Corten Steel
Corten Steel
(OP)
Been doing some research on Corten Steel and it's shortcomings. specifically the lessened life span due to corrosion from an environment that is wet with salt laden air, as in the Pacific Northwest. Looking for more opinions here.
Anyone have any professional experience they can share on the matter and if any feasible fixes were used and effective? Consider painting, cathodic protection with zincs, ongoing recommended maintenance procedures?
The structures would be bridges, light poles, and monopole transmission towers.
Thanks for any additional insight here.
Anyone have any professional experience they can share on the matter and if any feasible fixes were used and effective? Consider painting, cathodic protection with zincs, ongoing recommended maintenance procedures?
The structures would be bridges, light poles, and monopole transmission towers.
Thanks for any additional insight here.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com






RE: Corten Steel
Another problem is the use of it on the exterior where the rust layer can drip onto clean stone or concrete. It stains and unless the detail is such to contain the 'drips' it can be unsightly if exposed. I've seen some steel sculpture work done on concrete pedestals and the steel has rusted and stained the concrete in an unsightly manner.
I've used it occasionally over the last 40 or so years... and, in the right place, it is good.
Dik
RE: Corten Steel
PE, SE
Eastern United States
"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi
RE: Corten Steel
There are many bridges in my area made from corten steel. Primarily pedestrian and light vehicle bridges within park systems. They seem to perform well in my area. My area does have significant snowfall during winter but no slat laden air. As these bridges are not normally located on the throughfare, they don't see much deicing salt.
RE: Corten Steel
Dik makes a good point about staining concrete. On bridges we usually put drip bars on the bottom flange of stringers & girders 5' from the abutment to prevent staining. Also, some state DOT's paint the first five feet as well.
I attached the FHWA guidelines for use of weathering steel (just in case you don't have a copy).
RE: Corten Steel
Dik
RE: Corten Steel
RE: Corten Steel
Regards to ALL
RE: Corten Steel
One of the pitfalls of cleaning up the environment I guess... :)
Anyone have a copy they can post or link me too, or heard the same thing? Tried online, but haven't come across anything yet. I do not have an ASCE membership ... yet.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Corten Steel