Proposed ASTM standard to help engineers with stainless steel projects

ASTM Intl., W. Conshohocken, Pa., is creating a consolidated reference guide for engineers and consultants who want to use stainless steel in transportation and construction projects.

“The proposed standard will be a practical guide for engineers to use when plans and specifications are being put together for project approval,” said ASTM member Christopher Hahin, an engineer of structural materials and bridge investigations for the Illinois Department of Transportation. “It will list all kinds of stainless alloys, including austenitic, martensitic, ferritic, and duplex, along with their welding recommendations, as well as tests for preselection.”

The standard is being designed for structural engineering consultants; engineers at federal, state, and local transportation agencies; manufacturers of light pole, sign, and signal structures, as well as bridge fabricators; and other makers of accessories or equipment for bridges and transportation structures.Hahin noted that an appendix to the standard will allow corrosion engineers, stainless steel manufacturers, and testing organizations to contribute new alloys to it. Recommendations for preselection of alloys before they are used for certain applications or locations also can be made.