HIGH-PERFORMANCE STEEL: RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

A new grade of high-performance structural steel, HPS-485W, is now available for highway bridge construction. The product possesses superior weldability and toughness compared to conventional steels of this strength range. Conventional 485W steel required precise control of welding and fabrication practices, leading few bridge owners to risk potential problems in fabrication. This new grade of high performance steel is an optimized balance of strength, weldability, toughness, ductility, corrosion resistance, and formability. This article provides an overview of the research program that developed the HPS-485W grade. Demonstration bridge projects in Tennessee and Nebraska are under way to smooth the way for the introduction of this new product. Details on these projects are included.