Environmental factors in failure during structural steel hot-dip galvanizing

This paper shows new achievements in the comprehension of failure mechanisms during structural steel hot-dip galvanizing. The problem and its evolution are explained through the microstructure and environmental factors that favour the structural steel embrittlement during galvanizing. These factors are the following: the stages prior to galvanizing process, which increase hydrogen concentration; the galvanizing temperature, 450 °C, which produces a decrease of mechanical properties; and the new low-melting-point elements added to the galvanizing baths, especially Sn and Bi, which can form eutectics with the traditional Pb at the steel crack tips.