Evaluation method for time-dependent corrosion depth of uncoated weathering steel using thickness of corrosion product layer

The corrosion environments in a steel structure are significantly different depending on the individual parts of the members. To ensure the safety of weathering steel structures, it is important to evaluate the time-dependent corrosion behavior. Thus, the progress and effect of corrosion damage on weathering steel members should be evaluated; however, the predicted corrosion depth, which is affected by the corrosion environment, has not been sufficiently considered until now. In this study, the time-dependent thicknesses of the corrosion product layer were examined to quantifiably investigate and determine the corrosion depth of the corroded surface according to the exposure periods and corrosion environments. Thus, their atmospheric exposure tests were carried out for 4 years under different corrosion environments. The relationship between the thickness of the corrosion product layers and mean corrosion depth was examined based on the corrosion environment. Thus, the micro corrosion environments on the skyward and groundward surfaces of the specimens were monitored using atmospheric corrosion monitor sensors. In addition, the evaluated mean corrosion depth was calculated based on the thickness of the corrosion product layer in an atmospheric corrosion environment, and was verified through a comparison with the measured mean corrosion depth.