Mechanical Properties of Late-nineteenth-century Bridge Steel at Low Temperature

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of low temperatures on the mechanical properties of the structural steel used in a late-nineteenth century bridge, which was in operation from 1885 until 2007. The investigations showed that the mechanical strength properties, i.e. yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, of the steel tested at T = - 30 °C were much higher than those reported at room temperature, T = + 20 °C. An increase was also observed in ductility, especially in the direction parallel to the rolling direction.