Corten steel (or weathered steel as it’s sometimes known) is a group of steel alloys that are widely utilized in outdoor construction. They were designed to eliminate the need for painting, but if left outside in the sun, they will rust in a matter of months. While you would think that rust is unavoidable, in the case of Corten, the oxidized dark brown covering actually protects the metal from injury and inhibits deeper rust penetration.
Basics of Corten Steel
While Corten and weathering steels are commonly confused, COR-TEN® is a branded, trademarked, and exclusive steel. Corrosion resistance is represented by COR, while tensile strength is represented by TEN. Weathering steels are commonly referred to as Corten steel due to their well-known moniker. ASTM standards exist for Corten kinds that are comparable.
Weathering Steel Designations according to ASTM
ASTM weathering steels are low-alloy, high-strength structural steels that meet ASTM standards. The following ASTM weathering steel variants are available:
ASTM A588 – Uses include applications that require structural shapes and steel bar
ASTM A242 – Specification used for steel plate
ASTM A606-4 – Ideal for cold-rolled or hot-rolled steel sheet or coil
ASTM A709-50W – Commonly used for bridgework, options include steel plate and bar
ASTM A847 – Ideal for steel tubing and pipe
Corten Steel and Rust
Although Corten steel is resistant to corrosion, it is not totally rust-free. The temperature and environmental conditions play a big role in how long Corten steel lasts and how soon the protective coating of rust forms.
Within 6 months of atmospheric exposure, Corten steel will patina or rust. To develop and oxidize, most weathering steel types require wet/dry weather cycles.
Corten steel may endure anywhere from a few decades to over 100 years because of the protective rust that offers corrosion resistance.
Saltwater or a combination of salt solutions combined with vinegar and peroxide can speed up the rusting process on Corten.
Advantages of Weathering Steel
Although Corten steel is generally utilized for aesthetic reasons, there are a number of other advantages to weathering steel:
- Maintenance-free
- building made of corten steel
- Cost-effective
- Durability with time
- Bridgework, for example, is a good example of a heavy-duty application.
What is the background of Corten Steel?
In the 1930s, U.S. Steel created a product known as Corten Steel. It was originally designed to be used to build coal waggons on the train, but in the 1950s and 1960s, it became a popular material for outdoor art projects.
Some of the first instances of the beauty of Corten Steel may still be found in American sculptures and structures.
What is the composition of Corten Steel Pipes?
Corten Steel is made by mixing a certain mix of steels and alloys, which results in fundamental corrosion characteristics and a distinctive appearance.
It’s generally manufactured in the form of a one-and-a-half-inch-thick sheet. Despite its brief existence, Corten Steel is a strong and long-lasting material.
Corten steel pipes are used in a variety of applications.
Corten Steel has been chosen for a range of outdoor projects. Outdoor sculptures are one of the most frequent applications, as Corten Steel’s rust coating may grow quickly to preserve the sculpture and give it a worn appearance. Not just with Corten Steel Plates, but also with some bridges and other constructions, this is possible.
Corten Steel Plates are used to cover home gardens in modest designs. It’s also a good choice if a concrete wall isn’t your style and would clog up the rest of your garden.
Corten Steel is used in a number of items, including cycle hoops, tree grilles, and bush and shrub planters. After all, we assume that public space may still be attractive. Marine transportation, intermodal container building, and visible sheet piling are all examples of where it’s employed.
So now that you know more about Corten Steel, you might want to have a look at some of our amazing outdoor furniture components to see what this material is capable of.
