Assess the applicability of weathering steel in bridge construction in Vietnam

Abstract

Weathering steels are low alloyed steel containing small amount of alloying
elements such P, Cu, Cr, Ni… and so on, which are intentionally added to
increase atmospheric corrosion resistance by creating a self-protecting oxide layer
for background metal. Weathering steel structure built in suitable conditions will
not need to paint. Costs for weathering steel painting in construction and
repainting after construction will not be necessary. Thus, weathering steel
constructions are called economical constructions. So, It is necessary to have
investigations and statistics for point out areas with suitable environments to use
weathering steels. In order to assess the applicability of weathering steel in bridge
construction in Vietnam, it is necessary to investigate the suitability of the
weathering environment and carry out the test about this material at the location
of the actual bridge. Based on the results of initial research and the results of
environmental measurements and exposure testing of weathering steels in some
parts of Vietnam, the paper assesses the using of weathering steels in bridge
construction in Vietnam.