According to CalTrans specifications, gate latches must be:

According to CalTrans specifications, gate latches must be:

• A. Galvanized
• B. Steel
• C. Malleable iron
• D. Copper

Answer: (A)

CalTrans requires exterior gate hardware to be corrosion-resistant due to the outdoor, moisture-prone environment along roadways. Galvanized latch hardware uses a zinc coating on steel, which provides durable protection against rust. The zinc coating acts sacrificially, so even if the coating is scratched, the underlying steel stays protected, extending the latch’s life and reducing maintenance in conditions with rain, humidity, and road salt. Plain steel would rust quickly, malleable iron isn’t specified for this application and doesn’t offer the same reliable outdoor performance, and copper, while corrosion-resistant, isn’t used here due to cost, fit with standard hardware, and typical CalTrans practices.

CalTrans requires exterior gate hardware to be corrosion-resistant due to the outdoor, moisture-prone environment along roadways. Galvanized latch hardware uses a zinc coating on steel, which provides durable protection against rust. The zinc coating acts sacrificially, so even if the coating is scratched, the underlying steel stays protected, extending the latch’s life and reducing maintenance in conditions with rain, humidity, and road salt. Plain steel would rust quickly, malleable iron isn’t specified for this application and doesn’t offer the same reliable outdoor performance, and copper, while corrosion-resistant, isn’t used here due to cost, fit with standard hardware, and typical CalTrans practices.