Engineering definition of stable rust super durability of weathering steel bridges

摘要

Although the word 'antei-sabi (stable rust)' is oftenused in the Japanese weathering steel market, its clear explanationhas not been available. Thus based upon accumulated survey dataregarding rust conditions of weathering steels, engineeringdefinition of 'stable rust' is proposed. In order to realize a so-calledminimum maintenance bridge concept advocated by Ministry ofConstruction, practicality in terms of weathering steel applicationis assessed. Since long term prediction of corrosion loss for thesteel, as well as application of adequate maintenance procedurescan be established, drastic reduction in life cycle cost for bridges isconsidered to be plausible. Several issues to be overcome in orderto realize super durable bridges by use of weathering steel arepointed out focusing on its atmospheric corrosion kinetics.