This resource is an information and guidance note aimed to help plant designers and operators realise the opportunities where selecting stainless steel for applications in the water industry will yield economic benefits. The material properties of stainless steel are described and the finishes noted. Guidance is then given on material selection for corrosion resistance, design of structural members, tanks and pipework systems, fabrication and installation. Finally the economic benefits in the form of savings are summarised for initial installation, operating and life cycle costs.

This resource provides information on the design, specification, manufacture and maintenance of stainless steel architectural components. The ‘Design and Technology’ section includes structural and performance information on stainless steel and reviews production and finishing techniques. The ‘Case Studies’ section provides numerous examples of the contemporary use of stainless steel in architecture. In each case the design criteria, finish, joining techniques, structural drawings and images for the stainless steel element are described and presented. The Appendices summarise the standards relating to stainless steel, the mechanical and physical properties the product range and the finish designation.

This link provides numerous further links to BSSA resources for anyone involved in designing and using stainless steel in the Architecture Building and Construction Sector. It covers a diverse range of applications including architectural cladding, handrails, roofing, drainage products, wall support products and structural applications (swimming pools, reinforcing bars and fire resistance). Brief specification guidance is given in each section before the links to further resources are presented.

This resource is a short article describing the use of stainless steel for timber fixings. Austentic stainless steel is considered to have excellent resistance to corrosion by acetic acid emitted by wood. Following this suitability, the article recommends stainless steel for staples, nail and wall ties. It also discusses the criteria for the selection of grades when considering stainless steel fixings in immersed timber structures.

This resource is a technical guide for designers using stainless steel in drainage systems. The advantages and disadvantages of different grades of stainless steel in drainage systems are discussed. The surface finishes available are considered (milled, brushed, matt, tin coated, annealed and coloured). Finally the guidelines for working with stainless steel are described - the tools used, forming, soldering, bonding and fixings.

This resource is a best practice information sheet for contractors. It should be read in conjunction with ‘Best Practice Information Sheet for Specifiers (SCI-P298)’. Stainless steel masonry support systems are fixed to the structural frame and provide support to the outer leaf of masonry cladding in buildings. Firstly the article covers Safety and Storage and then the installation techniques for the following: Structural Frame, Soft Horizontal Joints, Vertical Movement Joints, Cavity Width Adjustments, Horizontal Adjustments, Vertical Adjustments, Fixings, Edge and End Distances, Wall Ties and finally the use of Cleaning Chemicals.

This resource is a best practice information sheet for specifiers. It should be read in conjunction with ‘Best Practice Information Sheet for Contractors (SCI-P297)’. Stainless steel masonry support systems are fixed to the structural frame and provide support to the outer leaf of masonry cladding in buildings.  The sheet covers: Type of System - continuous, bracket or individual angles, Cavity widths, Structural Frame - concrete or steel structures, Design, Wall Ties, Material and Avoidance of Bimetallic Corrosion. Finally the information required by the manufacturer to fabricate the correct system is listed.

This resource provides information on the design, construction and maintenance of stainless steel piping. ‘The Basics’ describes the mechanical and physical properties of stainless steel. The ‘Design’ section covers: the uses, capacities, specification, horizontal and vertical piping, expansion and contraction, water hammer and corrosion. The ‘Construction’ section covers the: planning, transport handling and storage, cutting, bending, junctions and welding, joints, supporting and anchoring of pipes, coating and testing. The ‘Maintenance’ section covers the methods used, items to inspect, water quality control, types of water system, boilers and supply systems. Finally the ‘Reference’ section provides details of related standards, further information about corrosion in stainless steel and examples to demonstrate common problems.

This resource provides a booklet of information tailored towards designers, plumbers, end-users and maintenance engineers interested in providing reliable potable water systems using stainless steel. Firstly the properties and corrosion resistance of stainless steels are described and shown to be significantly more resilient against high water velocities than copper piping. The techniques used to disinfect stainless steels are described. The tubing standards; BS 4127:1994 (light gauge steel) and BS 3605:1991 (austenitic steel) are considered. The types of stainless steel fittings available are presented and finally the fabrication and handling procedures for these fittings are described.

This resource provides a synopsis of a research project carried out by the BSSA on the suitability of stainless steel tube and fitting products for internal building plumbing applications. The material, environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits of stainless steels in plumbing applications are outlined and the use of stainless steel plumbing in Scottish hospitals reviewed. European regulations are summarized, before a discussion on the market place perceptions of stainless steels and cost analysis is discussed. It is concluded that stainless steel is particularly suited to large-scale plumbing installations, such as hospitals, childrens and old peoples homes, prisons, schools and hotels, where health and safety are prime considerations.

This resource describes all grades of stainless steel and their main mechanical properties with reference to the chemical composition in each case.  Secondly, the different families (austenitic, ferritic, martenistic, duplex) and finishes are described with the basic % alloy composition.  Finally, for each family, the mechanical properties, weldability, strength and corrosion resistance are compared.