The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association and the International Molybdenum Association have created a computer program based on the Site and Design Evaluation System described in the IMOA publication "Which Stainless Steel Should be Specified for Exterior Applications". The computer program allows the architectural specifier and designer to determine which stainless steel is the most cost effective choice for a particular outdoor location and application.

Today, stainless steel is a material commonly used in architecture; however, this is a comparatively recent phenomenon. It was first used for construction purposes in New York in 1929 in such iconic buildings as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Its use in architecture has develop rapidly ever since.

This is the first in a series of BSSA presentations for architects which forms part of a Continuing Professional Development  (CPD) programme for architects. It introduces the most common grades of stainless steel used in construction and illustrates the wide range of surface finishes currently available. Note that on-line registration to IVOX is required prior to viewing.

As part of an urban regeneration project in Barcelona, the local authority set itself the ambitious goal of restructuring and reinvigorating a long neglected district in the east of the city.

A cleaning frequency or schedule for external or various architectural application site types is shown and covers grades 1.4016 (430) 1.4301 (304) and 1.4401 (316). The sites include rural urban and coastal (marine). Cleaning suggestions for a range of situations are made.

Stainless Steels are inherently corrosion resistant materials that do not need additional surface protection to enhance their appearance and durability. Some routine maintenance and cleaning is needed to keep stainless steel surfaces in good condition so that the aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance are not compromised.

Stainless Steel 'Tea Staining'

Stainless steel doorbell panels with intercom and video function can be an exciting and interesting contrast on older buildings.

To relieve traffic congestion in the old city of Toledo, a new car park with space for 400 cars was built at the bottom of the hill. An escalator system was designed to bridge the 36-metre height difference up to the town centre.

In industrial, pharmaceutical and catering applications, drainage systems have to meet the toughest standards of safety and hygiene. And they have to be cost-effective. For these reasons stainless steel is generally the material of choice for floor gullies, drains and grating.

Flue systems have to be able to withstand the stresses caused by combustion products. Stainless steel stands up well to corrosion stresses over a long period of time.

This paper presents an overview of the design guidance which has become available as a result of this research and summarises proposed new developments, thereby providing a glimpse into the future.

This excerpt from the ISSF Book of New Applications 2006, gives more information on applications in the building and construction sector.

The following applications have been included:

·         Stainless steel "sail" for building

·         Roofing and dewatering system

·         Indoor cladding for concert hall

·         Platform screen door

·         Hydrometer

·         Spikes to prevent birds

This excerpt from the ISSF Book of New Applications 2007, gives more information on applications in the building and construction sector.

The following are included here:

·         Mediamesh

·         Protective wall rail

·         Stratobel

·         Kitchen tiles

The metals most commonly used today in the construction of yachts, marine structures and fittings are stainless steel and aluminium. While aluminium is light, it has limited corrosion resistance in seawater and requires significant maintenance. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is recognised as the premium material for marine applications where it is used for its excellent corrosion resistance, lustre, strength and stiffness.

This article is the latest in a series of case histories where the application of moly has helped companies to solve technical problems. It has been written by an IMOA consultant, Catherine Houska of TMR Stainless, who will play a leading part in IMOA's new effort to promote molybdenum containing stainless steels in the area of outdoor applications in architecture, building and construction in 2002.

Molybdenum brings safety into swimming pool buildings. This case study has been prepared by Dr Peter Dierschke, Materials Consultant to the Hempel Special Metals Group, Oberhausen, Germany (122 Kb pdf)

Each of the case studies illustrate the use of the Site and Design Evaluation System which is described in the IMOA publication? Which Stainless Steel Should be Specified for Exterior Applications? The evaluation system assigns points for air pollution, salt exposure, weather patters, design factors and cleaning schedule. The stainless steel selection is based on the total score for the particular site and the design.

Materials for Architectural/Construction applications are required to maintain the integrity of the structure (i.e. to be sufficiently robust withstand their service environment), to be inert (i.e. corrosion resistant) and where appropriate, aesthetically pleasing. Stainless steels are widely used in architectural/construction applications because they are resistance to corrosion, inert and easily cleaned, can be readily fabricated by a variety of techniques and can accept a variety of aesthetically pleasing finishes.

Description of 9 different bridges from all over Europe.

Radiant cooling and heating panels create a very comfortable, thermally balanced indoor climate. The panels are made up of two 0.6 mm thick stainless steel sheets that are deep-drawn and then electrically welded around the edges.

Stainless steels are susceptible to crevice or pitting attack in chloride bearing waters. Their behavior has been studied by a number of investigators. There is considerable variation in the percentage of apparently identical sites where attack occurs, when it occurs.

Sprinkler systems consist of a series of interconnected self-activating fire-extinguishing devices that operate on a simple but safe principle.

Use the Rules of Art. Website.

This BSSA special report, published in February 2004 aims to provide architects and other building and construction specialist specifiers with an overview of stainless steel in the context of sustainable construction.

Stainless Steel is remarkable for its practically unlimited resistance to corrosion. Of all properties, it is this resistance that makes stainless steel so useful for construction.

In designing an escalator system, not only do aspects such as safety, reliability and ease of use play a part but so does visual appearance. Stainless steel is now seen everywhere is such applications.

This article answers some basic questions about choosing and caring for Stainless Steel Door Furniture.

Stainless steel is a very durable architectural material. When an appropriate stainless steel, surface finish, and design are selected and it is properly maintained, stainless steel’s appearance will remain virtually unchanged over the life of the building or structure. If an inappropriate stainless steel is used, corrosion could be a problem. IMOA has developed guidelines based on the assumption that corrosion staining is aesthetically unacceptable even if there is no structural deterioration.

The user’s impression of a lift system is guided first and foremost by the look of the doors and the lift cars themselves. A popular choice here is stainless-steel sheet in a range of surface finishes.

The following are being discussed:

·         Functional aspects

·         Architectural features

·         Environmental qualities

·         Choice of grade and surface

·         Applications (roof geometries, bitumen-felt roofs, historic monuments)

·         Guidelines (tools, forming, soft-soldering, adhesive bonding, fixings)

·         Accessories

Contents:

·         Stainless steel as a material

·         Stainless steel in architecture

·         Building parts

·         Load-bearing structures

·         Surface structures

·         Projects

A web page summarising the key requirements for success in architectural applications.

Condensing boilers are regarded as on of the cleanest and most economical methods of generating heat by burning gas or oil. Using the correct materials prevents the condensed water causing any damage to the heating unit.

Because of its location in the middle of a residential district, the power station had to be visually acceptable to the residents as well as fulfill its technical function. This was achieved by using the quality materials of calcareous sandstone and stainless steel and by exploiting the gleaming smooth surfaces of the steel boiler housing and pipework.

EN1993 has about 20 parts covering common rules, fire design, bridges, buildings, tanks, silos, pipelined piling, crane supported structures, towers and masts, chimneys etc. Rules for stainless steel appear for the first time

Stainless steel is the common name for all steel grades that contain at least 10.5% chromium. Chromium improves the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. In addition to iron and chromium, stainless steels contain other alloying metals, of which the most important ones are nickel and molybdenum. The combination of chromium and oxygen leads to the formation of a chromium-rich passive layer on the surface of the steel. This layer protects the steel, and reforms over time, if damaged.

The guide aims to encourage the wider use of stainless steel in architecture by providing information on the design, specification, manufacture and maintenance of stainless steel architectural components. An overview of the contemporary use of stainless steel in architecture is also given.

ISSF has produced a leaflet which answers some basic questions on stainless steel rebar:

·         Why stainless steel reinforcing bar?

·         What are the benefits?

·         Is it cost-effective?

Stainless steel mesh is a highly attractive, yet strong and manageable material that is adaptable to virtually any design application.