Corrosive Environment Factors and their Influence on the Development of Weathering Steel Corrosion Products

Abstract

This article deals with the topic of atmospheric corrosion. Atmospheric corrosion causes damage to nearly 80% of all existing steel structures. The main parameters of atmospheric corrosion are the time of wetness (TOW), air temperature and aggressive corrosive agents such as chlorides, sulfur dioxide and others. Currently, low alloy steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance called weathering steels are used for the steel structures located in outdoor environment. A protective layer of corrosion products is created on the steel surface and this layer can reduce continuation of corrosion of steel. The time of wetness together with the effect of aggressive corrosive agents are various for surfaces oriented vertically or horizontally. Experimental tests of atmospheric weathering steel were carried out to monitor the impact of location and position of surface on the different constructions. These tests allow monitoring the development of corrosion products in real exposures. The article presents a part of the research, which includes monitoring the development of the thickness of corrosion products with regard to the position on the structure. Research is developed to refine of prediction models with the aim of improving determination of corrosion losses during the service life of the structure. Second part of these experiments is dedicated to measuring the deposition rate of chlorides. Chlorides have a corrosive impact on the steel surface. Under normal conditions the chlorides does not create suitable environment for the development of a protective layer of corrosion products.