The metal structure industry is increasingly seeking solutions that not only reduce the cost of construction but also minimize expenses throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.

Within the framework of a series of publications on technologies that could impact the development of the metal structure market in Russia, experts from EVRAZ STEEL BUILDING (ESB) propose that the professional community pay attention to the potential of steel grade 14ХГНДЦ. The company shares its experience and practical insights regarding the application of this grade in construction and invites market participants to engage in a professional discussion about possible changes to normative-technical documentation and the expansion of the use of this material in projects. More details can be found in the article.

About weather-resistant steel 14ХГНДЦ

Steel 14ХГНДЦ, classified as strength class C345, exhibits enhanced resistance to atmospheric corrosion. When exposed to outdoor conditions with cycles of wetting and drying, a dense protective layer of oxides forms on the metal surface, preventing deterioration. Consequently, structures made from this steel can be utilized without traditional anti-corrosive painting.

Such solutions are not new to global practices. The first weather-resistant steels, known as COR-TEN, emerged in the USA back in the 1930s. Today, they are widely used in bridge construction and infrastructure projects across the USA, Japan, and Europe.

The primary reason for their popularity is the reduction in the total lifecycle cost of an object. Despite the higher price of the steel itself, operational costs are significantly lower compared to structures made from conventional carbon steel with paint coatings. This is particularly important for bridges and industrial facilities, where regular renewal of anti-corrosive protection-surface cleaning, removal of old coating, and repainting every 15-25 years-is required. Weather-resistant steel eliminates these operations.

Durability remains one of the main arguments in favor of 14ХГНДЦ. According to industry research, bridge structures made from weather-resistant steels have been successfully operated in northern regions without significant corrosion damage. Observations confirmed the preservation of load-bearing capacity and protective properties even after prolonged service.

"The lifespan of such structures can reach 80-90 years without the need for major restoration of anti-corrosive protection. For infrastructure owners, this means reduced operational costs, lower maintenance expenses, minimized downtime, and increased overall reliability," stated Nikolay Malykh, Operational Director for Quality at EVRAZ STEEL BUILDING.

Why the technology has not become massive in Russia

According to ESB experts, the segment of weather-resistant steels in Russia holds significant potential, especially as clients increasingly evaluate not just construction costs but also future operational expenses.

However, despite clear advantages, the use of 14ХГНДЦ in Russian practice remains limited. The main reason is the narrow segment of effective application. Currently, this steel is most justified in bridge structures, power transmission line supports, and industrial facilities, as well as in infrastructure where there are no strict aesthetic requirements for the appearance of structures, and in regions with non-aggressive or mildly aggressive environments.

Furthermore, the industry has long been constrained by another issue: working with 14ХГНДЦ requires the correct selection of welding technologies. For example, seams from factory and field welds of road bridge superstructures must possess strength and corrosion resistance not lower than that of the base metal. Welded joints must also comply with STO AVTODOR 2.19-2015. Nevertheless, sheet products made from weather-resistant steel have been used in domestic bridge construction for quite some time, and accumulated operational practice confirms the material's stability.

About EVRAZ's experience

In 2025, two high-voltage lines were installed at the Kachkanar Mining and Processing Plant, utilizing weather-resistant steel 14ХГНДЦ for the supports. This steel provided anti-corrosive protection through an oxide film naturally forming on the metal surface when interacting with the atmosphere. This patina conserves the steel and prevents deep-seated corrosion.

At EVRAZ's request, tests on weather-resistant steel were conducted at the Central Research Institute of Structural Structures named after V.A. Kucherenko. Specifically, specialists from NTZMK selected welding materials and tested the welding of angle 160?12 made from 14ХГНДЦ supplied by EVRAZ, which was used for the support structures at Kachkanar GOK.

"Currently, documents regulating requirements for welded structures from 14ХГНДЦ mainly describe manual electric arc welding technology. There is little information available regarding mechanized semi-automatic welding in shielding gas environments, as well as the welding materials used in this process. Therefore, our task was to select suitable materials for this steel," explained Maxim Koltunov, Chief Welder at NTZMK.

Welding was performed using several technologies and various materials of both domestic and foreign production. After the work, a complex of non-destructive testing was carried out, followed by destructive testing in the central plant laboratory. Based on detailed analysis of each technological sample, welding parameters and modes were adjusted. Upon completion of the test cycle, results were sent for further research to TsNIISK im. V.A. Kucherenko.

The best results were demonstrated by welding wire of domestic production under specific technological welding modes, allowing specialists to achieve weld joints of equal strength.

Synergy of the professional community

EVRAZ STEEL BUILDING invites professionals to exchange experiences regarding the application of steel 14ХГНДЦ, its weldability, and operating modes, as well as to create a working group for implementing changes in normative technical documentation (NTD).

"Today it is important not just to talk about new technologies, but to form a demand for change. We invite the professional community to discuss the experience of using steel 14ХГНДЦ, its advantages, barriers, and possible changes in the regulatory framework. We believe that such dialogue could become a starting point for more effective solutions in the metal structure industry," noted Ekaterina Samarina, Head of External Communications at EVRAZ STEEL BUILDING.