Evaluation of stress-strain state and cracking of weatherproof structural steel by acoustoelasticity

Weatherproof steels are highly resistant to various forms of corrosion. Their long-term tests have shown that constructions of these steels can be used in conditions of the Russian climate for years without significant corrosion damage even without any protection. They are considered to be the most promising for the construction of bridges and overpasses due to the high corrosion resistance, strength and relative cheapness. Therefore, the problem of non-destructive testing of structural elements of these steels is very important. The article presents the results of the study of the acoustic anisotropy distribution in samples of steel 14HGNDC after cyclic mechanical loading. The results of HIC test and measurements of the acoustic anisotropy caused by cracking are described. A significant influence of hydrogen cracks to the acoustic anisotropy was detected. An important result is the low resistance of the steel 14HGNDC to the cracking in a hydrogen sulfide environment. This introduces strong limitations in its use in constructions located in the sea and in the coastal zone.