Design of Advanced Weathering Steel with High Corrosion Resistance for Structural Applications

Basic design concept of the future steel structure requires environmental compatibility and maintenance free capability to minimize economic burdens. Recent trends in alloy design for advanced weathering steel include addition of various alloying elements which can enhance formation of stable and protective rust layer even in polluted urban and/or high $Cl^{-}$ environment. The effects of Ca, Ni, W, and Mo addition on the corrosion property of Ca-modified weathering steel were evaluated through a series of electrochemical tests (pH measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: EIS) and structural analysis on rust layer formed on the steel surface. Ca-containing inclusions of Ca-Al-Mn-O-S compound are formed if the amount of Ca addition is over 25 ppm. Steels with higher Ca content results in higher pH value for condensed water film formed on the steel surface, however, addition of Ni, W, and Mo does not affect pH value of the thin water film. The steels containing a high amount of Ca, Ni, W and Mo showed a dense and compact rust layer with enhanced amount of ${\alpha}-FeOOH$. Addition of Ni, W and Mo in Ca-modified weathering steel shows anion-selectivity and contributes to lower the permeability of $Cl^{-}$ ions. Effect of each alloying element on the formation of protective rust layer will be discussed in detail with respect to corrosion resistance.