What are the Standards for Weathering Steel?
Weathering steel, known for its distinctive rust-like appearance, is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist atmospheric corrosion.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key standards that define weathering steel and its properties, benefits & applications, ensuring you have a clear understanding of its quality and performance.
Weathering steel is a high-strength, low-alloy steel designed to resist corrosion by developing a protective oxide patina. This natural patina forms a barrier that prevents further rusting, eliminating the need for paint or other protective coatings.
Due to its low corrosion rate, structures made from weathering steel can have extended lifespans—sometimes up to 120 years—with minimal maintenance.
Benefits of Using Weathering Steel in Your Project
Corten Weathering Steel provides several key advantages for structures exposed to the elements:
- Low Maintenance: Perfect for bridges and structures that are hard to access, reducing the need for frequent upkeep.
- Cost Reduction: Eliminates the need for protective painting and lowers maintenance costs, saving on expenses such as road or rail closures.
- Environmental Benefits: Avoids the use of volatile organic compounds from paint and reduces waste from blast-cleaning during maintenance.
- Attractive Appearance: Develops a pleasing patina over time that enhances its integration with the environment and improves its look as it ages.
- Speed of Construction: Reduces overall construction time by removing the need for site painting.
- Enhanced Safety: Minimizes risks associated with painting and future maintenance, leading to a safer construction process.
Corten Steel Tube stands out as a leading supplier and exporter of weathering steel in India. If you’re seeking top-notch corten steel products for your project, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs and discover our solutions.
Weathering Steel Grades
Weathering Steel Chemical Composition
| Specification | Grade | Mn | Cr | Cu | Al | C | Si | P | S | N | CEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 10025-5 | S355J0W | 0.5 – 1.50 | 0.40 – 0.80 | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.5 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.012 | 0.52 |
| S355J2W | 0.5 – 1.50 | 0.40 – 0.80 | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.5 | 0.035 | 0.035 | – | 0.52 | |
| S355K2W | 0.5 – 1.50 | 0.40 – 0.80 | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.5 | 0.035 | 0.035 | – | 0.52 | |
| S355J4W | 0.5 – 1.50 | 0.40 – 0.80 | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.5 | 0.035 | 0.025 | – | 0.52 | |
| S355J5W | 0.5 – 1.50 | 0.40 – 0.80 | 0.25 – 0.55 | 0.02 | 0.16 | 0.5 | 0.035 | 0.025 | – | 0.52 |
Weathering Steel Mechanical Properties
1. Tensile Test
| Â | Â | Â | Minimum | yield | strength | (MPa) | Â | Tensile strength | Rm (MPa) | Â | Minimum | elongation | – A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specification | Grade | Â | Nominal | Â | thickness | (mm) | Â | Nominal | thickness (mm) | Â | Â | So (%) | Â |
| Â | Â | <16 | >16 <40 | >40 <63 | >63 <80 | >80 <100 | >100 <150 | >3 <100 | >100 <150 | >3 <40 | >40 <63 | >63 <100 | >100 <150 |
| EN 10025-5 | S355JOW J2W, K2W, J4W, J5W | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 295 | 470-630 | 450-600 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 18 |
2. Charpy-V Notch Impact Test
| Designation | Temperature (°C) | Minimum Energy (KV²) |
|---|---|---|
| S355J0W | 0 | 27 |
| S355J2W | -20 | 27 |
| S355K2W | -20 | 40 |
| S355J4W | -40 | 27 |
| S355J5W | -50 | 27 |
ASTM Specifications for Weathering Steels
Weathering steels are governed by several ASTM specifications, each offering corrosion-resistant properties. Key ASTM specifications include:
- ASTM A588: Covers structural shapes, plate, and bar.<Weathering steels are governed by several ASTM specifications, each offering corrosion-resistant properties. Key ASTM specifications include:
- ASTM A588: Covers structural shapes, plate, and bar.
- ASTM A242: Includes steel plate up to one-half inch in thickness.
- ASTM A606-4: Specifies high-strength, low-alloy steel.
- ASTM A847: For high-strength, low-alloy steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance.
- ASTM A871-65: Designed for high-strength, low-alloy steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance.
- ASTM A709-50W: Applicable to bridge structures and other structural applications.
The primary trademarked product is Cor-Ten®, a trade name from United States Steel Corporation (USS) for atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel. The choice of a specific ASTM weathering steel specification depends on the desired weathering steel product and application.Â
- ASTM A242: Includes steel plate up to one-half inch in thickness.
- ASTM A606-4: Specifies high-strength, low-alloy steel.
- ASTM A847: For high-strength, low-alloy steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance.
- ASTM A871-65: Designed for high-strength, low-alloy steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance.
- ASTM A709-50W: Applicable to bridge structures and other structural applications.
The primary trademarked product is Cor-Ten®, a trade name from United States Steel Corporation (USS) for atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel. The choice of a specific ASTM weathering steel specification depends on the desired weathering steel product and application.
Uses of Weathering Steel
Weathering steel is commonly used in various architectural and structural applications due to its durability and unique appearance. Here are some key uses:
Bridges
Weathering steel is a popular choice for bridge construction because of its high corrosion resistance. It can withstand exposure to the elements without needing regular maintenance or coatings. Many iconic bridges worldwide are made from weathering steel plates and tubes.
Buildings
In building construction, especially for those with an industrial or modern aesthetic, weathering steel is extensively used. Its distinctive patina and rust-like appearance make it ideal for cladding and facade materials. Weathering steel is also employed in roofing and flooring, providing a low-maintenance option for outdoor spaces.Â
Corten Steel Tube is a leading supplier of weathering steel products such as corten steel tubes, plates, angles, and channels. We also provide various grades of corten steel, including Corten A, Corten B, and ASTM A588, to meet diverse project requirements.
Sculptures
The unique aesthetic qualities of weathering steel make it a favored material for outdoor sculptures and landscaping features. Its rustic and natural look blends well with the environment. Many famous sculptures around the world utilize weathering steel, including corten weathering steel, which is known for its distinctive appearance.
In summary, weathering steel is a distinctive and durable material that excels in outdoor applications. Its excellent corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance needs, and unique visual appeal make it an excellent choice for bridges, buildings, sculptures, and various other outdoor structures. For high-quality weathering steel and other steel products, such as Alloy Steel, Carbon Steel, Corten Steel Tube is the go-to dealer for reliable and strong structural solutions.