Rust layer adhesion capability and corrosion behavior of weathering steel under tension during initial stages of simulated marine atmospheric corrosion

This paper presents an investigation into the adhesion capability of rust layer under tension, which is formed on weathering steel (WS) in simulated marine atmosphere. The electrochemical response of pre-rusted WS specimens after tension was employed to explore insights into the corrosion behavior after cracking or delaminating of rust layer. The rust layer formed on Q420qNH exhibited the stronger adhesion capability than Q420qNHY. The steel presented a gradually accelerated corrosion process as increasing external load. The 0.9fy for Q420qNH and 0.8fy for Q420qNHY were suggested as the critical stress for the durability design of WS bridges in coastal areas.