Updated HERA Guide Supports Application of REDCOR® Weathering Steel in Bridge Projects

Developed by HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association of New Zealand) in collaboration with BlueScope and industry partners, the updated Weathering Steel Design Guide for Bridges in Australia is now available.

This 2025 edition is a comprehensive update of the original 2017 guide, bringing together applied knowledge and new industry practices to support the design of economical bridges made from REDCOR® weathering steel. It collates essential guidance to assist the Australian industry with the efficient and appropriate application of weathering steels in bridge projects. The guide also provides practical advice to help achieve the expected performance and planned design life of these structures in local conditions.

Supporting the design of efficient and durable bridges

Steel has long been a trusted material for bridge construction due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. This becomes increasingly important for longer spans, where lower dead load can lead to a more efficient structure and lower foundation costs.

REDCOR® weathering steel offers an additional advantage: long-term durability. In suitable environments, a tightly adherent oxide layer or ‘patina’ develops, which significantly reduces the corrosion rate compared with conventional structural steel. When used in an appropriate environment and detailed correctly, REDCOR® steel can deliver lower whole-of-life costs compared to conventional carbon steel and concrete bridges. It can provide an attractive, very low-maintenance and economical solution, extending the scope for cost-effective steel bridges.

This new guide helps stakeholders to make the most of those benefits by providing technical guidance tailored to the Australian context. It covers key considerations across design, detailing, fabrication, construction, inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation.

“We’re seeing growing interest in the use of weathering steel for bridge projects across Australia,” said Rob Danis, BEng (Civil), National Business Development Lead – Infrastructure, BlueScope.

“This guide is about giving engineers the confidence and tools to design for durability, and to fully realise the performance and economic benefits REDCOR® weathering steel can offer when used in the right conditions.”

Made for a range of bridge types

BlueScope manufactures a range of flat and welded steel products made from REDCOR® weathering steel, including plate as well as welded beams and columns. These products are used across a variety of bridge types, ranging from short-span to long-span road bridges, to rail and pedestrian bridges.

Whether you're starting a new concept design or refining details on a live project, we hope the 2025 HERA Design Guide for Weathering Steel Bridges becomes a valuable resource in your work.

Access the guide

Ready to explore the full publication? Register now to download the HERA Design Guide for Weathering Steel Bridges and start applying its insights to your next project. 

Learn more

For further reading on REDCOR® weathering steel and steel bridge construction, you might find the following resources useful:

• REDCOR® weathering steel
• Welded beams and columns
• Register to download the Technical Guide: Composite Steel Road Bridges.