What material is defined as Corrosive Resistant High Strength Low Alloy Steel under code G3125?

Corten Steel is recognized as Corrosive Resistant High Strength Low Alloy Steel under code G3125 due to its unique composition and treatment that allows it to resist corrosion while maintaining a high level of strength. This material develops a protective rust layer when exposed to weather, which inhibits further corrosion, making it suitable for outside applications where durability is essential.

The designation of high strength low alloy (HSLA) indicates that Corten Steel contains small amounts of alloying elements to enhance its mechanical properties, contributing to its ability to withstand environmental stressors. These features differentiate it from materials like aluminum, which, although corrosion resistant, does not qualify as HSLA steel; stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion but typically has a different alloy composition; and carbon steel, which lacks the necessary alloying elements to meet the criteria outlined in code G3125.