MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Weathering Steel (Corten) Sheet (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm)

Ferrous Sheet
mineral › Metallic › Ferrous Sheet
mineralmetallicweathering-steelcortenWR350structural-steelself-weatheringpatinacorrosion-resistant
ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-FSH-002
Weathering Steel (Corten) Sheet (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
7850 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
19.6 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50-120 years yrs
Description

Weathering steel (commonly known as Corten) is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel that develops a stable, adherent oxide layer (patina) when exposed to atmospheric conditions. This protective rust-like appearance forms over 18-36 months in Australian climates through wet-dry cycles, providing superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional steel. The material is available in multiple thicknesses from 1.5mm to 8.0mm, conforming to AS/NZS 3678 Grade WR350 standards. Australian products include BlueScope REDCOR® steel, offering enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance through copper, chromium, and nickel alloying elements.

Primary Sectors
[Transport & Infrastructure][Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Architectural facades and cladding systems
  • Bridge structures and infrastructure
  • Landscape edging and retaining walls
  • Sculptural and artistic installations
  • Industrial buildings and warehouses
  • Noise barriers and acoustic walls
  • Structural frames in appropriate environments
  • Decorative screens and privacy panels
  • Chimney and exhaust stack construction
  • Mining and agricultural equipment
Recycled Content 25
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 19.6 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 35 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
No painting required - self-protecting patinaLower lifecycle costs than painted steel100% recyclable at end of lifeHigh strength-to-weight ratio (350MPa yield)Excellent aesthetic qualities with natural weathering120+ year design life in appropriate environmentsSuitable for all BAL ratings (AS 3959)Self-healing if scratched or damagedLow maintenance requirementsCSIRO-verified performance in Australian climates
Cautions
Initial rust runoff can stain adjacent materials18-36 months for full patina developmentNot suitable for marine environments <1km from coastRequires drainage - cannot tolerate ponding waterHigher initial cost than carbon steel (20-30% premium)Special welding consumables requiredPatina can transfer to clothing during formationPerformance varies with microclimate conditionsLimited availability in some regional areasRequires experienced detailing for optimal performance
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-FSH-002
Density (Dry) 7850 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 7.85
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 170
Surface Roughness 25 μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good
pH Tolerance 4-10
Compressive Strength 350 MPa
Tensile Strength 480 MPa
Flexural Strength 350 MPa
Shear Strength 210 MPa
Elastic Modulus 200000 GPa
Yield Strength 350 MPa
Impact Resistance 27 J/m
Bearing Capacity 525 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.3
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance High
Thermal Conductivity 50 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.00003 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 450 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 11.7 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1480 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 25
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 5 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 0

Weathering steel was developed by U.S. Steel in the 1930s as COR-TEN (CORrosion resistance-TENsile strength) for railway wagons. First architectural use was the John Deere headquarters (1964). Australian adoption began in the 1970s with mining equipment, expanding to architecture in the 1990s. BlueScope's REDCOR® steel was developed specifically for Australian conditions. CSIRO research (2021) validated performance across Australian climate zones, leading to expanded AS/NZS 3678 coverage up to 80mm thickness.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-FSH-002
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating 0/0/0 hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 19.6 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 35 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 64 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 25%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 95 /100
Skill Level Skilled trade
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 15-25 m²/day hr/m²
Temperature Range -10 to 40°C °C
Humidity Range 20-95% RH %
Required Tools
Plasma cutter or laser cuttingMIG/TIG welding equipmentAngle grinder with cutting discsMagnetic drilling equipmentPPE including gloves (sharp edges)
Certifications Required
AS/NZS 1554 welding certificationWorking at heights
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation in rain (rust staining)Wind limits for crane lifts
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-FSH-002
Material Cost $2800-3500/tonne
Installation Cost $45-65/m²
Annual Maintenance $0.50/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $70-100/m²
Market Availability Good
Lead Time 2-4 weeks weeks
Design Life 50-120 years years
Warranty Period 10-25 years years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection months
Service Temp Range -40 to 500°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 3678 WR350AS/NZS 1594 HW350ACRS certificationISO 14001ResponsibleSteel (selected mills)No health hazardsREACH compliant
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleSuitable for Type A & B construction
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 compliant via AS 4100Deemed-to-satisfy provisionsASTM A588 (equivalent)ASTM A606 Type 4ISO 4952ISO 9223 (corrosion)EN 10025-5 (equivalent)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-MET-FSH-002 Schema: v3.0
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