High-strength weathering steel sheet that develops a protective rust patina, eliminating painting requirements. Available to AS/NZS 3678 WR350 specification with 350MPa minimum yield strength for structural and architectural applications in Australian conditions.
01 Physical
Density7850kg/m³
Specific gravity7.85
Porosity0%
Water absorption0%
Hardness170
UV resistanceExcellent
Chemical resistanceGood
pH tolerance4-10
Surface roughness25µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength480MPa
Compressive strength350MPa
Flexural strength350MPa
Shear strength210MPa
Poisson's ratio0.3
Impact resistance27
Creep resistanceExcellent
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity50W/m·K
Specific heat450J/kg·K
Thermal expansion11.7×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility classNon-combustible
Fire resistance level0/0/0
Flame spread index0
Smoke dev. index0
Heat release rate0
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon19.6
Carbon footprint2.5
Embodied energy35MJ/kg
Water footprint64L/kg
Recyclability100%
Recycled content25%
Renewable content0%
Circular score95
VOC emissions0
Toxicity ratingNon-toxic
LEED contribution2
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan50-120 years
Maintenance intervalAnnual inspection
Warranty period10-25 years
Material cost (range)$2800-3500/tonne
Material cost (per unit)$22-27/m²
Lead time2-4 weeks
Lifecycle cost$70-100/m²
Annual maintenance$0.50/m²
Market availabilityGood
07 Assessment
Advantages
No painting required - self-protecting patina
Lower lifecycle costs than painted steel
100% recyclable at end of life
High strength-to-weight ratio (350MPa yield)
Excellent aesthetic qualities with natural weathering
120+ year design life in appropriate environments
Suitable for all BAL ratings (AS 3959)
Self-healing if scratched or damaged
Low maintenance requirements
CSIRO-verified performance in Australian climates
Constraints
Initial rust runoff can stain adjacent materials
18-36 months for full patina development
Not suitable for marine environments <1km from coast
Requires drainage - cannot tolerate ponding water
Higher initial cost than carbon steel (20-30% premium)
Special welding consumables required
Patina can transfer to clothing during formation
Performance varies with microclimate conditions
Limited availability in some regional areas
Requires experienced detailing for optimal performance
08 Applications
A1Architectural facades and cladding systems
A2Bridge structures and infrastructure
A3Landscape edging and retaining walls
A4Sculptural and artistic installations
A5Industrial buildings and warehouses
A6Noise barriers and acoustic walls
A7Structural frames in appropriate environments
A8Decorative screens and privacy panels
A9Chimney and exhaust stack construction
A10Mining and agricultural equipment
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded.
Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards
before specifying.
Currently living and working on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
People.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, whose
sovereignty was never ceded, and pay our respect to their enduring
connection to Country.