The History of Weathering Steel

weathering steel

For almost a century, weathering steel has been used in bridges, fences, buildings, and even artwork. Its unique appearance and ability to avoid corrosion have made it a must-use for many construction and structural projects over the decades.

Even if you haven’t heard of weathering steel, the buildings and structures around your city or hometown have definitely benefited from its use. This article will go over how weathering steel was discovered and come to be as it is today, as well as its practical uses in everyday life.  

What is Weathering Steel?

Weathering steel is also referred to as Corten A or Corten B steel. It is an alloy steel that is often used in construction and is well-known for its rust-like appearance.

The outer appearance is actually a protective rust layer called a “patina” that inhibits further corrosion and extends the life and use of the steel. These steels are low alloy and have great strength due to their resistance to corrosion.

The Composition of Weathering Steel

Weathering steel is a low-carbon alloy. The low amount of carbon is what allows it to be tough and ductile. The three alloys in weathering steel are nickel, copper, and chromium.

While weathering steel can rust, it only does so on the outer surface. If the outer coating of rust has grown, the rust does not go further into the steel. The rust-coated surface serves as a kind of protective shield, preventing the steel from any additional corrosion.

The rust layer that is formed on the plain carbon steel is porous and breaks off, which allows it to form another layer deeper into the steel. The cycle continues until the regular steel is useless.

The first layer of rust on the weathering steel forms to hold on because of the contribution of alloys. Hence there is no need to coat the metal with a protective layer as it is self-protected through any sort of weather that occurs. You can, however, coat weathering steel in a protective coating to stop the rust from staining the surrounding areas as the rust will spread when rained on. 

The History of Weathering Steel

In the 1930s, the US Steel Corporation developed weathering steel to get the stronger, more durable steel they needed for the hopper carts to carry their ore and coal to the furnace.

Later they realized this metal alloy had useful corrosion resistance that could be marketed and sold in other industries, so the new alloy was trademarked and called COR-TEN® steel. 

The first time weathering steel was used for architectural purposes was at the John Deere World Headquarters in Illinois. This building was designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen, and the building was finished in 1964. 

Weathering steel is also used for artistic purposes. In 1977, Robert Indiana created a Hebrew version of the LOVE sculpture using weathering steel for the Israel Museum Art Garden in Jerusalem.

Many artists have incorporated weathering steel into their work since its arrival; the most well-known artist being American sculptor Richard Serra. Serra has built numerous, massive sculptures using weathering steel that can be found around the world.

The first weathering steel bridge was a footbridge built in 1967 at York University. It has been used in large bridge and structural applications around the world since. Some examples are the New River Gorge Bridge, the second span of the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge in 1980, and the Australian Center for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and MONA.           

It was also used in 1971 for the Highliner electric cars built by the St. Louis Car Company for the Illinois Central Railroad. Using weathering steel was seen as a way to cut costs in comparison with the pricey stainless steel that was the railcar standard. 

Companies such as MetalTech Global have vast experience in fabrication and artful design, which can be seen in such projects like:

  • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida
  • CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering in Connecticut
  • Los Angeles Trade Technical College in California
  • Owensboro Convention Center in Kentucky
  • Casa Val in Costa Rica
  • Chelsea Studios in New York

These examples show the range of what perforated metal can do in the hands of experts and talented artists and craftspeople. 

How Long Does Weathering Steel Last?

Because of its protective rust coat that provides corrosion resistance, weathering steel used in bridges, architecture, and other mediums can last upwards of a few decades to over 100 years in the proper conditions.

Get Quality Materials for Your Next Project 

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We promote the use of sustainable metal products in the buildings and are able to create custom perforated patterns and shapes as well. With high-tech tools and over 25 years of experience, our architectural support staff can realize an unlimited variety of folded and perforated panel designs.

Contact us today for all of your weathering steel, perforated metal, coil, panel, and fabrication needs! We hope to work with you today to realize your next architectural dream.

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Is Copper an Eco-Friendly Building Material?

copper

For thousands of years, humans have used copper for its many unique properties, as well as its beautiful look and feel. Amazingly, copper does not degrade when it is recycled, so it can be used and recycled over and over again. This versatility allows it to be sought after and keeps it circulating instead of ending up in our landfills or oceans.

For these reasons and more, copper is much more eco-friendly than previously thought. This article will go over why copper is classified as eco-friendly, as well as its history and its future use in our society. 

Copper: An Introduction

Copper is a recognizable and useful metallic element that is found throughout both commercial buildings and homes in both pure and chemical forms. Copper is the 29th element on the periodic table and comes from the Latin word “cuprum». Copper means «of Cyprus,» an island in the Mediterranean that was known for its copper mines. 

Copper is quite malleable and can be formed into different shapes with ease. Compared to traditional building materials, copper has environmental advantages that make it a superior choice for home construction over other metals and fabrications.

Copper is popular in construction and architecture for its sustainability, quality, and look. Here are some of the main uses of copper:

  • Roofs
  • Spires
  • Domes
  • Wall Cladding
  • Gutters
  • Downspouts
  • Expansion Joints

Benefits of Using Copper

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming more and more important in design and construction nowadays, so a lot of the focus of projects turns to the building materials themselves. Being environmentally conscious is not only good for the environment, it can also be good for business as clients want to see that you care about the world you are building in. Here are some of the benefits of copper regarding its eco-friendly nature.

Sustainable and Long Lasting

Copper is a premium metal that is long-lasting and does not easily degrade. While it can be expensive to use, the sustainability of the metal makes it worthwhile to use.

Copper maintains its durability by being self-passivating. This means it creates an oxidized layer over itself so it cannot rust and is immune to many weather elements and hazards, whereas other, less durable metals can get damaged and oxidize/rust.  Copper roofs can last for hundreds of years with maintenance, and you can see examples of this in European gothic architecture. 

Recyclable

As stated earlier, the ability for copper to be recycled over and over again is an incredibly sustainable trait. This is because copper maintains its structure and integrity no matter how many times it is recycled, and it is used over and over for many different reasons. This makes copper quite profitable when recycled as well. 

Naturally Made

Though copper needs to be mined, it is not manufactured. Copper mills use up to 95% recycled materials when they produce sheeting, pipes, and fittings as well.

Energy Efficient

Copper is quite an energy-efficient metal as well. Its high conductivity ensures efficient, reliable, and safe generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

Copper’s electric and thermal properties help to decrease load loss and keep the power grid working at full capacity. Therefore, it ensures a long-lasting, energy-efficient performance of equipment and systems. Copper is the best non-precious conductor of heat and electricity, which is essential to the quality generation and efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.

Essential in HVAC Installation and Use

Copper plays a key role in HVAC installations as it reduces the size and weight of the HVAC installations due to smaller pipe diameters. Copper also allows for using eco-friendly and safe refrigerants and increases the efficiency of heat exchangers and heat pumps. When it comes to the construction and energy industries, copper is cost-effective as it reduces both financial and environmental costs.

Sustainable Metals for Any Project, Big or Small

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. Working with our affiliates, we are promoting the use of sustainable metal products in the building. 

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and Hussey Copper to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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Weathering Steel in Architecture and Construction

weathering steel

If you take a walk around your city, you will likely see weathering steel being utilized in some form, be it architectural or structural. The patina formed from this metal gives a unique look and makes it a strong and useful material. 

This article will go over the applications and uses of weathering steel in architecture and construction and show its advantages in both.                                    

What is Weathering Steel?

Weathering steel, also called Corten steel, is an alloy steel that was developed in the 1930s in the US and is a trademark of the US Steel Corporation. It is known for its ability to chemically form a stable rust-like protective surface layer that is corrosion-proof.

The alloying elements in weathering steel, copper, chromium, and nickel help produce this rust layer. This layer is stable and adheres to the base metal, forming a protective barrier that prevents further moisture, oxygen, and pollutants from deteriorating the steel. Thus, you get a metal that sees a corrosion rate at a much lower level than what you would typically find on ordinary structural steel. 

Why is Weathering Steel Useful?

The usefulness of weathering steel due to its incredibly anti-corrosiveness cannot be understated. It is a significant reason why we see it becoming the most popular material in outdoor decor and construction today.

This steel is being integrated with new metallurgy methods along with being enhanced by the latest technology to date. A super steel material, weathering steel is a top-tier metal used worldwide on some of the most innovative and beautiful buildings, bridges, and homes. 

Weathering Steel in Architecture

Weathering steel is a durable metal that stands the test of time. Therefore you will see it used in many notable architectural designs around the world.

These landmarks include structures such as:

  • The John Deere World Headquarters – designed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1964
  • The U.S. Steel Tower – designed by Harrison, Abramovitz & Abbe in 1971
  • Odense University in Denmark – designed by Holscher and Vesterholt in the 1970s
  • The Australian Center for Contemporary Art in Melbourne – designed by Wood Marsh in 1998
  • Barclays Center Arena in New York – designed by SHoP Architects in 2012

These examples don’t even touch the surface of the notable residential projects that weathering steel has and continues to enhance with its look, longevity, and durability.

The look of weathering steel is used to juxtapose more traditional materials when it is used, thus enhancing the contemporary element even more while being able to blend into the most modern or rustic areas seamlessly. 

Although it is very durable, weathering steel does have its limitations which must be kept in mind when using it for architectural purposes. For example, sea salt can corrode areas of the metal left to collect water, so it is not optimal near beaches as the protective patina may not be able to stabilize itself.

Keeping its few limitations in mind, we find that weathering steel is a unique material that presents incredible effects when appropriately utilized. The designs are timeless and striking in any era they present themselves. 

Weathering Steel in Construction

You can find weathering steel in many types of commercial landscapes, such as retaining walls, fencing, awnings, ballads, pergolas, and landscape edging. Since retaining walls are used in commercial spaces quite frequently, weathering steel is a popular option for its practical application and where concrete does not work.

It is also used in modern construction as corrugated and profile panels are commonly constructed with the material. You will also find that the primary material most shipping containers are made of is weathering steel as well. 

Weathering steel is often used in the construction of bridges due to its low corrosion rate. Because the corrosion rate is so low, bridges fabricated from unpainted weathering steel can achieve up to 120 years of design life with only nominal maintenance. Therefore a well-designed and well-detailed weathering steel bridge in an appropriate environment can provide a low maintenance, economical solution that looks quite attractive.   

Get the Best Design and Construction Materials for Your Next Project 

MetalTech Global is the nation’s premier distributor and fabricator of coil, sheet, and finished architectural metals products. We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using durable and reusable products.

We envision that home and commercial construction will be committed to using only durable and reusable products. MetalTech Global can help your commitment be successful as durability, reusability, and sustainability is our area of expertise. We work with companies like elZinc America, VMZinc, Lorin Industries, and all major Copper mills to provide the highest quality architectural products in natural metals. 

Contact us today for information on architectural metals, coils, panels, metal fabrication and cutting, folding, and more. We look forward to being a part of your next successful project!

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