BS 6349-1:2000 Section 7 —_—_—————— ——e—eEeEeEeEeyx—yyyyE d Copy, (c) BSI ‘The need to control corrosion and to predict losses of metal due to corrosion plays a major part in the selection of the most suitable metal. As an example of this, it might be preferable to provide grade 5 355 steel designed at the stress levels appropriate for grade S 270 steel. This yields a thicker section with a greater allowance for corrosion before the structure is endangered. It might, however, be more appropriate to quantify a specific corrosion allowance from corrosion rates forecast from knowledge of local conditions, Fabrication details should be kept as simple as possible and be designed to avoid corrosion and facilitate maintenance. This applies especially to on-site connections where bi-metallic contacts should be avoided and tolerances should be generous, because of the difficulties associated with working in a maritime environment. For the same reason, as much prefabrication should be undertaken as possible, taking advantage of mechanized welding and pre-installation painting under factory-controlled conditions, provided that these operations are carried out where adequate inspection and supervision are possible. Inadequate or construction-damaged coatings (e.g. from pile driving) could exacerbate corrosion conditions. 010 14:26, Uncontrol It is recommended that a maintenance strategy is developed for all marine structures to ensure that periodic inspection is carried out enabling corrosion or other deterioration to be identified and dealt with at an early stage before it affects the integrity of the structure. 59.2 Structural steel ‘The steels most commonly used in maritime structures are weldable structural steels, which should conform to BS EN 10025 for structural sections, BS EN 10248 for hot rolled sheet piling and for tubular piles, BS EN 10210 for hot formed, and BS EN 10219 for cold formed sections, Steel grades in accordance with BS EN 1025 that are available are: University of Belfast, 14/04/2 Grade $ 275 minimum yield stress 275 Nimmé; Grade $ 355 minimum yield stress 355 Nimm®, Steel sheot piling can also be supplied in steel grades in accordance with BS EN 10248 as follows: Grade $ 270 GP minimum yield stress 270 Nimm*; Grade $ 355 GP minimum yield stress 355 Nimm? 59.2.1 Corrosion rates Marine environments uswally include several exposure zones with differing degrees of aggressiveness, The corrosion performance of marine structures therefore requires separate consideration in each of these zones, The average and upper limit values for the different exposure zones are given in Table 25. The rates apply to each face exposed to the environment of the zone. The rates given in the table should be regarded ‘a8 applicable to uniform or general corrosion and can be used to assess the (theoretical) design life of a structure, 's niversity, The Queen Localized higher rates of corrosion can occur due to several mechanisms; these conditions, applicable corrosion rates and preventative measures are discussed in 59.2.2 on concentrated corrosion. Licensed Copy: Queens Un 212 © BST 24 July 2003,& oO 3 3 < 6 8 5 26 /2010 14: ‘sity, The Queen's University of Belfast, 14/04 Licensed Copy: Queens Unive: Section 7 BS 6349-1:2000 ‘Table 25 — Typical rates of corrosion for structural steels in temperate climates Exposure zone Corrosion rate mmfsidelsear Mean™ Upper Hine [Atmospheric zone: [oT (o10 —above splash zone and where direct wave or spray impingement is infrequent [Splash zone: 0.08 0.17 — above mean high-water to a height depending on mean wave height and exposure to wind Tidal zone: 0.04 0.10 —between mean high-water and mean low-water spring level {Intertidal low water zone: 0.08 loz — between low-water spring and 0.5 m below LAT |Continuous seawater immersion zone: Jo.04 lois — from 0.5 m below LAT to seabed level [Below seabed level or in contact with soil 0.015 max The rate i foreach face exposed t the environment oT the ne She supper list figures are the 95 % probability values. NOTE Concentrated corosion rates are given in 59.22, 59.2.2 Concentrated corrosion In marine environments, accelerated corrosion can be caused locally by several mechanisms, which are outlined in the following list. These forms of accelerated or localized corrosion are referred to as “concentrated corrosion’. a) Repeated removal of the protective corrosion product layer, particularly in the low water or immersion zones by the action of fendering systems, waterborne sands and gravels or repeated stresses. The area where the rust layer is repeatedly removed becomes anodic to the unaffected areas. ) Bi-metallic corrosion, where steel is electrically connected to metals having nobler potentials or where ‘weld metals are significantly less noble than the parent material. ©) Accelerated corrosion in the low water zone associated with microbiological activity, often referred to as Accelerated Low Water Corrosion (ALWC), which has been found in British estuarial waters since the 1980s and also in other parts of the world, Its effect is normally concentrated in discrete areas, within a Tm range, centred between mean low water level and LAT. It is often randomly located along a structure, but where it occurs on sheet piles, attack is generally located at outpan corners and the adjacent web on “zed” sheet pile sections, on outpans on a “U” section, and centrally on straight section piles, Because of the differences in pile section thickness at these corrosion sites, a similar strength section could yield a different life if ALWC occurs. Forms of concentrated corrosion also occur just above seabed level. Concentrated corrosion is unlikely to cause catastrophic global failure of a sheet-piled structure, owing to the continuous nature of such a structure, It may be more critical on a king pile or other structural member. Tfcorrosion of a sheet-piled wall were allowed to continue to the point of perforation, however, loss of retained material could lead to collapse of adjacent. surfacing or structures supported on the backfill. Corrosion rates for concentrated corrosion can be typically 0.5 mm/side/year, averaged over time, to the point of perforation of the member. The corrosion is often of a pitting form, and can be increased, for example by repeated removal of the corrosion products. Rates of 0.8 mmiside/year have been recorded in UK coastal waters. © BSI 24 July 2008 213BS 6349-1:2000 Section 7 59.2.8 Measures against corrosion It is uneconomic to design an entire wall on the basis of concentrated corrosion rates. In situations where concentrated corrosion is likely, therefore, the high rates of corrosion within the affected area should be evaluated by developing a specific solution, using one of the following methods: ontrolled Copy, (c) B: 1) use of a thicker steel section, a higher grade of steel or increase the pile thickness locally by the addition of steel plates; 1b) use of a high quality protective coating ©) use of an electrical bonding system and cathodic protection. (see 66.7); 4) optimization of the design to ensure that high bending moments do not occur where corrosion rates are highest. Further detailed measures are given in clause 66. Itis recommended that, where appropriate, one or more of the measures just described is adopted to provide the desired effective life: or alternatively, a practical in-service repair is designed for implementation after a planned period. Structures should be inspected at regular periods in order that any unusual corrosion activity can be detected at an early stage. It should be noted that it is also possible that physical inspection could encourage corrosion by the removal of localized fouling [see 59.2.2a)]. At an early stage pitting corrosion for ties and anchors that are tension loaded can be of more serious ‘concern, In this ease even small corrosion pits can cause stress concentrations that could promote failure below the nominal design and/or yield stress of the material. Allowance should be made for this. 4539.24 Type of steel Welded connections between structural elements are in common use on maritime structures, either exclusively or in conjunction with bolted connections, so only steels that are suitable for welding should be used. In most cases, welding by manual metal arc is favoured and steels that conform to the relevant British Standard (see 59.2) should be selected, rather than other steels, which might require more specialized welding techniques. 59.2.5 Fracture toughness ‘The generally accepted method of comparing steel fracture toughness with approved standards is by the use of the Charpy V-Notch impact test, carried out in accordance with the relevant British Standard (eee 59.2) for various design minimum tomperatures and various thicknesses. The requirements specified in the relevant British Standard (see 89.2) are adequate for normal maritime structures, but stricter requirements might apply where brittle fracture at low temperatures is of particular concern, Belfast, 14/04/2010 14:26, Unc 59.2.6 Chemical composition ‘The chemical composition limits and cazbon equivalent values specified in the relevant British Standard (see 59.2) are adequate to provide satisfactory weldability for maritime construction where lamellar tearing risks are low. The Queen's University 1 Weather-resistant steels are not recommended for maritime structures, because their better resistance to inland atmospheric corrosion is not realised in the presence of continuously damp or humid chloride-contaminated maritime environments. Steel embedded in concrete is cathodic relative to the same steel in seawater. Rapid corrosion therefore ‘occurs at the interface of a partly embedded member. In such cases, special precautions should be taken. Chemical composition of steel has less influence on corrosion rates in maritime environments than physical factors, such as the roughness of the surface finish of the steel and the presence of holes and corners that allow re-entry, all of which tend to promote the formation of galvanic corrosion cells. It should be recognized that heterogeneity of any kind in the materials ofa structure can lead to the formation of electrolytic cells and to one material being sacrificed to the other. For example, cold worked metals have a higher potential than unworked metals of the same chemical composition and are, therefore, anodic to the latter. Cold working can result from impact damage and this should be remembered when making repairs to existing structures. eens University, y: Qi ‘Op’ Where set-on connections are made by welding, lamellar tearing can occur. In such cases, requirements additional to the properties specified in the relevant British Standard (see 59.2) should be added to the steel specification, ‘These usually take the form of guaranteed through-thickness reduction of area values. 2u4 © BSI 24 July 2003, Licensed