Strength of Material

Corrosion

Definition and Elements

● Corrosion is a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable
form such as oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide.
● It is the gradual destruction of materials (usually a metal) by chemical and/or electrochemical
reaction with their environment
● In the most common use of the word, this means electrochemical oxidation of metal in
reaction with an oxidant such as oxygen or sulfates. 
● Rusting, the formation of iron oxides, is a well-known example of electrochemical corrosion.
This type of damage typically produces oxide(s) or salt(s) of the original metal and results in
a distinctive orange colouration.
● Corrosion can also occur in materials other than metals, such as ceramics .
● Corrosion degrades the useful properties of materials and structures including strength,
appearance and permeability to liquids and gases.

Galvanising

● Galvanising is the process of applying a coating of zinc to steel, in order to protect it

against corrosion.
● The most common method used for the majority of sizes of steel members or
fabrications is hot dip galvanising 
● This involves the entire immersion of the steel product into a bath of molten zinc.
● This process is used to stop the formation of rust through oxidation, hydroxidaton and
sulfidation
● It is an extremely versatile and easy means of providing corrosion protection for
construction materials exposed to atmospheric conditions.

Metal Beams

● I-beam
● H-Beam
● U or Channel-beam
● Square tube-beam
● Lintel

I-beam and H-Beam

● Most common beam used in construction and frame structures

● Used for spanning gaps and is referred to as beam because it is placed horizontally.
● Uses both compression and tensile force
● Rigid, strong, cost effective and is flexible and bendable
● Loses no structural ability because of its shape
 ● H-Beam is I-Beam turned 90 degrees does not function as well as I beam when used in same
circumstances and manner

U-Beam

● Shaped in a standard U shape, also referred to as a C beam when it is turned on its side
● Used as a means of joining member to one another by simple means of fitting and securing. This
allows for little to no drilling or other forms of connection
● U-Beams are cost effective and allow for frame structures to be joined
● Are not used often for support or absorbing weights, loads and forces

Square Tube Beam

● Square tubes are formed from coils of steel and run through a process converting them
into hollow quadrated beams.
● They are welded from the inside to form their shape.
●  Square tubes are generally used for maintenance and structural purposes.
● Some examples of applications would be building construction, railings, and signposts.

Mass and Density

The difference between the two