Weathering steel is a high strength, structural
steel that, in suitable environments, develops
a tightly adherent oxide layer or ‘patina’,
which significantly reduces the corrosion rate
compared with conventional structural steel.
Weathering steel has been used since the
1930’s in railway coal wagons, bridges,
buildings, facades and many architectural
features such as sculptures and landscaping.
It has been used extensively in North America,
Europe and Japan for over 55 years; and over
the last 10 years in New Zealand. When
designed and detailed correctly, taking into
account the environmental factors that governs
its use, it has exhibited excellent performance.
