Do you really know how your steel structure or artwork looks?

Preservation under control

The (remaining) lifespan of a steel structure or engineering structure depends entirely on the quality of the preservation system. However, in practice, specialist knowledge about coatings is often lacking. Expert support is indispensable, especially now that more extreme weather and stricter environmental requirements are placing ever higher demands on materials. Nebest COT offers that support. With a full-service offering and its own laboratory, the company provides knowledge, research, and advice to extend the lifespan of steel structures, bridges, fencing, and other steel objects.

The importance of choosing and applying the right coating is evident from Nebest COT's daily practice. The company is regularly called in when damage occurs or there are doubts about the quality of a preservation treatment. A striking example of this occurred at a holiday park, where a series of coated steel fences recently showed unexpected brown corrosion spots. “We were called in to find out the cause. On paper, everything seemed fine,” says coating specialist Erwin Huijsmans. “The fencing had been hot-dip galvanized according to specifications and powder coated. Yet something had gone wrong. To determine the cause, we carefully removed the coating layer on site without damaging the pre-treatment of the substrate. We then indeed encountered a galvanized substrate. However, it turned out that it was no longer present in some places. Using a copper sulfate test, we were able to demonstrate that the zinc layer had been sanded through. It is likely that the so-called ‘polishing’ – the removal of sharp zinc particles – or the pre-treatment of the zinc layer was not carried out properly, resulting in too much zinc being sanded or ground away. All of this has been recorded in a clear report detailing the cause, effect, and possible improvement measures.”

From damage assessment to service life advice

Nebest COT has been active in researching, testing, and assessing coatings suitable for steel, other metals, concrete, and wood for more than 85 years. Based in Vianen, the company serves clients throughout the Netherlands and beyond: from municipalities and engineering firms to contractors, asset owners, and coating manufacturers. The range of services is broad: damage investigation, inspections, laboratory analyses, quality control, and advice on new construction, maintenance, and renovation. Baseline measurements and residual life studies of existing structures are also part of daily practice. Samples are examined in the company's own laboratory for chromium-6 and heavy metals, among other things. “Since the 1980s, we have been recording all information in an extensive library,” says Huijsmans. “From that time onwards, we have been able to characterize virtually all coatings and wet paints. This knowledge makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine which type of coating has been applied and how it behaves.”

Sharing knowledge, improving quality

In addition to damage assessment and service life advice, Nebest COT is also increasingly involved in projects during the design phase. “We help clients to review specifications, update standards, and select systems that match the desired service life and climate class,” explains Huijsmans. “This allows us to tackle problems before they arise. And we are also keen to share this knowledge with the market, for example through our Nebest Academy. Here, professionals from the field learn everything about corrosion protection, inspection techniques, and quality assurance.”

With its combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and laboratory research, Nebest COT offers comprehensive support that is independent, expert, and reliable. Whether it concerns a bridge, fencing, or industrial installation, with Nebest COT you really know the condition of your steel.