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Posted by stagesmith on April 13, 2008, 4:37 pm
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> What would be the best metal for support and 24/7 water exposure in a wate=
r
> feature? =A0Stainless rod? =A0Brass? =A0Bronze if it's made and available.=
>
> It's going to be used to support slabs of granite, none more than five
> square feet by 3/4" thick, but the vast majority being one to two square
> feet in area.
>
> What would be the best welding process for each to get a lasting weld unde=
r
> those conditions. =A0There will be no galvanic flow of current, save any t=
hat
> may be created by minerals and the reaction of the various metals.
>
> I may be able to get some copper rods from an electrician friend. =A0How d=
o
> you think they would age?
>
> The entire structure would be heavy, and structures would use from six to
> thirty square feet of granite 3/4" thick, plus the weight of the rods, plu=
s
> the weight of the water on top of the horizontal elements. =A0The design,
> configuration, cross bracing and triangulation of stress points would be
> critical. =A0Individual pieces of granite will mostly be oriented in a
> horizontal position, using just three support rods. =A0But if I get into
> anything fancier, more will be required to hole pieces in varying angular
> positions. =A0All water features will be made to disassemble for cleaning =
and
> to be transported to final location from fab shop, so there is no need to
> make them to be hoisted, moved, or transported as one complete unit.
> Therefore, I'm considering keeping the diameters small for aesthetic
> purposes.
>
> Steve
Stainless steel would work fine as long as all welds were back purged
and passivated.
bronze would also work well, and would age well in the water,
developing a dark brown patina.
Stainless steel is stronger than bronze.
Think about sections than can be bolted together using stainless
bolts.
For increased corrosion resistance use 316 SS.
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