Corrosion is a big problem in steel structures, especially in coastal areas. To avoid corrosion, steel structures have to be painted at regular intervals, thus increasing the maintenance cost and the bother of periodic maintenance. Due to this, many owners and architects do not specify steel space frames and instead, stainless steel is being increasingly used.

Following the restoration work on the Palazzo della Ragione on Piazza Mercanti in the 1980s, the capacity of the former "salon" was increased and the old entrance towards the Piazza Duomo re-opened. Fire regulations dictated the construction of an emergency staircase.

Case study on high urban pollution and moderate coastal salt exposure.

This excerpt from the ISSF Book of New Applications 2006, gives more information on applications which can be used as street furniture.

The following applications have been included:

·         New ferritic lamp for Seoul Plaza

·         Arch for the new Malizia bridge in Siena

·         Platform screen door

·         Pedestrian bridge for Stockholm

·         Riverwalk floating walkway

This excerpt from the ISSF Book of New Applications 2007, gives more information on applications which can be used as street furniture.

The following are included here:

·         Stretch stainless steel waste bin

·         Underpass handrails

·         Metro barriers

·         Escalator

·         LitterShark Protectus

·         Stratobel

·         Training equipment

Public toilets and washrooms have to be able to cope with frequent use. This is an ideal application for stainless steel, as it is easy to clean and above all hygienic.

Public toilets and washrooms have to be able to cope with frequent use. This is an ideal application for stainless steel, as it is easy to clean and above all hygienic.

Molybdenum keeps stainless steel street handrails safe and attractive. This article has been written by an IMOA consultant, Catherine Houska of TMR Stainless.

Article outlines a project by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), which is using highly alloyed stainless steel reinforcing bar in its concrete structures. It describes a bridge that is expected to provide maintenance-free service for 120 years, nearly 2.5 times the service life of the bridge it is replacing.

This handbook is designed to acquaint the reader with the 300 series stainless steels, particularly grades 304 and 316 and their applications in areas where coastal or salt corrosion is a factor in the life of a metal component.

Color photographs show unusual handrails and railings in residential and commercial uses, both interior and exterior. Stainless steel barriers and balconies are also shown.

Web page which describes the main attributes of stainless steel for street furniture.

The installation in figure 1 depicts the successful use of stainless steel in a coastal environment. After a decade of service in a severe environment it shows little sign of deterioration. The installation in figure 2 however, shows significant staining after only a very brief period in service. This brown tea staining on the stainless steel is avoidable.