Galvanized Wall Ties Green Cove Springs FL

Source: MASONRY CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE
Publication date: October 1, 1998

Do wall ties need to be galvanized in solid masonry walls? The steel used in concrete is typically not coated. Wouldn't solid masonry offer protection similar to that offered by concrete?

There is a substantial difference between the protection to steel offered by masonry and that offered by concrete. In concrete, the fluid cement paste completely covers the bars. In masonry, the steel is often dry-laid on the units and the mortar placed on the top. Therefore, the bars are not always encased completely in mortar. Sometimes there are voids along the bottom of the bars, which can allow condensation and moisture to accumulate. The corrosion potential of the steel is also affected by material porosity and diffusion rates of harmful ions (such as chlorides). Bare steel is protected initially by a passivating layer that forms in the highly alkaline environment of wet concrete or mortar. Carbonation will reduce the alkalinity of the mortar or concrete and eliminate this protection. Mortars, being more porous than concrete, will carbonate at greater rates. There is also greater potential for diffusion from chloride ions from acid cleaning or other sources. Depending on their concentration, chloride ions will eliminate the pacifying effect of the mortar. For these reasons, unprotected steel encased in mortar will have an increased corrosion potential at a young age. Requirements for concrete or mortar cover...

Click here to read full article from Masonry Construction