Additional Tests

In addition to coating measurements and a visual inspection of the appearance and

finish, there are a few other tests that may be conducted on hot-dip galvanized
steel. These tests are typically only done when there is a question or concern about a
specific part.

Adherence Test

Figure 52: Stout Knife Test

Testing of the zinc coating adherence to the steel is achieved using a stout knife (Figure
52). The coating shall be deemed “not adherent” if it flakes off and exposes the base
metal in advance of the knifepoint. The test is not an attempt to pare or whittle the zinc
coating. If the coating is adherent the knife should put a slight mark in the zinc metal
surface, but should not cause any delamination of the coating layers.
Adhesion Test with a Stout Knife
 Push down point of stout knife

 Coating must not flake off exposing the base metal

 Do not perform at edges or corners of the product

 No paring or whittling with knife is acceptable

Bending Test
Peeling and flaking that occurs to the coating when bending rebar after galvanizing is
not a cause for rejection and may be repaired. Bend tests on steel fabrications are
strictly to test for embrittlement. The recommended bend radius is 3x the section
thickness. There are various tests used to assess the ductility of steel when subjected
to bending. One test may include the determination of the minimum radius or diameter
required to make a satisfactory bend. Another test may include the number of repeated
bends the material can withstand without failure when it is bent through a given angle
and over a definite radius.

Rebar is commonly bent prior to the hot-dip galvanizing process. Steel reinforcing bars
bent cold prior to hot-dip galvanizing should be fabricated to a bend diameter equal to or
greater than the specified value in ASTM A767/A767M. However, steel reinforcing bars
can be bent to diameters tighter than the specified values if they are stress relieved at a
temperature of 900 to 1050 F (480 to 560 C) for one hour per inch (25mm) of diameter.

Passivation Test
The specification to determine the presence of chromate on zinc surfaces is ASTM
B201. This test involves placing drops of a lead acetate solution on the surface of the
product, waiting five seconds, and then blotting it gently. If this solution creates a dark
deposit or black stain, then there is unpassivated zinc present. A clear result indicates
the presence of a chromate passivation coating.

Embrittlement Test
When there is suspicion of potential embrittlement of a product, it may be necessary to
test a small group of the products to measure the ductility. These tests are usually
destructive to the zinc coating and possibly to the product as well. Products suspected
of embrittlement shall be tested according to the specification ASTM A143. Depending
on the service conditions the product will be exposed to, one of three embrittlement
tests: similar bend radius test, sharp blow test, or steel angle test may need to be
performed. The embrittlement test uses a known force to provide a stress that should be
lower than the yield stress of the part. If there is a fracture or permanent damage
created during the testing process, the parts must be rejected.