Steel Type Research Articles

Practical Repair Cost Assessment of Steel Office Buildings with Diverse Beam-to-Column Connection Types in Japan

This study investigates the seismic performance of beam-to-column connections in Japanese steel office buildings and evaluates their impact on repair costs as part of practical seismic loss assessment. Repair cost analysis is conducted following FEMA P-58 guidelines, utilizing a probabilistic seismic performance approach. Additionally, this study incorporates the damage and loss of non-structural components, accounting for uncertainties arising from various factors. By applying story loss functions and the Capacity Spectrum Method within the assessment framework of this study, the applicability of these methods in Japanese design practices is validated. A numerical model of a typical steel building is established based on prior experimental data, and a series of numerical analyses are conducted to quantitatively assess variations in building response distribution and fragility resulting from different beam-to-column connection types. Analysis results indicate that, within the range up to maximum strength, differences in connection performance contribute more to variations in fragility than to building response. Component fragility is particularly influenced by connection type and dimensions that affect inter-story drift ratios. This approach highlights the potential cost differences driven by structural specifications and emphasizes the importance of connection-specific fragility in accurately estimating seismic repair costs in practical design. Furthermore, improvements in structural performance have limited effects in reducing non-structural damage, underscoring the necessity of directly enhancing non-structural component performance.

Effect of feed rate during induction hardening on the hardening depth, microstructure, and wear properties of tool-grade steel work roll

Rolls are the most critical yet vulnerable parts of cold rolling mills. It is crucial for them to withstand long rolling campaigns without losing surface roughness or incurring damage. Newly developed rolls are made from tool-grade steel with high roughness, lower wear, and high damage resistance. One of the most important advantages is the elimination of the need for chrome plating, which is currently widely used on standard steel rolls but is ecologically harmful. We investigated a type of steel with 8% chromium for use in cold rolling using light optical microscopy (LOM), X-ray crystallography (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), hardness measurements, and tribological tests. In this study, a roll with a diameter of 325 mm was electro-slag remelted and forged, machined to a diameter of 305 mm, and quenched and tempered to simulate industrial roll production. A forged roll was induction heated and hardened at four different feed rates (i.e., 24 mm/min, 30 mm/min, 36 mm/min, and 42 mm/min), tempered at 515℃ for 24h and again at 480℃ for 24h, and dissected for in-depth analysis. We identified a clear relationship between the feed rate of the roll during induction hardening and the depth of hardness, the sizes of carbides, and the wear properties of the roll. By reducing the feed rate of the roll through the inductor, we increased the depth of the hardened layer from 16 mm (at a feed rate of 36 mm/min) to 25 mm (at a feed rate of 24 mm/min), which is a 56.25% increase. Such an increase is expected to extend the lifespan of the working roll without having negative effects on the wear resistance and other important parameters. XRD analysis showed that the sample had a 0.4% residual austenite, which means it had a significantly lower risk of roll damage during operation than standard steel grades

Corrosion and mechanical behavior of a new Q450 weathering steel

Weather-resistant steel represents a significant advancement in addressing corrosion challenges. Several types of steel with enhanced weather resistance have already been developed and manufactured. Weathering steel has shown excellent anti-corrosion ability over conventional structural steel. However, research on the corrosion and mechanical behavior of this type of steel after corrosion damage is still limited. Therefore, this paper conducts a detailed experimental investigation of the corrosion behavior and tensile strength of a new Q450 weathering steel after an accelerated corrosion test. Several scanning techniques were employed to examine the development of corrosion damage in the new Q450 weathering steels after being subjected to different corrosion times. Vickers hardness and velocity intensity of the corroded specimen were obtained to reveal the corrosion behavior of the Q450 steel. Based on the test data, predictive models were developed to predict the pit size and mechanical properties of Q450 steel after corrosion damage. The results suggest that, as the corrosion time increases, the types and amounts of corrosion products change significantly, which causes the passivation film to become much denser. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties are degraded by the increasing corrosion damage. Ultimately, the proposed predictive models are proven to be accurate and reliable.

Fire behavior of composite steel truss bridge girders: numerical investigation and design strategies

Fire pose more severe threat to steel truss bridge girders as compared to common steel plate and box bridge girders. To deeply clarify failure mechanism of fire exposed steel truss bridge girders, this paper presents an investigation on fire performance of composite steel truss bridge girders simultaneously subjected to structural loadings and hydrocarbon fires. A numerical model, developed using the computer program ANSYS, is validated dependent on fire test to trace fire behavior of a typical through-type composite steel truss bridge girders under different hydrocarbon fire exposure conditions. The analysis is applied to evaluate influence of potential fire exposure scenarios occurred in bridge structures, including fire exposure lanes on bridge deck and fire exposure length beneath bridge, on temperature and structural response in steel truss bridge girders. The results shows that fire exposure lanes on bridge decks and fire exposure length beneath bridge has a significant influence on fire performance of steel truss bridge girders. Fire exposure on all lanes and side lanes can cut down fire resistance highly as compared to fire exposure on mid-lanes. The composite steel truss bridge girders exhibit special multi-hinge failure modes when fire exposure under bridge. Further, the composite steel truss bridge girders exposed to side-lane fire exhibit significant transverse torsional deformation. The established failure criteria dependent on structural deflection limit states, chord deformation and strength can be applied to evaluate fire resistance of actual composite steel truss bridge girders under realistic fire exposure scenarios. Limiting the minimum clearance of passage on bridge deck and increasing fire protection measures in upper portion of trusses can effectively improve fire resistance of through-type composite steel truss bridge girders. Some predominant design strategies closely related to oil tanker trucks traversing composite steel truss bridge girders are proposed to minimize probability of fire incidents on bridge and keep integrity of structure in the case of fire to the maximum extent possible.

Productive automation of calibration processes for crystal plasticity model parameters via reinforcement learning

Crystal Plasticity Finite Element (CPFE), which merges crystal plasticity principles with finite element analysis, can simulate the anisotropic grain-level mechanical behaviour of polycrystalline materials. Due to the benefit of CPFE, it has been widely utilised to analyse processes such as manufacturing, damage, and deformation where the microstructure plays a prominent role. However, this method is computationally expensive and requires the robust calibration of its parameters, which can be many. In this work, we propose a framework to address difficulties in calibrating multi-parameter CPFE. The Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm, a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) approach, is utilised to optimise the CPFE parameters. Additionally, a Python-based environment is developed to fully automate the calibration process. To allow comparison with the conventional optimisation method, the Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) algorithm is also used, which shows the DDPG framework yields more accurate calibration. The generalisation performance of the proposed framework is also demonstrated by calibrating each parameter set of two different CPFE models for monotonic loading of the stainless steel type, 316L. Moreover, the effectiveness of the framework in the more complex condition is also demonstrated by calibrating the CPFE parameters for a two-cycle cyclic behaviour of a 316H stainless steel material. The reliability of these calibrated parameters is also validated in the cyclic simulation after two cycles.

Systematic quantification of hydrogen in pipeline steel by atom probe tomography after ambient charging and transfer

Atom probe tomography (APT) is a promising tool to measure the atomic-scale distribution of hydrogen in solid matter for the assessment of hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of materials. However, the accuracy of such measurements resulting from ambient charging and transfer experiments needs to be established. In this work, APT quantification of hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) in a typical X65 pipeline steel has been determined after ambient charging and transfer to ascertain the contribution of artifacts to the measured H/D signal. A series of experimental workflows related to sample preparation (electropolishing, focussed ion beam) and electrochemical charging conditions (different electrolytes and charging potentials) were explored for H/D measurement using APT. The results show that APT can be used to measure charged H/D with statistical confidence after ambient charging and transfer, that hydrogen ingress occurs during electropolishing, and using a more negative charging potential will introduce more H/D into the material.

Assessment of Oil Paints for Corrosion Protection of Reinforcing Steel Bars in Concrete

Corrosion becomes a threat to reinforced concrete structural integrity during the service life of the structural member. This situation has become a global concern because of the economic and safety implications. Hence, many corrosion inhibition techniques including coating with materials (organic and inorganic) were used to prevent its devastating effects. The present study used three oil paint brands (mat, red-oxide and gloss Leyland oil paints in Ghana) to variedly coat reinforcing steel bars to ascertain their corrosion protection capacity in concrete. There were zero, one, two and three paint coats of average film thickness, 72 µm, 129 µm and 220 µm respectively explored. An Electrochemical process involved simulated concrete pore solution made of 10% sodium chloride (NaCl) in distilled water with three electrode systems to represent a corrosion medium was used to determine corrosion protection capacity of the paints. The results indicate over 90% corrosion resistance of the paints used. Comparing the corrosion rates of the coated and uncoated reinforcing steel bars, while it would take a one coat steel bar 342.5 years and 237 years respectively for spraying and manual brushing modes to reduce in diameter by 0.616mm, it would take only one year for an uncoated steel bar to reduce by this same 0.616mm. The protection capacity proved better with increasing coats on all corrosion variables for the selected paints used. The implication is that the selected oil paint brands are capable of protecting reinforcing steel bars in concrete against corrosion and therefore recommended for application to reduce maintenance cost. Statistically, no significant difference existed between coating mode, number of coatings, paint type and steel type on the corrosion variables for the coated steel bars. However, a further study about the durability of the coating in the concrete during its service time is recommended.

Investigation of column axial load effect for bolted-end-plate type steel connections

Steel moment resisting frames (MRFs) experience not only lateral movements but also vertical ones during a seismic event. Particularly, the vertical deflections in the members of the structural system cause an increase in the possibility of high column axial compressive loads (CACLs) and correspondingly the bending moment value in the beam-to-column joints. Thus, the beam-to-column joint fails in an unanticipated form. Unfortunately, the available literature about this problem is limited and inconclusive. To help bridge the gap, this study examines the effects of the CACL on the structural behavior of bolted end-plate beam-to-column connections. In this context, this study has three purposes: verifying the experimental tests by the numerical models and evaluating the CACL effect both purely and depending on the variation of fundamental parameter values governing the joint components on the verified numerical models. The numerical analyses of the reference test specimens which are borrowed from the experimental tests in the literature are conducted utilizing a finite element (FE) model including material, geometry, and contact nonlinearities. It is concluded that a possible increase in CACL causes a deterioration in the structural behavior of the beam-to-column connection depending on the moment level transferred from the connection to the column and the shear stiffness of the panel zone.

Mechanical Property Analyses of Two Types of Steel–Concrete Composite Track Beams

Mechanical Property Analyses of Two Types of Steel–Concrete Composite Track Beams

Aqueous carbonation of steel slags: A comparative study on mechanisms

This study investigated the aqueous carbonation mechanisms of three typical steel slags: ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF) slag containing high Al content, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag featuring high Si content and relatively low Al content, and ladle-arc fusion (LAF) slag with medium-Al content. It was found that the carbonation kinetics of the three slags were similar and followed the surface coverage model within the first 6 h of carbonation. Initially, the carbonation process was primarily governed by the reaction product precipitation. After 3 h of carbonation, the process was dominated by mineral dissolution, controlled by the uncovered reactive sites. The carbonation-reactive Ca-bearing minerals in the slags, including silicates (CRSis) and aluminates (CRAls), sequestered CO2 to form calcite during carbonation, accompanied by the formation of silica gel and alumina gel, respectively. CRSi, mainly larnite, was present in EAF and LAF slags, showing high reactivity, whereas mayenite (i.e., C12A7), a CRAl mineral present across all slags, exhibited high reactivity in LMF slag but lower reactivity in EAF and LAF slags. Furthermore, AFm phases and katoite (i.e., C3AH6) were detected in LMF slag as CRAls along with mayenite, and their carbonation reactivity decreased in the order of AFm>mayenite>katoite. As a result, low-Al steel slag tends to have higher carbonation reactivity, as manifested by the high carbonation degree of EAF slag throughout the reaction period, notably achieving a 40 % carbonation degree within 30 min and 71 % after 24 h under the studied conditions.

Veneer-wrapped steel columns: Proof-of-concept experimental and numerical investigations

This paper presents and discusses the structural behaviour of a novel type of steel–timber composite column to be used in residential building applications. It consists of a circular hollow section wrapped by multiple beech veneer sheets and where the composite action is ensured by a structural bi-component glue applied over the contact surfaces. As part of a proof-of-concept study, five short and three long columns with lengths of 0.27 m and 2.00 m, respectively, were tested under vertical concentric load with fibres parallel to the load direction and inclined by 15°. The global response of the specimens in terms of load-displacement behaviour and failure modes was studied, along with localised strain measurements through strain gauges and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. Results showed a significant increase in buckling resistance due to the stiffness added by the veneer layers. Already with the still-moderate veneer layer thicknesses used in this study, an increase in strength of over 25 % could thus be achieved. This enhancement highlights the effectiveness of veneer wrapping in stabilizing the inner core and delaying the occurrence of flexural buckling failure. A 3D non-linear finite element model (FEM) validated these findings, showing a good correlation with experimental results in resistance and stiffness. A parametric study was conducted to explore different geometries and materials, thus creating an extended FEM-based database. A relatively good agreement with modest deviation between the FEM predictions and analytical formulations available in the European Standards was found, considering the appropriate introduction of the mechanical properties of timber.

Irradiation-Induced Microstrain and Dislocation Density in Additively Manufactured 316H Stainless Steel

This study investigated the response of additively manufactured (AM) 316H stainless steel (SS) compared to its conventionally manufactured counterpart under simulated irradiation conditions. We irradiated both types of steels with 0.5 MeV H+ ions at room temperature and analyzed their microstructural and mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction revealed higher initial dislocation densities in AM SS due to its fabrication process. Interestingly, at lower irradiation doses (0.6 dpa), the AM SS showed a decrease in microstrain, while the conventional SS showed an increase. This suggests differing defect annihilation mechanisms. At 6.0 dpa, AM SS exhibited a rise in mi- crostrain and dislocation density, potentially due to saturation effects. Conversely, conventional SS showed a decrease, possibly indicating disordering from the irradiation. Microhardness measure- ments supported these findings, with AM SS displaying a more gradual response compared to the pronounced hardening and softening observed in conventional SS. Tensile testing revealed lower hardening and strength in irradiated AM SS compared to its pristine state. Scanning electron mi- croscopy showed contrasting fracture behavior between the two steel types, with AM SS exhibiting less embrittlement despite its higher initial hardness. Overall, AM SS demonstrated superior mi- crohardness and microstructural integrity after irradiation, suggesting its potential for applications in harsh irradiated environments.

New route for fabricating low-carbon ductile martensite to optimize the stretch-flangeability of dual-phase steel

Traditional cold-rolling dual-phase steel (CR sheet), limited by poor stretch-flangeability as indicated by the hole expansion rate (HER), faces challenges in manufacturing complex automobile parts. To address this, a new type of hot-rolling dual-phase steel with an 800 MPa grade (manufactured by tyipical thin slab continuous casting and rolling process, TSCCR) was designed to replace the traditional one. The TSCCR sheet, with a lower carbon content of 0.047wt.%, compared to 0.093wt.% in the CR sheets, features 40.6% martensite significantly higher than 28.2% in the CR sheet. This increased martensite content, despite being softer and more ductile due to its low hardness, compensates for the tensile strength in the TSCCR sheet. Furthermore, the TSCCR sheet exhibits a unique heterostructure characterized by uneven carbon distribution from the ferrite/austenite interface to other boundaries/interfaces, estimated by the negligible partition local equilibrium (NPLE) model of ferrite transformation. This unique heterostructure diminishes the mechanical disparity between ferrite and martensite, resulting in a higher yield strength of 568 MPa, compared to 456 MPa in the CR sheet. During uniaxial tension, the ferrite and ductile martensite in the TSCCR sheet initiate cooperative plastic deformation earlier than in the CR sheet, despite initially having fewer favorable slip systems in the TSCCR martensite. The low working hardening rate of the TSCCR sheet facilitates the forming layered structure of ferrite and martensite during necking compared to the CR sheet. Consequently, the HER of the TSCCR sheet sharply increased by 144% compared to the CR sheet. This enhancement in HER can be attributed to the crack initiation area, longer crack propagation path, and higher crack propagation resistance facilitated by the ductile martensite, culminating in superior HER.

A machine learning framework for seismic risk assessment of industrial equipment

The paper aims to propose a novel machine learning framework for seismic risk assessment of industrial facilities. In this respect, a compound artificial neural network model is employed, which is based on two different artificial neural network models in series. The first artificial neural network is a regression model employed to generate samples of a vector-valued intensity measure. The second one is a classification model that is used to predict structural damage, starting from the outcomes of the first artificial neural network model. The datasets used for training and validation of the two artificial neural networks are based on hazard-consistent accelerograms and numerical analyses that are performed with an efficient finite element model of the structure. The methodology entails a preliminary feature selection phase for the identification of the aforementioned vector-valued of intensity measures that better classifies the damage/no-damage condition of the structure. This phase is implemented through the principal component analysis method. Subsequently, the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm is used to generate samples of a selected intensity measure, feeding the first ANN model. In turn, the chosen features are used as input parameters of the second ANN model to generate samples of damage/no-damage events. Using the two ANN in series, the mean annual frequency of exceeding a specific limit state is derived. The proposed framework is validated using a typical multi-storey steel frame, focusing on the seismic risk assessment of a vertical storage tank located at the first floor of the primary structure. The proposed method exhibits some clear advantages of combining numerical models with ANN techniques, mainly related to: a reduced computational time; the avoidance of any prior information on the probabilistic model of fragility curves; and the use of model-driven data.

Evaluation of the Effect of Static and Flowing Conditions on the Corrosion Behavior of the Hull of Marine Ships

Marine ship hulls' corrosion resistance behavior under static and flowing conditions was investigated. The metal of the hull panels of marine ships was chemically and mechanically examined and analyzed, revealing that carbon steel type DIN 1.0501 C35 is employed in constructing the hull of ships in the port of Basrah in Iraq. A corrosion resistance test for this metal was carried out in laboratory-prepared seawater under static and flowing conditions at a flow rate of 1500 liter/hour and various immersion times (12, 24, 48, 120, 168, 336) hours. The temperature was kept constant at 30°C, and a fixed salt concentration of (3.5% sodium chloride). The corrosion rate of C35 carbon steel was calculated using the weight loss method is an effective method for calculating the corrosion rate of carbon steel. The samples were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for corrosion analysis. Conclusions from this research indicate that an increase in the flow rate resulted in an elevation of the corrosion rate, doubling the corrosion rate compared to samples under static conditions. The corrosion rate exhibited a significant increase during the first 24 hours, followed by a gradual decrease with increasing immersion time. The corrosion rate increased by 682.9%. The speed of corrosion was fast initially, but the weight loss slowed after 24 hours of immersion. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination revealed that the flow environment was aggressive for carbon steel. It was much more severe, and the pits and grooves were more significant than the static condition.

Integrative optimization for energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and economic gains in the iron and steel industry: A holistic approach

Exploring measures for low-energy consumption, low-CO2 emission, and high-economic benefit in the iron and steel industry is gaining increasing attention. This study innovatively establishes a holistic approach that integrates energy consumption, CO2 emission and economic benefit to optimize a typical steel mill. After optimization, the energy-benefit indicator has increased from 2.07 CNY/kgce to 2.83 CNY/kgce, with economic benefit improving by 97.58 CNY/t, energy consumption decreasing by 108.61 kgce/t, and CO2 emission reducing by 539.03 kg/t. Furthermore, this study scrutinizes the influence of energy structure, material structure, process parameter, and price on the energy-benefit indicator. Taking energy structure as an example, each additional 50 kg of pulverized coal injection will correspondingly improve the system's energy-benefit indicator by 0.02 CNY/kgce. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing sustainability in the iron and steel industry, offering practical strategies for optimizing energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and achieving economic benefits.

Orthodontic Alloy Wires and Their Hypoallergenic Alternatives: Metal Ions Release in pH 6.6 and pH 5.5 Artificial Saliva.

Legislative framework addresses the issues of alloy corrosion, demanding the restricted use of probable carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic-for-human-reproduction (CMG) metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium and demanding the development of new biomaterials. The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the ion release of standard dental alloys and their hypoallergenic equivalents. Six types of orthodontic alloy wires (nickel-titanium (NiTi), coated NiTi, stainless steel (SS), Ni-free SS, and cobalt-chromium (CoCr) and titanium-molybdenum (TMA) were immersed into artificial saliva of pH 5.5 and 6.6. Release of metal ions was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. NiTi released more Ti and Ni ions compared to the coated NiTi; SS released more iron, chromium, and nickel compared to the nickel-free SS. CoCr released cobalt in a high concentration and low amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum compared to the molybdenum and titanium released by TMA. Release of metals from dental orthodontic alloys in vitro was overall lower at pH 6.6 and for the hypoallergenic equivalents when compared to standard dental alloys.

Fracture resistance of the deposited metal under dynamic and cyclic loading

Analyses of experimental data are presented that enable the fracture resistance assessment of dynamically and cyclically loaded materials used for the manufacture and surfacing of rollers in continuous casting machines for beam blanks and crimping mill rollers. It has been noted that steels for manufacturing and surfacing of crimping rolls with different carbon content and alloying elements, differ in the determination fraction of the crack nucleation work in the integral value of the impact strength. The value of that fraction is much higher for corrosion-resistant steels of the Cr13 type which are also distinguished by high fracture resistance to cyclic loading. It is shown that the properties of these steels make it possible, along with the use of CCM rollers for surfacing, to recommend them for hardening the rollers in crimping mills. The possibility of an additional increase in the efficiency of the crimping rolls by eliminating uneven wear along the length of the barrel by surfacing a layer of Cr13 steel with a variable carbon content (0.10-0.25 %) is considered.

Experimental and numerical study of dissimilar fiber laser welding of martensitic AISI 1060 carbon steel with different configuration with austenitic 304 and ferritic 420 stainless steel

Welding with fiber laser for two distinct stainless steel types was performed to join with the martensitic carbon steel (AISI 1060) in order to assess the effect of laser welding operating parameters for two dissimilar materials on the weld characterization thorough experimental design method and numerical investigation. A full central composite design (CCD) matrix in accordance with the response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to represent the responses variations by equations including quadratic and nonlinear interaction terms. Different laser welding parameters were taken into account, such as laser power, linear speed of welding, focal distance of the beam, and beam deviation. The responses considered were the temperature field next to the melt pool border line, the maximum penetration depth of the fusion zone and the ultimate tensile strength of the dissimilar weld joint. Additionally, the variation of the microstructure fusion zone and adjacent areas and failure mechanism of the weld joint were evaluated. The experimental results indicate that the temperature field measured at the vicinity of the melt pool fusion line with both 304 and 420 stainless steel which primarily influenced by the incident power of the laser and linear velocity of beam, respectively. Additionally, the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with temperature experimental results at vicinity of fusion line where the temperature measured, experimentally. Apart from this, at the center of the fusion zone, the temperature clearly predicts via numerical simulation results which is not possible to assess experimentally. A clear comparison between the temperature distribution with different joint configuration illustrates that distinct relation between the temperature variation rate and different thermal conductivity coefficient of AISI 1060 with different AISI 304 and 420 joint configuration resulted different temperature distribution. The weld joint microstructure for 420 stainless steel–AISI 1060 steel joint at fusion boundary zone consists of columnar dendrites and skeletal columnar ferrite. At the center of fusion zone, a cellular-type structure is seen. For 304 stainless steel joint, the fusion zone has composed of a remarkable part of skeletal delta-ferrite and dendritic microstructure at austenite matrix microstructure. The fracture section of 304 steel has a ductile fracture and the depth of fracture dimples and cavities toward 304 stainless steel are higher than AISI 1060 steel.

Corrosion of Steels in Liquid Bismuth–Lithium Alloy

The corrosion resistance of several types of steel (AISI 410, 321, 316L, 904L) was determined in a liquid Bi-Li (5 mol.%) alloy (BLA) medium at 650 °C combining gravimetric analysis of steel samples and chemical analysis of corrosion products’ content accumulating in the BLA phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry analysis were employed for characterizing steel structure and alloy composition. AISI 321, 316L and 904L nickel-containing corrosion-resistant steels underwent severe corrosion in BLA, and their corrosion rates depended on the nickel content in the material. AISI 410 steel exhibited the lowest corrosion rate of all the materials investigated, and this type of steel can be considered as a reasonable structural material for work in BLA environments. The corrosion rates of AISI 410, 321, 316L and 904L steels in BLA at 650 °C were 77, 244, 252 and 280 µm/year, respectively. It was also found that chromium was etched more intensively than iron from the surface of steel samples.