Is the WF Exposed to Extreme Weather Before Installation? Is It Safe or Should It Be Rechecked?

In steel construction projects, Wide Flange (WF) is often temporarily stored in open areas prior to erection. WF often faces extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, prolonged sun exposure, and drastic temperature changes. These conditions raise an important question: is the WF still safe to use, or does it need to be re-inspected before installation?

1. Effects of Rain and High Humidity
Exposure to rain and high humidity can cause:

• Surface rust on WF
• Deterioration of the steel's appearance
• Risk of corrosion if left untreated for too long

Light rust is generally tolerable, but heavy and flaking rust requires special treatment before the WF is installed.

2. Impact of Prolonged Solar Heat
Sunlight heat does not directly change the quality of WF steel. However, it can:

• Cause temporary expansion
• Trigger heat-cold cycles
• Accelerate the corrosion process when combined with humidity

In the long term, these conditions have the potential to degrade the surface quality of the steel.

3. Risk of Deformation and Straightness
WF stored in open areas without proper support is at risk of:

• Curvature
• Misalignment
• Slight deformation

This deformation can complicate the erection process and affect installation precision.

4. Impact on Bolted and Welded Connections
Extreme weather can affect the connection area, such as:

• Rusted bolt holes
• Weld surfaces contaminated with dirt
• Deterioration of the joint quality if not cleaned

This condition has the potential to reduce the strength of the structural connection.

5. When is WF Still Safe to Use?
WF is generally still safe to use if:

• Rust is light and evenly distributed
• There is no deformation or dimensional change
• The surface can be cleaned before installation
• There are no cracks or material damage

However, inspections are still mandatory before WF is installed.

6. Inspections Required Before Installation
Some things that need to be checked include:

• Rust condition and steel surface condition
• Straightness and dimensions of the WF
• Condition of bolt holes and connection areas
• Compliance with specifications and structural drawings

This inspection is important to ensure the WF performs optimally after installation.

How to Store WF Safely from Extreme Weather
To avoid similar problems, it is recommended:

• Store WF on a level base and support
• Use a tarpaulin or canopy cover
• Avoid direct contact with the ground
• Conduct regular inspections during storage

Conclusion
WF exposed to extreme weather before installation may not necessarily cause immediate problems, but it is mandatory to re-inspect it to ensure its quality and safety. Early inspection will prevent the risk of structural failure and costly repairs later.

Use Quality WF for Safe and Precise Projects
PT Intisumber Bajasakti provides quality WF that meets standards, ready to support your construction project needs, even in challenging field conditions.

📞 Phone: 021-66675999
🌐 Website: intisumberbajasakti.com
✉️ Email: info@intisumberbajasakti.com

Contact our team now for a consultation on your WF needs and construction material solutions for your project.

Back to List