Discontinuous hot-dip galvanized steel is very commonly used in infrastructure applications to provide decades of maintenance-free use. The search for circular solutions offers significant opportunities for renovation and reuse of these ubiquitous galvanized steel components. A recent decision by the Department of Public Works to implement both direct reuse and re-galvanization and reuse of highway guardrails is the result of an examination of the supply chain and its potential for improved circularity while maintaining road safety. Used guard rails that are re-galvanized can be refurbished with significant benefits compared to new “raw” installations. They provide:

– 40% reduction in environmental costs
– 70% reduction in CO2 emissions
– 10% reduction in costs