugated steel pipe, ensuring the success of the project. As infrastructure projects continue to push the boundaries of engineering, high build epoxy coating emerges as a critical player. It provides long-lasting protection and peace of mind.
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