Welcome!

Understanding Corrosion

Live Webinar | May 26, 2021

Credit Information

Simpson Strong-Tie is accredited by the

International Association for Continuing
Education and Training (IACET) and is
accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
This webinar offers .1 CEU (1 hour).

Understanding Corrosion 2
Look for this Email

Download your
Attendance Certificate

Access the Test for

CEUs

Understanding Corrosion 3
Agenda

1 What is Corrosion and What are the Drivers?

2 Types of Corrosion

3 Building Code Requirements and Corrosion Evaluation

4 Simpson Strong-Tie Corrosion Recommendations

5 Q&A

Understanding Corrosion 4
Why Corrosion Matters?

Builder

Manufacturer Engineer

Understanding Corrosion 5
The Cost of Corrosion
Cost includes:
• Equipment and structural replacement Estimated cost of
• Loss of product corrosion in the US

• Maintenance and repair $276 billion

• Corrosion control
• Technical support
Cost of corrosion
• Design makes up
• Insurance
3.1% of GDP
• Parts and equipment

Source: Handbook of Environmental Degradation of Materials. 2005, Pages 3-24

Understanding Corrosion 6
Today’s Presenter

Robert Leichti
Senior R&D Engineering
Manager, Fastening Systems
Simpson Strong-Tie

Understanding Corrosion 7
What is Corrosion and
What are the Drivers?
Atmospheric and Embedment or Direct Contact
CORROSION

cor·ro·sion (kə-rō′zhən)

Corrosion can be defined as the destruction of a solid body

through an unintentional chemical or electrochemical action
starting at the surface.

Understanding Corrosion 9
Fundamentals of Corrosion (Continued)

Usually corrosion is a set of redox reactions that are electrochemical in nature.

Metal is oxidized to corrosion products at anodic sites:
M ↔ M+2 + 2e-
and hydrogen is reduced at cathodic sites,
2H+ + 2e- ↔ H2
Then the overall reaction is written as:
M + 2H+ ↔ H2 + M2+

* Except for “precious” metals, such as gold, metals in a refined state are in an unstable
higher energy sate than the native ores. Corrosion is an energy pathway to revert to a lower
energy state.

Understanding Corrosion 10
Natural Driver – Atmospheric and Environmental Exposures

Wet and
rainy
conditions
Freeze-
thaw
conditions

Understanding Corrosion 11
Natural Driver – Atmospheric Exposure

Chloride Deposition

1Source: Tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov, NGOFS - Mobile Bay Salinity Nowcast

2Source: nadp.slh.wisc.edu, Total Deposition Maps

Understanding Corrosion 12
Natural Driver – Community

Corrosion Life
expectancies for
galvanized
products

Source: Corrosion-doctors.org/Corrosion-Atmospheric/
Understanding Corrosion 13
Embedment and Direct Contact Exposure

• Fasteners embedded in wet or chemically treated wood

• Anchors and connectors embedded in concrete that is contact with soil or exposed
to deicing salts or salt water.

Understanding Corrosion 14
Corrosion in Wood

Corrosion in wood differs from atmospheric corrosion.

• Galvanized steel corrodes more rapidly than carbon steel when in contact with wood because the
passivation layer cannot form on zinc.

• Long-term corrosion kinetics are different in wood than in atmosphere.

Moisture content affects the corrosion

kinetics in wood. This is the reason that
we differentiate between wet and dry
service in the corrosion recommendations.

Understanding Corrosion 15
Corrosion in Concrete
Water
Water can enter from under the anchor head or by
penetrating through the side of the concrete.

Salt
In marine environments, salt from rain can enter
under the anchor head or through the side of the
concrete.

Chemicals and Cleaning Agents

Where chemicals and cleaning agents are present,
corrosive products can enter under the anchor head
or penetrate through the sides of the concrete.

Understanding Corrosion 16
Types of Corrosion
Types of Corrosion

There are four primary types of corrosion in building construction.

Direct Attack Pitting corrosion on Galvanic from Stress Corrosion

stainless steel dissimilar metals Cracking

Understanding Corrosion 18
Type 1 – Direct Attack Corrosion
• Occurs in atmospheric exposures or as a result of embedment in a corrosive
medium.
• Atmosphere includes oxygen, water vapor, contaminates, and in some locations
saline or chlorine compounds.
• Embedment includes time of wetness and direct
contact with corrosive materials, such as wood treatment chemicals.
• Severity is a function of time of wetness and form of water, and contaminates.

Understanding Corrosion 19
Type 2 – Pitting Corrosion

• Often found on passive metals and is aggressive

• A particular problem for stainless steels
• Often accompanied by tea staining, which is not a strength-
reducing corrosion

Understanding Corrosion 20
Stainless Steel Corrosion

Pitting corrosion Tea staining

Understanding Corrosion 21
Stainless Steel Constituent Elements

UNS Alloy Elements in Stainless Steel (%)

AISI Type
Designation Cr Ni Cu Mo
S30200 302 18 9 1.0 ---
S30400 304 19 9 1.0 ---
S30500 305 18 11.8 1.0 ---
S31600 316 17 12 1.0 2.5
S31603 316L 17 12 --- 2.5
S41000 410 12.5 --- --- ---

Alloy elements are shown for range mid points.

Other alloy elements include (<2.5%): C, Mg, N, P, S, Si
Balance of content: Fe

ASTM A493-16, Standard specification for stainless steel wire and wire
rods for cold heading and cold forging

Understanding Corrosion 22
Stainless Steel Passivation

Stainless steel has an invisible chromium oxide layer on its surface that is
only a few molecules thick. The chromium oxide layer forms naturally when
the stainless steel surface is exposed to air,

4Cr + 3O2 2Cr2O3

•Passivation makes the surface non-reactive
•Passivation is a two step process:
Remove free iron from the surface with an acid wash
Use a strong oxidizer to force the formation of the chromium oxide film

Understanding Corrosion 23
Type 3 – Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion occurs when CORRODED END
dissimilar metals are in contact in the (Anodic or less noble)
Magnesium
presence of an electrolyte Zinc
(water). When this happens, the more Aluminum
anodic metal is corroded. Steel
Lead
Tin
Galvanic corrosion is a function of Nickel
environmental conditions and electrical Brass
differential. Bronzes
Copper
Stainless Steel
(passive)
Silver
Gold
Platinum
(Cathodic or more noble)
PROTECTED
END

Understanding Corrosion 24
Source: American Galvanizers Assoc. 2021
Type 3 – Galvanic Corrosion (Continued)
Guidelines for Selection of Fasteners Based on Potential Galvanic Action

Fastener Metal
Martensitic Austenitic
Zinc and Aluminum and Steel and Cast Brasses, Copper,
Base Metal Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Galvanized Steel aluminum alloys Iron Bronzes, Monel
(Type 410) (Type 300)
Zinc and Galvanized Steel A B B C C C
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys A A B C NOT RECOMMENDED B
Steel and Cast Iron AD A A C C B
Terne (Lead-Tin) Plated Steel Sheets ADE AE AE C C B
Brasses, Copper, Bronzes, Monel ADE AE AE A A B
Ferritic Stainless Steel (Type 410) ADE AE AE A A A
Austenitic Stainless Steel (Type 300) ADE AE AE AE A A
Key

A The corrosion of the base metal is not increased by the fastener.

B The corrosion of the base metal is marginally increased by the fastener.

C The corrosion of the base metal may be markedly increased by the fastener material.

D The plating of the fastener is rapidly consumed, leaving the bare fastener metal.

E The corrosion of the fastener is increased by the base metal.

Note: Surface treatment and environment can change activity.

Source: AISI
Understanding Corrosion 25
 Type 4 – Stress Corrosion Cracking and Hydrogen Embrittlement

• SCC is a term that describes the combined effect of tensile stresses and corrosive environment
where the cracking is driven by localized corrosion and external and internal stresses.
• Hydrogen embrittlement involves a crack formed by mechanical failure of combined action of tensile
stresses and embrittlement caused by hydrogen penetration in the metal

Direction of crack Direction of crack

propagation propagation

H H
σ M++ σ Tensile σ σ Tensile
M++ Stress Stress

Anodic dissolution at Hydrogen atoms

the tip of the crack penetration

Stress Corrosion Cracking Hydrogen Embrittlement

Source: Jastrzebski 1976
Understanding Corrosion 26
Type 4 – Stress Corrosion Cracking (Continued)

• Necessary elements for SCC:

1. Tension (or bending) stress above the critical
threshold
2. Hardened, high strength steel
3. Environmental H

• Frequently referred to as Hydrogen-assisted

Stress Corrosion Cracking (HASCC).

Location: 12
Magnification: 1000x
8/2014

Understanding Corrosion 27
Building Code Requirements
and Corrosion Evaluation
Building Code Requirements and Corrosion Evaluation

IBC and IRC specify commodity corrosion resistant products while ICC-ES provides
evaluation protocols for chemicals and corrosion effects and resistance.

Understanding Corrosion 29
Corrosion Testing and Evaluation

Accelerated Testing Evaluation of Corrosion Assessing Corrosion Effects

• ASTM B117 – Operating • ASTM D610 – Evaluating • ASTM G198 – Determining

Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus the Degree of Rusting on the Relative Corrosion
Painted Steel Surfaces Performance of Driven
• ASTM G85 – Modified Salt Fasteners in Contact with
Spray (Fog) Testing Treated Wood

• AWPA E12 – • ICC-ES AC257 – Corrosion-

Determining the Corrosion Resistant Fasteners and
Evaluation of Corrosion
Rate of Metal in Contact
Effects of Wood Treatment
with Treated Wood Chemicals

Understanding Corrosion 30
IBC 2021
IBC section Content
2304.10.6.1 Fasteners and connectors for PT wood shall be HDG (ASTM A153), SS
(ASTM F1667), SB, or Cu. Staples shall be SS; fasteners other than nails,
staples, T-rivets, screws (wood and lag) shall be permitted to be MG (ASTM
B695, Class 55). Connectors used in exterior and in contact with PT wood
shall be at least ASTM G653, Type 185.
EXCEPTIONS: Plan carbon steel fasteners SBX/DOT treated wood in dry,
interior applications.
Fastenings for wood foundations include nuts and washers shall be per
2304.10.6.2
AWC PWF.
Fasteners for FRT wood in EXERIOR and WET applications shall be HDG,
SS, SB, or Cu. Staples shall be SS. Fasteners other than nails, staples, T-
2304.10.6.3
rivets, and screws (wood and lag) shall be permitted to be MG (ASTM
B695, Class 55)
Fasteners for FRT wood in INTERIOR and DRY conditions per
2304.10.6.4
recommendations or rely on sections 2304.10.6.3.

Understanding Corrosion 31
IRC 2021
IRC Section Content
R317.3 Fasteners for PT wood shall be HDG (ASTM A153), SS (ASTM F1667), SB, or
R317.3.1 Cu. Staples shall be SS. Coating for connectors shall be in accordance with
recommendations, not less than ASTM G653.
EXCEPTIONS:
• ½” diameter of greater steel bolts
• Fasteners other than nails, staples and T-rivets permitted to be MG per ASTM
B695, Class 55
• Plan carbon steel in SBX/DOT and Zn-borate treated wood in interior dry service.
R317.3.2 Fastening for wood foundations shall be as required by AWC PWF.

R317.3.3 Fasteners for FRT wood in EXTERIOR or wet conditions – HDG, SS, SD, or Cu;
fasteners other than nails staples, T-rivets are permitted to be MG per ASTM B695,
Class 55
R317.3.4 Fasteners for FRT wood in INTERIOR or DRY conditions – use manufacturer
recommendations or rely on section R317.3.3.

Understanding Corrosion 32
Miami-Dade

Checklist Content

#1095 for Certification of Roofing Corrosion resistance in compliance with

Fasteners and Batten Plates TAS 114, Appendix E, Section 2 (ASTM
G85)

Screws – 1000 hrs

Nails and tin caps – 280 hrs

Less than 5% red rust

Understanding Corrosion 33
Building Code Recognitions – Chemical Treatments for Wood

AWPA U1 ICC-ES AC326

• IBC-21 and IRC-21 reference AWPA U1-
16
• Referenced treatments – ACC, ACQ(A-D),
ACZA, CA(B, C), CCA, and 6 other
waterborne chemicals
• CA-B and CA-C are dissolved copper
formulations with azoles
• MCA is the micronized copper formulation
with azoles (not included in AWPA U1)
• Basis of recognition is 104.11 in IBC-21
and R104.11 in IRC-21.
• Reason for development is to allow
evaluation of proprietary wood
preservatives for resistance to decay and
termites because the codes do not
provide methods or performance
requirements.
• Does not extend to AWPA UC5.

Acronyms
ACC: Acid Copper Chromate – ACQ: Alkaline Copper Quat – ACZA: Ammoniacal Cu Zn Arsenate
CCA: Chromated Copper Arsenate – CA: Copper Azole

Understanding Corrosion 34
AWPA U1-16 – Use Category System

American Wood Protection Association (AWPA)

Standardized chemicals and chemical retentions for various uses that are
described in the Use Category System as laid out in AWPA U1.

Understanding Corrosion 35
Service Conditions for use Category Designations
Understanding Corrosion 36
Service Conditions for use Category Designations - Continued
Understanding Corrosion 37
ICC-ES AC326

• 11 proprietary wood
preservative treatments
• Provides common
requirements
• Retention
• Retention assay
• Marking/labeling
• Test methods and
performance

Understanding Corrosion 38
Understanding Corrosion 39
ICC-ES AC257

Provides Protocols to Establish

• Corrosion effects of wood treatment
chemicals
• Corrosion resistance of alternate
coatings and materials for fasteners
• Basis of recognition is 104.11 in IBC-
21 and R104.11 in IRC-21.
• Proposed revision includes evaluation
of corrosion resistance of mechanical
anchors

Understanding Corrosion 40
Understanding Corrosion 41
Corrosion
Recommendations
Developed by Simpson Strong-Tie ®
Corrosion issues for Simpson products generally
fall into four categories:

1 Environmental & Construction Factors

2 Chemically Treated Lumber How can you

3 Dissimilar Metals and Galvanic Corrosion
prevent these
issues?
4 Hydrogen-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

Understanding Corrosion 43
Corrosion issues for Simpson products generally
fall into four categories:
1 Environmental & Construction Factors
2 Chemically Treated Lumber
3 Dissimilar Metals and Galvanic Corrosion
4 Hydrogen-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Consider the importance of the connection.
• Consider environmental factors when selecting
Simpson product coatings or materials.
• Design, quality of construction, and
misinstallation can directly affect the corrosion
resistance of products.
Understanding Corrosion 44
Corrosion issues for Simpson products generally
fall into four categories:

1 Environmental & Construction Factors • See building code requirements and

evaluation reports for corrosion effects and
2 Chemically Treated Lumber corrosion resistance recommendations.
• PTW supplier should provide AWPA Use
3 Dissimilar Metals and Galvanic Corrosion
Category, species group, treatment
chemical, and chemical retention.
4 Hydrogen-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

Understanding Corrosion 45
Corrosion issues for Simpson products generally
fall into four categories:
1 Environmental & Construction Factors
2 Chemically Treated Lumber
3 Dissimilar Metals and Galvanic Corrosion
4 Hydrogen-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Good detailing practice can reduce the
possibility of galvanic corrosion of fasteners
and connectors:
• Use fasteners/anchors/connectors with
similar electrochemical properties
• Use insulating materials to separate
dissimilar metals
• Ensure that the fastener or anchor is the
cathode when dissimilar connector metals
are present
Understanding Corrosion 46
Corrosion issues for Simpson products generally
fall into four categories:

1 Environmental & Construction Factors • Some hardened fasteners may experience

premature failure if exposed to moisture.
2 Chemically Treated Lumber
• Only use these fasteners in dry-service
conditions.
3 Dissimilar Metals and Galvanic Corrosion

4 Hydrogen-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

Understanding Corrosion 47
Guidelines for Selecting Materials and Coatings
Step 1 – Evaluate the Corrosion Conditions

Dry service Wet service Elevated service

?
Uncertain
Ocean/water front
service

Understanding Corrosion 48
Guidelines for Selecting Materials and Coatings
Step 2 – Determine Your Corrosion Resistance Classification
Corrosion Resistance Classifications

Understanding Corrosion 49
Coatings and Materials Available for Connectors

Understanding Corrosion 50
Coatings and Materials Available for Fasteners

51
Summary
Summary
 Corrosion matters
 Drivers are exposure in air and embedment
 Four forms of corrosion in construction can
be prevented
 Codes and standards identify specific
requirements for corrosion resistance
 Products can have corrosion resistance
recognitions
 Simpson provides guidance for corrosion
protection

Understanding Corrosion 53
Resources
Visit strongtie.com/corrosion Corrosion info in each catalog

Understanding Corrosion 54
Q&A