In May 2022, ArcelorMittal International was awarded the highest rating at Singapore Green Building Council’s Leadership in Sustainability awards. The certificate acknowledges ArcelorMittal’s HISTAR® high strength structural steels for their outstanding sustainability due to the usage of 100% scrap steel and the EAF production route.

ArcelorMittal awarded the highest rating

In Singapore, as in many countries, the government is pushing hard for sustainability. Buildings in Singapore account for over 20% of carbon emissions and consume more than a third of the nation’s electricity. Singapore is already one of the most solar-dense cities in the world, but this is not enough. All efforts by companies, especially in the construction sector, must be encouraged and the most efficient solutions rewarded.

The Singapore Green Building Council’s Leadership in Sustainability awards recognise professionals, organisations, and construction projects that have made significant contributions to the development of a green, sustainable built environment.

ArcelorMittal International was among the 20 winners of the year and was awarded the highest rating.

Singapore Green Building certification for ArcelorMittal’s HISTAR®

ArcelorMittal International received the Singapore Green Building Product Certificate SGBP 4275 from Singapore Green Building Council for HISTAR®.

“This certification shows that ArcelorMittal is environmentally responsible. It is a great recognition for our efforts towards carbon neutral steel,” says Tan Yi Zhou, Technical Sales and Business Development, ArcelorMittal International. “I would also like to highlight that ArcelorMittal is the only steel supplier on the list that has structural steel beams and columns certified by SGBC with a 4-tick certificate.”

90% reduction with the perfect low carbon partners: HISTAR® and XCarb® recycled and renewably produced

ArcelorMittal International received the SGBP 4275 certificate for ArcelorMittal steel manufactured according to the ETA-10/0156 standard. With 100% scrap steel used in the electric arc furnace route, HISTAR® emits 524kg CO2/tonne for the life cycle analysis modules A1-A3.

ArcelorMittal can even go one step further in decarbonising HISTAR® steel products by manufacturing them with renewably produced electricity with the XCarb® recycled and renewably produced label. When lean design using high strength HISTAR® sections is combined with XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel, designers can find the perfect low carbon solution. Pairing a low embodied carbon manufacturing process with high strength steel can deliver carbon reductions of up to 90% (for HISTAR® 460).

Therefore, the next step for ArcelorMittal International in Singapore is to obtain another certificate to differentiate XCarb® recycled and renewably produced (with its low CO2e emissions at 333kg CO2/tonne) from the current SGBP 4-tick certified steels at 524kg CO2/tonne.

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
ArcelorMittal

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Text:
Jerome Guth, ArcelorMittal Europe - Flat Products - Product Marketing
Georges Axmann, ArcelorMittal Europe - Long Products - Sales & Marketing

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©ArcelorMittal Europe
©Gilles Martin, Courtesy of Infosteel
©Paul Kozlowski/ACAUM - Atelier BETTINGER DESPLANQUES Architectes Associés

Since the 1970s, the use of weathering steels, also known as corten or COR-TEN steels (for corrosion resistance and tensile strength), has spread through Europe. Engineers appreciate its corrosion resistance in combination with high strength steels. Weathering steels help reduce maintenance costs while lightening structures - especially useful for bridges. Architects like the expressiveness of this material (often used for facades) and its ability to fit into urban landscapes and natural environments. Additionally, the environmental footprint is greatly improved with the use of weathering steels due to the absence of coating. This article will describe the processes leading to the self-protecting behaviour of weathering steels.

Why are weathering steels corrosion resistant?

When weathering steel is exposed to the ambient atmosphere it develops an initial layer of iron oxide in the same way as carbon steel. The rate of oxidisation depends on how much oxygen, moisture, and atmospheric contaminants can access the surface of the metal. In the initial stages, a complex mix of iron oxides covers the surface to create a layer of rust. As the process progresses, the rust layer forms a barrier against the corrosive agents and the rate of corrosion slows. On a standard low alloy carbon steel, this iron oxide layer is porous. Over time, the layer detaches from the surface of the metal and the corrosion process starts again. The oxidation rate progresses in increments that depend on weather conditions and the chemical and mechanical aggressiveness of the environment. It can end with the complete destruction of the metal.

To increase the resistance of weathering steels to corrosion, alloying elements such as copper, phosphorous, nickel, or chromium are incorporated into the steel. These alloys lead to the formation of an oxide layer which remains stable and adheres to the metal's surface. A so-called 'patina' thus develops as the weathering steel is exposed to alternate wetting and drying cycles. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the patina creates a protective barrier which impedes the further access of oxygen, moisture, and pollutants into the steel. This results in a much lower corrosion rate than that of unalloyed steels.

Conditions for long lasting protection

No constant humidity
If it is left in permanently wet or damp conditions, weathering steel will oxidise like any other unprotected carbon steel. A succession of wet and dry phases is mandatory to form a stable oxide layer on the surface. Weathering steels should not be used in:

• Sheltered locations with damp conditions
• Permanent contact with water. Welded structures require special attention to avoid the retention of water.
• Soil or covered by vegetation

Weathering steels used in these locations should be protected with paint. The paint must extend above the level of the water, soil, or vegetation.

No aggressive atmosphere
High concentrations of chloride ions negatively affect patina adherence. According to EN ISO 9223, weathering steels should not be used within two kilometres of coastal waters unless airborne chloride levels do not exceed the salinity classification S2 (Cl < 300mg/m 2/day). Direct contact between weathering steels and de-icing salts used on roads should be avoided.

No atmospheric pollution
Air-borne pollutants and industrial fumes can affect patina development. Corrosion is much higher if the metal surface is covered by solid particles such as dust or dirt. These particles can retain moisture and salts. In an industrial atmosphere, large amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO2) are detrimental to the compactness of the patina. EN ISO 9223 advises that weathering steels should not be used without protection in environments above P3 (SO2 > 200mg/m 2/day).

ArcelorMittal's weathing steel

ArcelorMittal has more than 80 years of experience in producing weathering steels. It started in the 1930s when the company Denain-Anzin created ‘InDA steel,’ the first copper-phosphorous steel. ArcelorMittal has continued the production of this type of steel, now called lndaten®. Its chemical composition has been improved to achieve better strength and corrosion resistance. lndaten® is supplied in flat formats such as heavy plates or steel coils. They are used to create facade elements, flat panels, blades, solar shading elements, profiled sheets, framing, or containers. In the 1970s, ArcelorMittal began to produce Arcorox® branded weathering steel for long products such as hot-rolled I and H sections, channels, and angles. Its use spread rapidly as the European infrastructure market began to grow.

The branded weathering steels grades produced by ArcelorMittal meet the requirements of EN 10025-5 and are CE marked.

Multiple uses and unique aesthetics

The first major work using weathering steels was realised by Eero Saarinen who designed the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, USA in 1960. Since then, weathering steel has been used in various outdoor steel applications: bridges, buildings, railway cars, and even works of art! Today, this material continues to create enthusiasm among designers thanks to its unique aesthetic and technical benefits.

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The European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) has released a new European Design Guide for the Use of Weathering Steel in Bridge Construction.

Fundamental updates

A vital element of Europe’s transport infrastructure, bridges also play a major role in connecting countries, representing cultures and functioning as landmarks. Generally in bridge construction, weathering steel provides the most cost-effective and environmental benefits with similar mechanical properties to structural steel.

This design guide updates the ECCS design guide from 2001 – The Use of Weathering Steel in Bridges. The last 20 years have seen the Eurocodes become recognised throughout Europe in addition to many other weathering steel construction standards coming into force. In addition, thanks to practical application and research projects, extensive new knowledge of weathering steel has been garnered. As such, the new European Design Guide for the Use of Weathering Steel in Bridge Construction offers a plethora of vital information. The design guide can be downloaded for free in an electronic version here.

Text:
Constructalia

Images:
ArcelorMittal Europe
Xavier Font Solà
ECCS

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