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Is Core-Ten Steel Used In Large "I Beams"?

The F.F.F. is a non-profit, charitable organization. Would you please tell me if (if you know) the Preforming Arts Center (in Miami Florida) is made of Core-ten steel and is Core-ten steel used in "I beams"? The Preforming Arts Center sits directly on the bay and is rusting since work has been stopped a few months ago.

Thank you.

Neil F [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
2004

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I don't know about that building but it does sound like Corten. I-beams and other structural steel shapes are made with corten and they tend to "bleed" for some time until the rust reaches the depth that it supposedly stops rusting. In reality it takes 4 to 5 times longer to rust then steel as far as I have read anyway. The Bleeding effect has caused many people to go with steel and paint it. A harsh environment will also hurt Corten such as salt water.

Hope this helped.

Drew Y [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
handmade steel works - Park Forest, Illinois, USA
2004

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I am working with a public school client in the Gulf Coast region. The school district has several lighted football fields. The light poles are made of core-ten steel and are at least a couple of decades old. The poles appear to be in good condition, although, they display minor, yet consistent, pitting on the surface. There is no scaling or penetrating rust that I am aware of.

My question is in regard to the expected useful life of a core-ten steel lighting pole. How long does this material last before it should be replaced? I realize that the rusting process provides a natural protection for the base metal, however, does the rusting process eventually "wear" the metal away to be too thin to be reliable?

Alton A [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
Architect - Houston, Texas
2006