Economic Analysis of Aluminum-Zinc Coated Steel Sheets in Agricultural Facilities

Greenhouses, pigsties, and other facilities are highly sensitive to material corrosion resistance and cost. Aluminum-zinc coated steel sheets reduce the total lifecycle cost through the following advantages: Firstly, their salt雾 resistance is equivalent to galvanized steel, with a lifespan of over 15 years in coastal or high-humidity areas, reducing maintenance costs associated with frequent replacements; secondly, their lightweight nature (3%-5% lighter than galvanized steel) lowers transportation and installation costs; lastly, the high reflective surface improves indoor light distribution, promoting crop growth or reducing livestock stress responses. Taking a vegetable greenhouse project in Shandong as an example, after using aluminum-zinc coated steel sheets, the temperature fluctuations inside the greenhouse decreased, crop yields increased by 10%, and the total cost over 10 years was reduced by 40% compared to galvanized steel, as no annual anti-corrosion treatment was required. Currently, aluminum-zinc coated steel sheets occupy 35% of the domestic agricultural facility material market.