ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | OCTOBER 2025 20 exposure was not high enough to melt the zinc and leave behind just the steel surface. EDS analysis of the deposits further confirms the composition is likely soot and fly ash, typical by-products of combustion or hightemperature exposure. Following SEM examination of the strand surface, a transverse crosssection was extracted from the strand sample. The cross-section was then ground and polished to a 1-µm surface finish and subsequently etched using a 2% Nital solution. Figures 13 and 14 provide a comprehensive SEM analysis of the wire rope strand, focusing on its microstructure and the presence of a galvanized layer. Figure 13 shows the cross-section of the strand examined at a higher magnification to gain detailed insights into its structure. Figure 14 confirms the presence of a galvanized layer on the strand surface with the microstructure identified as martensite. The microstructure at the core of the strand is examined, and it is also found to consist of martensite. Consistency in the martensite microstructure between the surface and core indicates that the temperatures during exposure were not high enough to alter the microstructure at the surface, which further suggests the strand did not undergo significant thermal degradation or phase transformation. This uniformity in microstructure across the surface and core confirms that the material’s integrity was preserved, even under the conditions it was exposed to. CONCLUSIONS Based on site observations, field testing, and laboratory analysis, it was concluded that anchors B and BB exhibited surface deposits consistent with wildfire residue, while anchors AA and CC remained unaffected. No melting or severe oxidation was observed on any anchors and surrounding fencing, though discolored, retained structural integrity. Pre- and post-fire comparisons confirmed environmental damage without compromising core structural elements of the tower. Galvanized coatings on anchor shafts and fan plates remained intact with only minor anomalies likely caused by surface deposits, and hardness measurements showed no material degradation. SEM/EDS analysis of wire strands from anchor BB identified the deposits as soot and fly ash, with no evidence of coating failure due to heat. To mitigate long-term risks, it is recommended to clean affected areas— ideally with pressure washing—to remove potentially corrosive residues and to consider installing EnviroZense for real-time corrosion and wildfire temperature monitoring. These types of sensors enable remote assessment and help ensure the continued structural integrity and reliability of the tower should future wildfire events occur. ~AM&P Note: Zee Probe and EnviroZense are registered trademarks of Matergenics Inc. For more information: Anil Kumar Chikkam, lab lead – metallurgy and corrosion laboratory, Matergenics Inc., 100 Business Center Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412.588.7215, anil.chikkam@ matergenics.com. To appear in the listings, visit AMPdirectory.com/addyourcompany Simplify Your Search for Vendors Find the right solutions for your business. Search for products, research companies, connect with suppliers, and make confident purchasing decisions all in one place. AMPdirectory.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTYyMzk3NQ==