In the ever-evolving world of architecture and civil engineering, the materials chosen to build infrastructure projects determine not only their durability and functionality but also their impact on our economy and environment. There is a wide range of options available today that are known for their high durability and weather resistance. Among them, Weathering Steel is a cost-effective solution that offers a remarkable blend of strength and aesthetics and is gaining popularity in the building of bridges.
In this blog post, we are taking a closer look at Weathering Steel, why it is popular in bridge-building and what its benefits are. So, read on to learn more.
Understanding Weathering Steel
Weathering Steel, a breakthrough material developed in the early twentieth century, eliminates the need for paint on Steel structures. It’s a type of Mild Steel alloy enhanced with specific elements like copper, chromium, nickel, phosphorus, silicon, and manganese. These additions allow it to form a protective patina layer, which improves durability and reduces maintenance needs.
In bridge construction, Weathering Steel is the material of choice due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, minimal environmental impact, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The advantages of Weathering Steel make it a valuable choice for modern infrastructure projects, offering a blend of long-term savings, durability, and environmental benefits.
Bridges Built Using Weathering Steel
Due to its cost-effectiveness, Weathering Steel has become a popular material in motorway bridge-building in the UK. Notable examples of its versatile use in bridges include railway bridges (Ordsall Chord in Manchester) as well as pedestrian bridges and footbridges (Cody Dock rolling bridge and the Bracklinn Falls footbridge).
These examples illustrate not only the functional benefits of Weathering Steel but also its potential to enhance the visual narrative of a landscape. Through these projects, Weathering Steel has proven to be an excellent choice for architects and engineers looking to marry durability with design innovation.
Benefits of Weathering Steel in Bridge-Building
- Corrosion Resistance: At the heart of Weathering Steel’s appeal is its exceptional resistance to corrosion, a property that sets it apart from Traditional Steel. This resistance is due to a process known as ‘useful corrosion’, where the initial rust layer formed on the surface acts as a protective barrier, preventing further deterioration. This unique characteristic makes Weathering Steel a preferred choice for exposed structures.
- Minimal Maintenance: Weathering Steel requires significantly less maintenance compared to other construction materials. This is particularly advantageous in rural or hard-to-reach areas where regular upkeep is challenging. Weathering Steel structures can last several decades with minimal maintenance, resulting in considerable cost savings over their lifetime.
- No Need for Paint: One of the aesthetic bonuses of Weathering Steel is its natural rust patina, which many find visually appealing. This eliminates the need for paint for protection or aesthetic purposes, further reducing maintenance costs and avoiding the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with paint coatings.
Supplying Weathering Steel for Bridge-Building
We offer top-quality Weathering Steel for bridge construction, including the crucial Plates and Angles. Our selection is tailored to meet the diverse specifications required for each project.
Weathering Steel grades, specifications, and sizes available:
- Plates – which can be dual certified to S355J2W upon request:
- Cold Rolled Plates from 0.8mm to 3.00mm
- Hot Rolled Plates from 3.0mm to 8.00mm
- Reversing Mill Plates (RMPs) from 8mm to 40mm
We can also offer next-day delivery on Cold Rolled, Hot Rolled, and RMPs.
- Flats – which are produced from Profiled Plates.
- Angles, Channels, UBs, UCs, and Hollow Sections – when it comes to specific shapes, our team has the necessary expertise to assist with a supply of material that is subject to mill production.
Beyond supplying materials, we offer specialised processing services to fabricate Weathering Steel into the necessary components for bridge construction, such as plate girders and deck plates. The precision and quality we provide ensure that the materials are ready for use in construction.
For further information on Weathering Steel and our product offerings, please get in touch with our team of experts here.