How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
(OP)
I am looking at an existing pedestrian bridge.
How do I know if the bridge is constructed using weathering steel or if it is just rusting?
Overall the level of corrosion does not appear alarming.
A secondary question is if it is weathering steel and I need to do some repairs, what are the durability issues with drilling holes or welding the existing weathering steel. Would I be compelled to use weathering steel for any steel repairs or supplementary structural members?
thanks,
Garry
How do I know if the bridge is constructed using weathering steel or if it is just rusting?
Overall the level of corrosion does not appear alarming.
A secondary question is if it is weathering steel and I need to do some repairs, what are the durability issues with drilling holes or welding the existing weathering steel. Would I be compelled to use weathering steel for any steel repairs or supplementary structural members?
thanks,
Garry






RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
Hg
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RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
see attached photo.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
EIT with BS in Civil/Structural engineering.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
I would find it hard to believe that a modern "pre-engineered" ped bridge manufacturer would ship an unpainted nonweathering bridge.
If it is weathering steel, then yes, you need to have similar corrosion protection for the rest of the bridge. You *could* replace parts with painted nonweathering steel, but I don't see why you would do that. Use weathering steel and weathering fasteners (A 325 Type 3 bolts, etc.), weathering welding electrodes (AWS D1.1 Table 3.3).
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
Our bridge across the Delaware here has Cor-Ten griders but the outside, visible parts are painted because the public doesn't want to see a new bridge rusting !!!!
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
Weathering steel, when its surface is fully developed, exhibits an almost "fuzzy" appearance of light, general corrosion, very uniform in texture and appearance. Some streaking occurs on vertical members, but the corrosion is fairly uniform and protective to the underlying steel.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
CorTen, but the ones Garry posted have a mottled appearance which is to me more like rusting uncoated steel. But I agree with HgTx, it is hard to believe that it would have been shipped unpainted.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
I agree it looks like a Continental Bridge - maybe I should call them and see if they have any info.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
I think ordinary unpainted steel would look a lot nastier than that.
If you pet it, does your hand get rusty?
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field
Play around with brightness & contrast - you won't get a perfect image but you should be able to see the pattern of the WS patina.
RE: How to identify cor ten (weathering steel) in the field