Re: [CBQ] Re: Burlington Iowa bridge dedication

[qutlx1@aol.com]

Simply as general info to the group.

Corten steel is high in copper compared to other types. It was used in a number of B&LE coal hoppers to reduce corrosion. I also recently learned to my disappointment that it was used in a large number of center beam flat cars in 1990s by national car.

Why a disappointment ? Because the higher copper content is unacceptable as scrap to most steel mills today. It has to go to a low grade product like rebar.

Leo

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 19, 2012, at 9:24 PM, Michael Matalis <mmatalis@sprynet.com> wrote:

 

I actually like the look of Cor-Ten structures, it weathers to a beautiful brown tone. In Chicago both the John Hancock building and the Picasso sculpture use Cor-Ten.  

Thank you kindly,

Michael Matalis

Downers Grove IL

You can see my railroad photography blog at http://www.chasingheavymetal.com/blog/

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On Oct 19, 2012, at 8:31 PM, William Jackson wrote:

Charlie, I ask the question long ago, I would not say it is right. The cost of painting, labor, and preparing the surface does not out weigh the benefit. That was told to me, when I ask why we did not paint bridges any more. I was told by another Chief Engineer, that it was good advertising, it looked like you were in business. I am not trying to justify, just share why, they do not paint bridges, at least in the recent past.

Bill Jackson  

Sent from my iPad

On Oct 19, 2012, at 9:03 PM, "Charlie Vlk" < cvlk@comcast.net> wrote:

I would be surprised to find ANY engineering / materials protection support for the notion (correct or not as a  BN or BNSF decision ) that not painting ordingary steel as protective measure against rust is a good policy.   COR-TEN steel is designed with weathering to develop a protective coating which inhibits oxidation (rust) damage.  It is not designed to be painted.  It is more costly than regular steels and the additional cost is only recovered through the lack of need to paint it.

Charlie Vlk

 

BN quit painting bridges, quite some time ago. The report was it served no purpose in the longevity of the bridge. In some cases it was said to hold moisture which hurt the bridge. I agree with you I would prefer to see paint. Who knows if that is true, most likely it was a money deal.

Bill Jackson 

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