Jun 13 2016
Stainless steel rebar produced by Outokumpu is being used to reinforce a spill basin at the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) Gate Terminal on Rotterdam’s North Sea coast.
Both the basin’s concrete and reinforcement must withstand the extreme conditions of a cryogenic environment and temperatures as low as -165º Celsius.
Says Richard Wigmans, Outokumpu stainless steel rebar agent for Benelux & Germany: “If you’re working with cryogenic concrete, the rebar must be stainless steel. It is the only thing you can use. Nothing else will work.”
For the Gate Terminal project, Outokumpu provided 10 tonnes of rebar formed from Core 304LN/4311. Testing was conducted at Tudor Advanced Materials & Structures in Luxemburg. The alloy is proven to retain its mechanical properties at temperatures as low as -196º Celsius. As with all austenitic stainless steel, Core 304LN/4311 maintains its ductility at very cold temperatures, meaning that it will not fracture.
Using stainless steel prolongs the structure’s lifetime, reduces long-term costs and minimizes need for maintenance. Stainless steel also has significant corrosion resistance, of particular importance in maritime environments where chloride-induced corrosion is a threat.
Says Paula Kraaijeveld of rebar processor/fabricator BetonijzerBuigCentrale Handelmaatschappij (BBC): “If standard carbon steel rebar is used as reinforcement, the concrete will crack.” BBC provided construction coordination, installation supervision and customized shipping services. BBC also handled CARES certifications, validating product conformity and consistent quality.
Outokumpu customized the material for the Gate Terminal in four diameters (Outokumpu’s range is 6 to 40 millimeters) and in several lengths and shapes. The material is produced in coil form, straightened into standard lengths or cut and bent to custom needs.
Outokumpu has a century of experience creating efficient, long-lasting, recyclable stainless steels. Its global offering includes quality-critical Long Products for infrastructures. Outokumpu’s Long Products sites are located in the UK, Sweden and the US, all renowned for their high quality products, flexibility and world-class delivery performance.