This specification covers standard requirements for pipe piles with protective fusion-bonded epoxy powder coating applied by the electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed process. The surfaces of steel pipe piles to be coated shall be precleaned, as required. Steel surfaces shall be cleaned by abrasive blast cleaning to near-white metal. Prior to application of the fusion-bonded epoxy powder coatings, raised silvers, scabs, laps, sharp edges, or seams shall be removed using abrasive grinders. The powder coating shall be applied to cleaned steel surfaces before visible oxidation occurs. To achieve the required coating thickness, the steel shall be preheated prior to applying the powder coating. The heat source shall not leave a residue or contaminant on the steel surfaces. If oxidation occurs, the steel shall be cooled to ambient temperature and recleaned before applying the powder coating. The steel pipe piles shall be tested and shall meet the requirements for coating thickness and coating continuity.

1.1 This specification covers pipe piles with protective fusion-bonded epoxy powder coating applied by the electrostatic spray, flocking, or fluidized bed process.

Note 1: The coating applicator is identified throughout this specification as the manufacturer.

1.2 Other organic coatings may be used provided they meet the requirements of this specification.

1.3 Requirements for the powder coating are contained in Annex A1.

1.4 This specification is applicable for orders in either SI units (as Specification A972M) or inch-pound units [as Specification A972]. The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets.

1.5 The following precautionary statement refers to the test method portion only, Section 8, of this standard: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.