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TECHNOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES
MATERIALS AND DURABILITY
CHAPTER VI.
OF
MATERIALS
Construction products may be used under this Code if they are manufactured or
marketed lawfully in the Member States of the European Union and the signatory
states to the Agreement Creating the European Economic Area, wherever such
products comply with the legislation of any Member State of the European Union, and
guarantee a level of safety equivalent to that required by this Code, in respect of their
intended purpose.
This level of equivalence shall be justified in accordance with Article 4(2) or
Article 16 of Directive 89/106/EEC of the Council of 21 December 1988 on the
approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to construction products.
The preceding paragraphs shall also apply to construction products
manufactured or marketed lawfully in states with customs association agreements with
the European Union where such agreements treat such products in the same way as
those manufactured or marketed in a Member State of the European Union. In such
cases, the level of equivalence shall be confirmed by applying the procedures for that
purpose stipulated in the aforementioned Directive.
Section 25.
General
This Chapter prescribes the requirements that shall be met by materials that may
be used in steel structures. Section 26 defines the chemical composition, mechanical
and technological properties that they shall have, as well as testing methods for them.
Sections 27 and 28, respectively, relate to types of steel and the various products
(beams and plates) that may be used.
Section 29 specifies joints that may be used, and Section 30 relates to the
necessary protection systems.
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Section 26.
Steel properties
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Chemical composition
With regard to the chemical composition of steel, the most important components
are those of the elements that appear in the expression of the equivalent carbon value
(defined in 26.5.5), as well as its phosphorus and sulphur content, which is restricted
owing to the need to minimise it.
The chemical composition is determined using the methods specified in the
relevant UNE standard for the steel type.
26.5.2.
Tensile properties
Mechanical tensile properties (fu, fy, max, u, E) are defined using the standardised
tensile test in UNE-EN ISO 6892-1.
Reduction of area (Z) is defined using the straight, initial and fractured sections of
A Au
the test specimen submitted to the tensile test, using the expression: Z i
100 .
Ai
26.5.3.
Notch impact value is determined using the standardised Charpy shock bend test
in UNE 7475-1.
26.5.4.
Fracture toughness
The basic parameter for steel, from the weldability perspective, is the carbon
equivalent value (CE) stipulated for each type of steel.
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The carbon equivalent value is defined using the following expression, where the
content of the chemical elements indicated is expressed as a percentage:
CEV C
Mn Cr Mo V Ni Cu
6
5
15
However, the weldability requirement shall be regarded as having been met if the
steel has a carbon equivalent value exceeding the value stipulated for it in this Code, if
its welding process is qualified in accordance with UNE-EN ISO 15614-1 (or UNE-EN
ISO 15613 if it is necessary to use a non-standardised test coupon).
26.5.6.
Bending properties
Section 27.
Steel types
This Code considers the following types of steel, which may be used in profiles
and plates for steel structures:
non-alloyed, hot-rolled steel. This means non-alloyed steel that does not
have any particular mechanical resistance properties or resistance to
corrosion, but does have a normal ferrite-pearlite microstructure;
steel with special properties. This includes the following types:
- weldable fine-grained steel in normalized condition;
- thermomechanical rolled, weldable fine-grained steel;
- steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering
steel);
- steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition;
- steel with improved resistance to out-off-plane deformation.
For the purposes of this Code, steel that is standardised under the standards
given in Table 27 are considered to be equivalent to the aforementioned steel types:
Table 27. Steel equivalent to the given steel types
STEEL TYPE
UNE-EN STANDARD
UNE-EN 10025-2
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UNE-EN 10025-4
UNE-EN 10164
UNE-EN 10025-1
Subsections 27.1 and 27.2 stipulate the characteristics and properties for the
steel thus described on the basis of those given in the steel standards for hot-rolled
products UNE-EN 10025-2, UNE-EN 10025-3, UNE-EN 10025-4, UNE-EN 10025-5
and UNE-EN 10025-6:2007+A1, and they are compatible with the steel types and
mechanical properties of steel in standards UNE-EN 10210-1 and UNE-EN 10219-1 for
hollow sections and UNE-EN 10162 for open sections.
The nominal value given in the relevant UNE-EN standard for the type of steel in
question shall be used for the characteristic yield strength fyk, depending on the type
and grade of steel and the nominal thickness of the product or, alternatively, where the
steel has certain additional guarantees in accordance with Section 84, the nominal
value stipulated in this Section for the type of steel in question. It shall also have the
other characteristics and properties that appear in the other subsections of this Section.
S 235
S 275
S 355
S 235 JR
S 235 J0
S 235 J2
-
S 275 JR
S 275 J0
S 275 J2
-
S 355 JR
S 355 J0
S 355 J2
S 355 K2
Grade
JR
J0
J2
K2
30
0.35
0.40
0.45
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The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.1.c.
Table 27.1.c. Maximum P and S content
Type
S235 JR, S275 JR, S355 JR
S235 J0, S275 J0, S355 J0
S235 J2, S275 J2, S355 J2, S355 K2
P (max %)
0.045
0.040
0.035
S (max %)
0.045
0.040
0.035
Table 27.1.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.1.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
S 235
S 275
S 355
40 < t 80
fu
360<fu<510
430<fu<580
490<fu<680
fy
215
255
335
fu
360<fu<510
410<fu<560
470<fu<630
Table 27.1.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.1.e. Notch impact value (J), according to nominal product thickness t (mm)
Grade
JR
J0
J2
K2
Test
temperature
(C)
20
0
-20
-20
150< t 250
250< t 400
27
27
27
40 (*)
27
27
27
33
27
33
All the types and grades of steel given in Table 27.1.a are generally suitable for
all types of welding process, where weldability increases from grade JR up to K2.
S 275
S 355
S 420
S 460
S 275 N
S 275 NL
S 355 N
S 355 NL
S 420 N
S 420 NL
S 460 N
S 460 NL
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The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on the cast analysis shall comply with
Table 27.2.1.b.
Table 27.2.1.b. Maximum CE
Type
t 63
0.40
0.43
0.48
0.53
S 275 N/NL
S 355 N/NL
S 420 N/NL
S 460 N/NL
The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.1.c.
Table 27.2.1.c. Maximum P and S content
Type
S275 N, S355 N, S420 N, S460 N
S275 NL, S355 NL, S420 NL, S460 NL
P (max %)
0.035
0.030
S (max %)
0.030
0.025
Table 27.2.1.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.2.1.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
fy
275
355
420
460
S 275 N/NL
S 355 N/NL
S 420 N/NL
S 460 N/NL
Table 27.2.1.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.1.e. Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction, longitudinal (L) or
transversal (T)
Grade
N
NL
Direction
L
T
L
T
20
55
31
63
40
0
47
27
55
34
-40
31
20
-50
27
16
The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C or 50 C for grades N and NL respectively,
unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
All the types and grades of steel in Table 27.2.1.a shall be suitable for welding
using normal processes.
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27.2.2.
S 275
S 355
S 420
S 460
S 275 M
S 275 ML
S 355 M
S 355 ML
S 420 M
S 420 ML
S 460 M
S 460 ML
The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on the cast analysis shall comply with
Table 27.2.2.b.
Table 27.2.2.b. Maximum CE
Nominal thickness t (mm)
Type
t 16
0.34
0.39
0.43
0.45
S 275 M/ML
S 355 M/ML
S 420 M/ML
S 460 M/ML
16 < t 40
0.34
0.39
0.45
0.46
40 < t 63
0.35
0.40
0.46
0.47
63 < t
0.38
0.45
0.47
0.48
The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.2.c.
Table 27.2.2.c. Maximum P and S content
Type
P (max %)
S (max %)
0.035
0.030
0.030
0.025
Table 27.2.2.d gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
Table 27.2.2.d. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
S 275 M/ML
S 355 M/ML
S 420 M/ML
S 460 M/ML
t 40
fy
275
355
420
460
Table 27.2.2.e gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
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Table 27.2.2.e: Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction, longitudinal (L) or
transversal (T)
Grade
M
ML
Direction
L
T
L
T
20
55
31
63
40
0
47
27
55
34
-40
31
20
-50
27
16
The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C or 50 C for grades M and ML respectively,
unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
All the types and grades of steel in Table 27.2.2.a shall be suitable for welding
using normal processes.
27.2.3.
steel)
S 235
S 355
S 235 J0 W
S 235 J2 W
S 355 J0 W
S 355 J2 W
S 355 K2 W
The carbon equivalent value (CE) based on a cast analysis shall be less than or
equal to 0.44 for type S235, and less than or equal to 0.52 for type S 355.
The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.3.b.
Table 27.2.3.b. Maximum P and S content
Type
S235 J0 W, S355 J0 W
S235 J2 W
S355 J2 W, S355 K2 W
P (max %)
0.040
0.040
0.035
S (max %)
0.040
0.035
0.035
Table 27.2.3.c gives the relevant specifications for yield strength fy and ultimate
tensile strength fu for the various types of steel.
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Table 27.2.3.c. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Nominal thickness t (mm)
Type
t 40
S 235 J0W
S 235 J2W
S 355 J0W
S 355 J2W
S 355 K2W
40 < t 80
fy
fu
fy
fu
235
360<fu<510
215
360<fu<510
355
490<fu<680
335
470<fu<630
Table 27.2.3.d gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.3.d. Notch impact value (J)
Grade
J0
J2
K2
(*)
All the steel types listed here may be welded, but their weldability is limited
among various welding processes. The supplier shall therefore advise Project
Management of the recommended processes for welding where necessary. In any
case, the self-protective coating that forms in the area (less than 20 mm) near the
edges of the joint shall be removed prior to welding. It shall be ensured that the weld is
also resistant to atmospheric corrosion.
27.2.4.
Steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition that is usable
for the purposes of this Code corresponds to the types and grades given in Table
27.2.4.a.
Table 27.2.4.a. Steel of high yield strength, in quenched and tempered condition
Type
S 460
Grade
Q
QL
QL1
S 460 Q
S 460 QL
S 460 QL1
The percentages of phosphorus and sulphur in the product analysis shall comply
with Table 27.2.4.b.
Table 27.2.4.b. Maximum P and S content
Type
P (max %)
S (max %)
S460 Q
S460 QL, S460 QL1
0.030
0.025
0.017
0.012
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Table 27.2.4.c gives the relevant specifications for minimum yield strength fy and
ultimate tensile strength fu for these types of steel.
Table 27.2.4.c. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2)
Type
t 40
fy
S 460 Q
S 460 QL
S 460 QL1
460
440
fu
550<fu<720
Table 27.2.4.d gives the notch impact value specifications for the different steel
grades.
Table 27.2.4.d. Notch impact value (J) according to the test direction,
longitudinal (L) or transversal (T)
Grade
Direction
L
T
L
T
L
T
Q
QL
QL1
0
40
30
50
35
60
40
-60
30
27
The values in this table shall be verified using tests conducted on the longitudinal
direction and at a temperature of 20 C, 40 C or 50 C for grades Q, QL and QL1
respectively, unless otherwise stipulated in the Special Technical Specifications.
Due to its chemical composition, and in order to ensure the steel's weldability, the
supplier shall inform Project Management of the alloy elements that have been
incorporated into the steel supplied, together with the recommended procedures for
carrying out welding where necessary.
27.2.5.
Steel with improved resistance to out-off-plane deformation that is usable for the
purposes of this Code is steel that is classified under any of the subsections of this
Section (Section 27) and which also fulfils the minimum values given for reduction of
area in Table 27.2.5, obtained from a tensile test in the direction of thickness.
Table 27.2.5. Minimum grades and values for reduction of area
Grade
Z 15
Z 25
Z 35
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Section 28.
Steel products
Steel structures shall use only the profiles and plates mentioned in this Section,
with the dimensions and tolerances given in each case.
Profiles and plates shall be prepared using the steel specified in Section 27.
Series
Dimensions
Tolerances
IPN sections
UNE 36521
UNE-EN 10024
IPE sections
UNE 36526
UNE-EN 10034
UNE 36524
UNE-EN 10034
UNE 36524
UNE-EN 10034
UNE 36524
UNE-EN 10034
UNE 36522
UNE-EN 10279
UPE sections
UNE 36523
UNE-EN 10279
UNE 36525
UNE-EN 10279
UNE-EN 10056-1
UNE-EN 10056-2
UNE-EN 10056-1
UNE-EN 10056-2
T section
UNE-EN 10055
UNE-EN 10055
Circular
UNE-EN 10060
UNE-EN 10060
Square
UNE-EN 10059
UNE-EN 10059
Rectangular
UNE-EN 10058
UNE-EN 10058
Hexagonal
UNE-EN 10061
UNE-EN 10061
Plate (*)
UNE 36559
UNE 36559
(*) The plate is a flat, rolled product with a width larger than 600 mm, and mainly used as batch
material for the manufacture of flat members. According to its thickness t, it is classified as
medium plate (3 mm t 4.75 mm) or heavy plate (t > 4.75 mm).
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Series
Dimensions
Tolerances
UNE-EN 10210-2
UNE-EN 10210-2
Circular section
Square section
Rectangular section
Elliptical section
Series
Dimensions
Tolerances
UNE-EN 10219-2
UNE-EN 10219-2
Circular section
Square section
Rectangular section
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Standard UNE-EN 10162 sets out the dimensions and tolerances for cold-formed
open sections.
the profiles and plates shall be prepared using steel specified in Section
27;
Section 29.
Fasteners
29.1. General
The fasteners discussed in this Code comprise bolts, nuts and washers for bolted
joints, and the welding consumables.
Standard bolts
High-strength bolts
Grade
4.6
5.6
6.8
8.8
10.9
fyb
240
300
480
640
900
fub
400
500
600
800
1 000
Bolts of a grade lower than 4.6 or higher than 10.9 may not be used without
documented experimental justification that such bolts are adequate for the joint for
which they are intended.
Bolts that are standardised under the standards given in Table 29.2.b are
considered to be usable for the purposes of this Code. For each standardised group of
bolts, the table shows the standards relating to nuts and washers that may be used
with them. The table applies to bolts, nuts and washers for assemblies that are not pre
loaded, in accordance with UNE-EN 15048.
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Standardised hexagonal
nuts
Normal series washers are standardised by UNE-EN ISO 7089, 7090 and 7091;
the small series is standardised by UNE-EN ISO 7092; the large series is standardised
by UNE-EN ISO 7093-1 and 7093-2; and finally, the extra-large series is standardised
by UNE-EN ISO 7094.
Only bolts of grades 8.8 and 10.9. that are standardised according to UNE-EN
14399-1 may be pre-loaded. In such case, the assemblies shall comply with the
applicable parts of UNE-EN 14399: parts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10 for bolts and nuts; parts 5
and 6 for washers.
These are bolts with the shape and dimensional tolerance that after installation
shall remain nominally flush with the outer face of the outer ply.
29.3.2.
Fit bolts
Fit bolts are installed in holes that, when reamed in situ, shall be pre-drilled using
a drill or punch with a diameter at least 3 mm undersized than the final diameter.
Where the bolt has to join several plies, they shall be welded firmly together during the
reaming process.
Reaming shall be carried out with a fixed spindle device; no acidic lubricants may
be used.
29.3.3.
Injection bolts
Injection bolts feature a perforated head into which resin is injected to fill any
gaps between the shank and the hole.
The head of an injection bolt shall have a hole with a minimum diameter of 3.2
mm, to which the needle of the injection device may be fitted. A special washer shall be
used beneath the head of the bolt. The internal diameter of such a washer shall be at
TITLE 3
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least 0.5 mm oversized than the actual diameter of the bolt, and it shall have a
mechanised side. A special slotted washer shall be used underneath the nut.
Tightening of the bolts should be carried out before starting the injection
procedure. This consists of a resin made of two components, the temperature of which
shall fall between 15C and 25C. The joint shall be free of water at the time of
injection.
29.4 Pins
Standard UNE-EN 10083-1 defines the quality of steel for pins that are usable in
joints for steel structures, for the purposes of this Code, with the specifications of yield
strength fyb and ultimate tensile strength fub given in Table 29.4 below.
Table 29.4. Minimum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of steel that may be
used for pins (N/mm2)
State
Name
C 22
C 25
C 30
C 35
C 40
C 45
C 50
C 55
C 60
Standardised
d 16 mm
16 mm < d
100 mm
fyb
fub
fyb
fub
240 430
210
410
260
470
230
440
280
510
250
480
300
550
270
520
320
580
290
550
340
620
305
580
355
650
320
610
370
680
330
640
380
710
340
670
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strain, and notch impact value, which shall not be less than those of the parent material
of which the profiles or plates that will be welded are made.
For the welding of steel with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, the
welding consumables shall have resistance to corrosion at least equivalent to that of
the parent metal, unless otherwise permitted by the designs Special Technical
Specifications.
Section 30.
Protection systems
This Section mainly stipulates the paint types and systems that may be used to
protect steel structures, as well as the technical provisions with which they shall comply
according to the durability required by the protective paint system.
Other protection systems for steel construction that are proven to be effective and
are widely used, such as thermal spraying with zinc or hot-dip galvanization, are
discussed below and in subsections 79.3.1 and 79.3.2.
air-drying paint;
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Exposure
class
C2
C3
C4
C5-I
C5-M
Im1
Im2
Im3
Durability
grade
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Chemical resistance
test (h)
168
168
168
-
Immersion
test (h)
2 000
3 000
2 000
3 000
2 000
3 000
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Water condensation
test (h)
48
48
120
48
120
240
120
240
480
240
480
720
240
480
720
720
1 440
-
page 18
Table 30.3.b. Adherence specifications for paint systems applied to zinc-covered steel
Exposure class
C2
C3
C4
C5-I
C5-M
Durability grade
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
h
240
240
240
240
240
240
240
240
480
240
480
720
240
480
720
The test specimens shall be made of the type of steel that will be used (and,
where needed, with the zinc coating that will be used), and have a minimum size of 150
x 70 mm and thickness as dictated by the test but never less than 2 mm. Test
specimens shall fulfil the preparation and surface state conditions stipulated in UNE-EN
ISO 12944-6.
A test on a specimen is considered to fulfil the specifications of either Table
30.3.a or Table 30.3.b where:
the specimen is classed as 0 or 1 before the test according to UNE-EN ISO
2409. Where the dry-film thickness of the painting system is greater than 250
m, this requirement shall be replaced by a requirement to ensure that the paint
substrate (A/B) does not blow during the adherence test according to UNE-EN
ISO 4624, unless the tensile values are greater than or equal to 5 N/mm2;
the specimen does not show any defects according to the evaluation methods
given in UNE-EN ISO 4628-2 to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5 and it is of class 0 or 1
according to UNE-EN ISO 2409, after testing during the period given in Table
30.3.a or 30.3.b as relevant for the required exposure class and durability
grade. Where the dry-film thickness of the painting system is greater than 250
m, this requirement is also replaced in the same way as in the preceding point.
The condition after the test according to UNE-EN ISO 2409 or according to the
substitution test shall be evaluated after the specimen has been reconditioned
for 24 hours.
The specimen shall be considered as having no defects according to the
evaluation methods given in UNE-EN ISO 4628-2 to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5 when it
satisfies the following requirements:
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-2: blistering 0 (S0);
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-3: Ri oxide 0;
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-4: cracking 0 (S0);
- according to UNE-EN ISO 4628-5: flakiness 0 (S0).
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CHAPTER VII.
Section 31.
DURABILITY
31.1. General
The durability of a steel structure is its capacity to withstand the physical and
chemical conditions to which it is exposed and which may cause it to deteriorate as a
result of effects other than loads considered in the structural analysis, throughout the
design working life.
A durable structure shall comply with a strategy that allows all possible
deterioration factors to be considered and for each phase of the structures design,
execution and use to be acted upon subsequently.
A proper durability strategy shall consider the fact that a structure may have
different structural members that are subjected to different types of environment.
31.1.1.
The design for a steel structure shall include the necessary measures for the
structure to achieve the predetermined working life, in accordance with the conditions
relating to environmental aggressiveness and the type of structure. It shall therefore
include a durability strategy in accordance with the criteria set out in subsection 31.2.
The environmental aggressiveness to which the structure is subjected shall be
identified according to the type of environment, in accordance with subsection 8.2.1.
The report shall justify the selection of exposure classes considered for the
structure. The drawings shall also show the environment type for which each member
has been designed.
The design shall also define structural shapes and details that facilitate the water
drainage and are effective in the light of possible steel corrosion.
Equipment members, such as supports, joins, drains, etc., may have a shorter
working life than the structure itself, so the possibility of adopting design measures that
facilitate the maintenance and replacement of such members during the use phase is
to be examined as needed.
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31.1.2.
High quality on-site work has a decisive influence on whether the structure is
durable.
The durability specifications shall be complied with in full during the execution
phase. Compensation for any effects resulting from failure to comply with any of the
specifications is not permitted.
General requirements
The design shall define the structural layouts, geometric shapes and details
compatible with ensuring suitable durability for the structure. The design shall facilitate
the preparation of surfaces, painting, inspections and maintenance.
The use of structural designs that result in increased susceptibility to corrosion
shall be avoided. It is therefore recommended that structural members be simple in
shape, avoiding excessive complexity, and that the methods for executing the structure
do not reduce the effectiveness of the protective systems used (by damage to the
members during transportation and handling).
Direct contact between steel surfaces and water shall be minimised by avoiding
the formation of water deposits, facilitating the rapid evacuation of water and
preventing water from passing into joined areas. Precautions shall therefore be
adopted, such as avoiding a configuration of horizontal surfaces that encourages water
or dirt to accumulate, eliminating open sections in the upper part that facilitates such
accumulation, filling cavities and holes where water could be retained, and configuring
suitable systems on an oversized scale for the conduction and drainage of water.
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Where the structure has closed areas (accessible interior) or hollow members
(inaccessible interior), it shall be ensured that they are protected effectively against
corrosion. Water shall therefore be prevented from being trapped inside during the
assembly of the structure, the necessary measures for ventilation and drainage
(accessible interiors) shall be taken, and it shall be sealed effectively so that air and
moisture cannot enter inaccessible interiors, by means of continuous welds.
Potential corrosion in narrow openings, blind cracks and overlap joints shall be
avoided by means of an effective seal, which usually consists of continuous welds.
Special attention shall be paid to protection against corrosion of joints, both
bolted (so that the bolts, nuts and washers have the same durability as the rest of the
structure) and welded (ensuring that the surface of the weld is free of imperfections
such as cracks, craters and projections that are difficult to cover effectively when they
are subsequently painted over), and additionally, in the case of backing arrangements
or the execution of notches (on webs, reinforcement, etc.), the need to allow the
surface to be prepared and for the paint to be applied adequately shall be taken into
account (by continuous welding of the intersection between the backing and the
reinforced member, with a minimum radius of 50 mm for the notches and avoiding any
water retention).
The appearance of galvanic coupling, which are produced when there is electrical
continuity between two metals of different electro-chemical potential (such as stainless
steel and carbon steel), shall be avoided by isolating the surfaces of both metals
electrically by means of painting or other procedures.
31.2.2.1.
Surfaces of steel structures that are subjected to a risk of corrosion, and which
are inaccessible for inspections and maintenance and not sealed adequately, shall
initially have suitable protection for the design working life, and the thickness of the
steel resulting strictly from the structural design shall also be increased by an additional
thickness that compensates for the effect of corrosion during the working life.
In the absence of more detailed studies, the additional thickness (increase in
nominal thickness) shall have the following minimum value, expressed in mm per
inaccessible surface and for every 30 years of the working life planned for the
structure:
exposure classes C4 (high corrosive), C5-I and C5-M (very high
corrosive): 1.5 mm;
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provisions of subsection 31.2.2.1 (adequate protection system for the design working
life, and additional steel thickness) shall apply to the internal surfaces of inaccessible
closed sections.
The use of such steel in cases where its surface is supposed to be in contact with
the ground or with water for long periods of time, permanently wet, or subject to a
marine environment with moderate or high salinity, an industrial environment with high
SO3 content, or the presence of deicing salt, requires a detailed examination of whether
it is suitable. The surface of the steel shall be protected in such cases.
31.2.3.
Construction details
Suitable
Discontinuity
Easier to
prepare for
blast
cleaning and
painting
TITLE 3
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Crack
Inadequate (narrow crack that is difficult to protect)
Closed crack
Continuous welds
Better
Steel
Steel
Acute edge
Inadequate
Bevelled edge
Better
Steel
Rounded edge
Suitable
Inadequate
Accumulated dirt
Better
Suitable
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Backing
Web
Notch
Welds
Base flap
For notches, r 50 mm
31.2.4.
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