Print this page Metal Deterioration
Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE
Course Outline
A. General discussion of metal deterioration.
B. Discussion of the different types of metal deterioration according to appearance and extent to which it can be readily observed.
1. Deterioration that can be identified by visual examination.
2. Deterioration that may require supplementary means of visual examination.
3. Verification of the presence of deterioration requires inspection via microscope.
C. Summary of nondestructive
methods of evaluation and inspection used to detect the presence of metal deterioration.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the basic causes and effects of metal deterioration and corrosion.
- Recognize, describe and understand the different types of surface and subsurface corrosion associated with the deterioration of metals.
- Visually identify the five primary types of metal deterioration that can be readily observed without the aid of specialized equipment.
- Understand the difference between the delaminations associated with both lamellar and exfoliation deterioration.
- Develop an understanding of the three primary types of environmental cracking exhibited by deteriorated metal.
- Understand
the uses, advantages and disadvantages of the different types of nondestructive
methods of evaluating and inspecting metal deterioration.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers (structural, mechanical, forensic and process) and architects.
Benefit to Attendees
This course will enable a design professional to avoid situations that provide the most potential for the deterioration of metals and the subsequent corrosion of an otherwise usable structure or building component.
Course
Introduction
The deterioration or corrosion of metal structures is recognized as a serious problem in the building and construction industry because it results in the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars each year. This problem exists because metals have a natural tendency to revert to their oxidized form given the proper environment and opportunity. As a result metals degrade and deteriorate through a number of different corrosion mechanisms. The corrosion of metals can be categorized into three main types according to appearance and the extent to which the deterioration can be readily observed. To aid in the evaluation of metal corrosion there are a number different methods of nondestructive inspection of deteriorated metals.
Course Content
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Course Summary
The deterioration
of metal structures is recognized as a serious problem in the building industry
because it results in the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
This problem exists because metals have a natural tendency to revert to their
oxidized form. Metals degrade and deteriorate via a number of different corrosion
mechanisms. The deterioration of metals can be categorized into three main types
according to appearance and the extent to which the corrosion can be readily
observed. To aid in the investigation of metal corrosion there are six primary
methods of nondestructive evaluation and inspection of deteriorated metals.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Corrosion Information -
InterCorr International
National Association of Corrosion
Engineers - NACE International
Prevention
of Corrosion on Structural Steelwork (a PDF file)
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
