AN ANALYSIS ON

CORROSION OF WEIGHTS
IN THE CHK GYM
MetE 143 1st Semester AY 2016-2017
Alampay, Azucena, Berba, Lim, Oxales
COLLEGE OF HUMAN KINETICS
 CHK GYM
• The CHK Gym is the main gym of the UP Diliman Campus

• It is extensively used by CHK students and varsity teams

• Other students are also free to use the facilities

• The quality of the weights in the gym is problematic

• They are extensively corroded, with rust visible on practically the

entire surface of most of them

• Some weights are deformed and have fractured or broken in

some parts
 ABOUT THE STUDY
• The study will only cover
gym equipment within the
free weights section of the
CHK Complex

• Study will only cover

probable factors affecting
corrosion and practical
solutions to it

• Only the free weights with

cast iron and steel
composition were put under
observation
 OBJECTIVES

• to perform analysis on the weights to

determine possible causes or sources of
corrosion on the weights

• to give recommendations on how to avoid

further corrosion of weights
 METHODOLOGY
• Conduct ocular on site’s environment

• Collecting information on weights at site

• Conduct a qualitative analysis on weight

samples

• Research on corrosion prevention methods

and treatments
 CORROSION: A GENERAL
IDEA

• often defined as “DEGRADATION OF MATERIALS BY CHEMICAL REACTION IN

WHICH THE ENVIRONMENT THE METAL RESIDES IN”

• natural due to metal’s tendency to approach its natural state which generates salts
or oxides

• In the gym set-up, Iron is the metal of choice and Oxygen is what it reacts with due
to air moisture
CORROSION: A GENERAL
IDEA
 SIGNIFICANCE
• Equipment reliability issues/ Health hazards

• calculated usage life

• proper usage and storage

• Sources of corrosion may affect other

objects/structures in the gym
 TYPES OF WEIGHTS USED
• Free weights are typically made of cast iron, but are also sometimes made of
steel.

• The weights at CHK appear to be made of cast iron, while some have a solid
rubber bumper surrounding the plate for protection. (only cast iron weights
were observed)

• The bars of the weights are made of a steel alloy, but the specific type is
unclear.

• Since the bars need to consistently undergo motion and varying loads, a certain
level of ductility is ideal to prevent brittle failure.

• The weights at the CHK were made by York Barbell Company

• York Barbell Company is a company established in 1932 that manufactures

weights, barbells, and other weightlifting equipment.
• According to the website of York Barbell Company

• Weights are made of cast iron or steel, depending on

quality

• They are usually finished with a chrome or paint coating

• Bars are made of “the highest grade North American

Steel” with a minimum tensile strength of 190kpsi

• Some of the cast iron weights were recently painted over,

likely to improve aesthetics and to act as a corrosion
deterrent.

• These weights were extensively corroded, with rust all over

the surface
 CHROME PLATING
• Chrome Plating is an electrolytic process where
chromium is deposited on a metal surface to enhance
durability and hardness

• This is done using a process wherein an electric

current is passed through a chromic acid solution,
which is between two electrodes; one being the
surface to be plated

• A chemical reaction results, making the chromium

metal from the solution deposit itself on the other
component
 PAINTING AS CORROSION
PREVENTION
• Paint is the most commonly used substance to
protect steel and iron from corrosion

• The application of protective paint coatings

involves several layers that help prevent
corrosion

• The paint prevents the steel or iron component

from being exposed to the environment, thus
reducing the chance of it reacting to moisture
• CORROSION ANALYSIS
The corrosion on the weights is
extensive on the surfaces of most
weights and bars

• The corrosion appears to be

extensive uniform attack, with
pitting corrosion evident on the
surfaces

• Even on the weights that were

painted, corrosion is evident where
the paint has cracked or been
removed

• Painting the weights may not be very

effective anymore, since the paint
does not attach well to the rusted
surface

• It may be necessary to polish the

weights and remove rust before
 CORROSION ANALYSIS
• Since some of the weights are
made of cast iron, they are
susceptible to rusting

• However, cast iron is cheaper,

and since the weights that are
made of cast iron do not usually
bear load, there is not a great
safety risk

• The rusting does cause the

weights to fracture and break,
however, the weights no longer
follow the standard mass
indicated, which is problematic
for users
 CORROSION ANALYSIS
• It is unclear what specific
type of steel is used,
however, there is a need to
prevent more corrosion in
the bars, especially, as
these are a safety risk if
they fail during usage

• Bars are generally made of

a steel alloy, since they
need to be stronger, and
bear heavy loads, as well
have to be more ductile
than cast iron
 FACTORS OF CORROSION
• As evident in the picture, it’s
exposed to moisture which can
speed up corrosion

• Improper hygiene can also

increase bacterial growth and lead
to elevation in PH levels which
also facilitate corrosion

• Banging and grinding of plates

which remove original paint
layering of the barbells
 IMPACTS OF CORROSION
• Weakening of material

• Deformation and possible fracture of material

• Safety hazard for users

• Corrosion causes pits and crevices, making holding the weights uncomfortable
and difficult for users

• Added costs

• Weights lose mass, making them non-standard

• Loss of grip and texture

• Aesthetically unappealing
 SOLUTIONS &
RECOMMENDATIONS
• It is recommended that the weights be extensively checked
regularly for possible failure.

• The weights that are still of acceptable integrity should

undergo corrosion resistance treatment, such as polishing,
chroming or other passivation techniques especially before
and after such humid seasons

• There are many weights that are deformed, and some

corroded to the extent of fracture which should be replaced
for safety of the users
 SOLUTIONS AND
•
RECOMMENDATIONS
The free weights that are extensively corroded
should be replaced if they are no longer of the proper
mass

• Since the environment in the gym has a high amount

of moisture, especially when many people are
present, creating a more controlled environment with
air-conditioning or De-humidifiers would be good, if
the budget allows

• Isopropyl alcohol for removal of bacterial properties

 CONCLUSION

• In the brief study we made, we were able to conclude that the gym
equipment at the CHK is in dire need of rehabilitation or proper
treatment for optimum function. They pose health and safety
hazards which can hinder the training of the school’s premier
athletes and its other users. Addressing the problem may be in
the form of equipment treatment, environment control, or both. We
hope our brief study will be given much importance by the College
of Human Kinetics.
 REFERENCES
• http://yorkbarbell.com/Commercial/index.php?ProductTypeID=3&ProductID=1475

• http://yorkbarbell.com/Commercial/index.php?ProductTypeID=5&ProductID=129

• http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/weight-lifting-equipment.jsp

• https://www.britannica.com/technology/cast-iron

• http://chemistry.tutorvista.com/physical-chemistry/corrosion.html

• www.sea.org.uk/blog/an-introduction-to-hard-chrome-plating.htm

• www.steelconstruction.info/Paint_coatings