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ARCOROX® weathering steel for structures

DESCRIPTION

Weathering steel according to EN10025-5 / ASTM A588 Arcorox® structural shapes belong to a family of atmospheric corrosion resistant, low alloy steels for sustainable applications with focus on long service life with low maintenance costs. Arcorox® weathering steel members do not need corrosion protection. Therefore, along with aesthetic possibilities, Arcorox® provides durable construction even in the absence of initial painting, which enables in this case savings thanks to: - Reduced construction cost along with construction time; - Reduced cost of maintenance as well as time of  maintenance operation; - No environmental impact due to absence of maintenance operations and residue. Available sections S355J0 W / S355 J2 W / S355 K2 W acc. to EN10025-5 - Parallel flange I sections IPE (or UB) - Wide flange beams HE (100-1000) - Extra wide flange beams HL - Wide flange columns HD (or UC) - Wide flange bearing piles HP (or UBP) - Channels with parallel flanges UPE (or PFC) - European standard channels UPN (or CH) - Equal and unequal leg angles L ASTM A588 grade B - Wide flange beams W; Wide flange bearing piles HP All sections are limited to flange thicknesses ≤ 40mm, except 70mm for W14x16 and W 36x16.5. Minimum order quantity is subject to agreement.

ARCOROX® Data sheet (.pdf - 3,78 MB)

APPLICATION, FUNCTIONALITY & DESIGN

Application
The use of Arcorox® weathering steels may be motivated by architectural, decorative and environmental incentives and/or for robust industrial applications in particular with the aim to minimize maintenance for e.g. halls, bridges and towers.

Functionality
Arcorox® weathering steel initially forms a natural, tightly adherent, protective oxide layer (patina), strongly reducing further oxidation and thus superseding the application of any corrosion protection system. The formation of the patina depends on the adequate environment the surface is exposed. For instance, the steel surface must be alternatively dry and wet, in order to built-up the protective layer.

Design considerations
The design of weathering steel members is covered by Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures. In addition it is recommended that suitable construction detailing is foreseen, such as to:
- Avoid rust staining of other materials;
- Avoid details that would promote retention of moisture.

FINISHING

Joining
Connection elements like bolts, screws, nuts, washers, should have an atmospheric resistance equal to or higher than the weathering steel. The formation of a local electrochemical element (contact corrosion) must be avoided in any case.

In the case of bolted joints an anti-corrosive painting of the contact surface is recommended. In addition a sealing of the joint might be necessary in order to prevent water infiltration.

Welding
Arcorox® can be welded with all manual and automatic welding processes according to the general rules for welding.

The weld metal should be adapted to the mechanical properties of the base metal. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of the weld metal should be equal or better than that of the steel (in case of multiple passes there is no need for the submerged runs to have such a resistance).