Services
Each architectural metal has unique characteristics that can impact its performance, design, and selection under different conditions. Retaining the assistance of a metallurgical engineer who understands the unique requirements placed on architectural metals can mean the difference between a successful application and an unsightly problem.
TMR Architectural Metals Consultants provides objective, unbiased advice on the use of stainless steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys (nickel-silver, Monel®), aluminum, and copper-based alloys in architectural applications.
New Construction Services
Site Evaluation
It is
common to evaluate a site for environmental impact, wind levels, and similar
factors that can influence design but an evaluation by a metallurgist specializing
in corrosion of architectural metals is often overlooked.
The performance of architectural metals cannot be adequately predicted without
determining the presence and concentration of corrosive pollutants and chlorides
(swimming pools and coastal and deicing salts). A metallurgical evaluation
is very cost effective because it greatly reduces the potential of premature
metal failure, unsightly corrosion, and finish deterioration.
Migrant pollution can be a factor in corrosion performance when there are
no visible smoke stacks. Coastal salt exposure is determined by weather patterns.
In some locations it is only a factor within a mile of a bay or ocean and
in other locations measurable deposits can be found as much as 30 miles inland.
Deicing salt can also be localized but it has also been measured hundreds
of feet from busy roads and highways and as high as the 12th floor of closely
spaced high-rise buildings. Indoor swimming pools can be extremely corrosive
environments if adequate ventilation and pool chemistry are not considered.
Our consultants evaluate the site, pollution data, conduct analyses of surface
contaminants when necessary, and evaluate the performance of metals on nearby
sites to determine the site's corrosion potential. This typically includes
a review of the expected corrosion rate of different candidate metals using
published long-term corrosion data. The possibility of metal entering the
site's soil and water must be considered when evaluating environmental impact.
Drawing Evaluation
Our consultants regularly review design details to make sure that adequate precautions have been taken to avoid common corrosion and design problems that may adversely impact appearance and metal performance. This includes evaluation for potential galvanic and crevice corrosion problems, sheltered locations, adequate allowance for thermal expansion, finish orientation, and other issues. We do not provide structural engineering review.
Supplier Identification
TMR Architectural Metals Consultants have extensive metal producer and fabricator contacts and can provide assistance in identifying suppliers with adequate experience, fabrication capabilities, and finishing skills. We can suggest potential finishes or finish combinations to meet aesthetic and performance requirements and provide assistance in obtaining finish samples and evaluating them for surface roughness, uniformity, and durability.
Metal Selection
Selecting appropriate candidate metals for a project is dependant on the desired service life, aesthetic appearance requirements, evaluation of the site's current and potential corrosiveness, the relative corrosion resistance of the metals, and aspects of the design. Our consultants regularly provide assistance in evaluation of these factors so that the architect's aesthetic concept can be achieved and the building meets the architect and owner's environmental and service life goals.
Specifications
A review of project specifications by a metallurgical engineer familiar with the metal and finish requirements is necessary to make sure that the appropriate ASTM and AWS specifications and specific metal alloy are identified correctly. This prevents misunderstandings or substitution of an alloy that will not provide adequate performance. It is often necessary to include language, which tightens specifications so that flatness and finish requirements are meet and maximum corrosion resistance of the base metal and welded connections is achieved. Our consultants are not only familiar with the relevant specifications but are also actively involved in key ASTM committees. We also write and review guidelines published by industry associations for use by architectural metal fabricators and specifiers.
