Why Choose Weathering Steel for Infrastructure Projects
Weathering steels are a family of ASTM specifications as well as several trademarked specifications. The more well-known term and primary trademarked product is Cor-ten, but all weathering steels share similar corrosion-resistant properties. Weathering steel offers several practical advantages over other metals for infrastructure projects:
- Corrosion resistance. The most practical benefit of weathering steel is its ability to resist corrosion. When exposed to moisture, air, and other elements, most low alloy steels have the tendency to rust. Overtime, the rust layer becomes porous and detaches from the metal surface. With weathering steel, the rusting process happens in the same way, but the steel produces a stable rust layer, called a "patina," which serves as a protective, corrosion-resistant barrier. This naturally-developed protective patina regenerates continuously when exposed to weather and stops further access of oxygen, moisture and pollutants.
- Aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The patina that weathering steel forms over time blends well in outdoor environments where infrastructure is required. Plus, it even improves with age!
- Reduced construction time and costs. Because weathering steel is used unpainted in most structural and architectural applications due to its ability to resist corrosion, there is no need for site painting. When this step of construction is eliminated, both the construction time and costs are reduced.
- Minimal maintenance requirements. No initial painting nor future maintenance painting is required! Periodic inspection and cleaning should be the only maintenance required to ensure the weathering steel structure continues to perform well for decades to come.
- Cost-effective. When it comes to infrastructure, savings in material can be offset by increases in fabrication cost. With weathering steel hollow structural sections (HSS), it takes less steel to do the same job. Because less steel is required to support a given load, you can save on material costs.
- Environmentally friendly. Selecting sustainable materials, like weathering steel, can positively impact the environment when building and rebuilding infrastructure. In addition to the fact that steel is the most-recycled material in the world, the high-strength, low-maintenance (no initial painting nor future maintenance painting is required!), and cost-effective benefits that weathering steel offers make it a sustainable solution.
Company profile
Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.
