September 2, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO - The American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Steel Bridge Alliance are seeking proposals for a reference manual that lays out the design, detailing, and maintenance of uncoated weathering steel (UWS) in bridge applications.

Proposals for this research project are due September 30, 2020.

"The simple fact that uncoated weathering steel (UWS) isn't an applied coating system and doesn't require application and drying time in the fabrication shop makes it the most economical and efficient corrosion protection strategy for steel bridges," said NSBA Director of Market Development Jeff Carlson, PE.   

When properly designed and detailed, bridges made of unpainted weathering steel can achieve service lives of up to 120 years with minimal maintenance. This high-strength, low-alloy steel forms a tightly adhering patina during its initial exposure to the elements. The patina is essentially an oxide film of corrosion by-products about the same thickness as a heavy coat of paint. 

Additional information, including the criteria by which AISC will evaluate proposals and details on funding, is available at aisc.org/technical-resources/research/research-proposals/.