The International Zinc Association (IZA) held a pivotal knowledge dissemination session at Hotel Palash Bhopal today, emphasizing the critical need to protect infrastructure from the detrimental effects of corrosion. According to the CORCON Institute of Corrosion, the global cost of corrosion is a staggering $2.5 trillion per year, accounting for 3-4 percent of global GDP and approximately 4% of Indian GDP. Infrastructure failures due to corrosion have severe economic repercussions, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue. The Indian subcontinent is fortunate to have large deposits of zinc, a highly useful metal in architecture. As a construction material, zinc offers many green benefits that make it a top choice for sustainable building projects. One of the most notable advantages of zinc is its durability and resistance to corrosion.
The IZA, the sole industry association dedicated to Zinc and its consumers, organized a press conference on 'Cutting the Cost of Corrosion on Infrastructure'to present these pressing concerns and compelling narrative on the benefits of zinc galvanization. Zinc, known for its exceptional anti-corrosive properties, has been proven to significantly enhance the durability and longevity of infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing disruptions
Leading the conference, Dr. Rahul Sharma, Director (India) - International Zinc Association, and Prof. Anand S. Khanna, professor at IIT Bombay (Retired), highlighted the impact of corrosion on infrastructure and public safety. They stressed the need for comprehensive corrosion protection mechanisms to ensure infrastructure longevity while minimizing economic and environmental damages.
Dr. Rahul Sharma, Director (India),International Zinc Association, addressed the gathering, saying, “Infrastructure is the backbone of any country's growth and development. With support from Hindustan Zinc, the world's largest zinc company, we are committed to raising awareness about the benefits of using zinc for corrosion protection. Through this platform, we aim to advocate for the adoption of durable and proven corrosion protection methods like galvanization of structures Our focus on railway track treatments has been a significant step forward. The Railway Board has approved the use of zinc-coated rails, especially in corrosion-prone regions. Investing in high-quality zinc thermal sprayedrail tracks can prevent accidents, ensuring the safe movement of high speedtrains and reducing the risk of derailments.”
Commenting on topic, Prof. Anand S Khanna, professor, IIT Bombay (Retried) said, “The adoption of zinc-based corrosion protection methods is essential for extending the life of our infrastructure. With the use of zinc coatings, we can significantly reduce the economic burden of frequent repairs and ensure the safety and longevity of critical structures.”
In Madhya Pradesh due to high humidity and rainfall, RCC structures and Bridges are prone to corrosion and it involves huge maintenance cost.
