ABSTRACT
Most of the metallic materials utilized for construction parts in terms of weight consist of plain-carbon or low-alloy steel. Steel is cheap, has a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio, and is easily cut, formed, and welded. Furthermore, the properties of steel can be widely changed using small amounts of alloying additions and heat treatments. us, steel is very suitable for construction of structures. Applications, however, can oen be limited for various reasons, such as low-temperature embrittlement, fatigue, creep at elevated temperatures, and environmental degradation. is chapter describes the environmental degradation of steel, from general corrosion to environmental cracking. If engineers who use steel understand the mechanisms of corrosion in steel and the specic environmental and material factors aecting this corrosion, they can better design that system by selecting the proper material. is leads to avoiding accidents and economic losses caused by environmental degradation. From the viewpoint of preventing
5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................151 5.2 Background ........................................................................................152 5.3 Applications .......................................................................................152
