Weathering steel is often used to fabricate bridges, roofing and siding, fencing, sculptures, and garden features, such as fire pits and planter boxes. In these applications and others, welding is a part of the fabrication process.
What is Weathering Steel?
Weathering steels are a family of ASTM specifications, as well as several trademarked specifications exhibiting similar corrosion-resistant properties. The ASTM specifications include A588, A242, A606-4, A847, A871-65 and A709-50W. And, of course, the primary trademarked product is Cor-ten®. The most practical benefit of weathering steel is its ability to resist corrosion. Rather than rusting, weathering steel develops patina, which serves as a protective, corrosion-resistant barrier.
Welding Weathering Steel
The good news is that welding weathering steel is relatively simple. Weathering steel welds similarly to common low carbon steels, such as ASTM A36 and ASTM A572.
The two most common steel welding codes, American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 and D1.5, which respectively govern structural and bridge welding, address the use of weathering steels and offer welding methods appropriate to different service environments.
Because weathering steels are available in a variety of yield strength levels, filler metal requirements vary by application. Matching the mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength and toughness) of the filler metal to the design requirements is critical to ensuring the integrity of the structure. Typically, the filler metal should at least meet the minimum mechanical properties of the base material.
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.
