Bolting Structural Steel to aluminum 1

[3doorsdwn]

I've got a around-the-house project where I've bolted [don't know what type of bolts, just hardware store type stuff] A36 structural steel plate to another plate made of aluminum [don't know what type/alloy].

On a day to day basis, it's in a fairly dry environment and should never come in contact with a significant level of salt or salt water.

Given those facts: what do you think my corrosion risk is? Will the aluminum get eaten up?

Sorry for the lack on info on some of the materials and thanks in advance.

 

[MikeHalloran]

The aluminum will be fine.
The steel will disappear in the presence of moisture.
No moisture, no problem.
Check the cheapo hardware every few years.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[3doorsdwn]

That's actually good news. I don't care about losing the bolts or the steel.....losing that aluminum would be a pain to replace though.

Thanks!

 

[SJones]

Aluminium, being the more active material, will be the one that is attacked (think sacrificial anode Mike H). The extent of attack will be dependent upon the time of wetness, bearing in mind that wind blown dust can accumulate salts which may be hygroscopic. Under the circumstances you describe, it's unlikely to fall apart but it might not look so shiny after a while!

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04