What Does
Gusset Mean?
A gusset is a bracket that strengthens an angle of a structure in the construction business. Engineers use thick solid steel or iron plates (gusset plates) that connect girders and beams to the columns or connect truss members in a building, bridge and other complex industrial structures. Once used, these plates are usually fastened permanently with rivets, bolts and welds across multiple sections of the structure.
Corrosionpedia Explains Gusset
When buildings, bridges, dams or any other complex civil structure is made, gusset plates are always used to strengthen and bolster the supports for the structure. Since these structures must withstand harsh corrosive environments most of the time, gusset corrosion protection is a prime consideration in the construction industry. When normal galvanized steel gusset plates are exposed to moisture, humidity and condensation, the gusset plates can corrode rapidly, which can weaken the entire civil structure and ultimately lead to failure.
Before that happens, engineers need to take necessary precautions to prevent the corrosion problems that can occur in a five- to 10-year time span. Simple prevention steps are suggested that will help to minimize the corrosion rate in gusset plates:
- Maintain proper ventilation across the civil structure to help reduce moisture, gas and dust to acceptable levels.
- Apply protective coatings to the metal gusset plates and other metal parts in the structure. Epoxy coatings (lead- and chromate-free) such as epoxy polyamide primer and a topcoat need to be applied at regular intervals.
- Use pre-coated stainless steel gusset plates.
- Install ceilings with insulation and vapor barriers.