The aim was to reduce sea water consumption at CST to optimize the electrical energy sale and to keep down the future needs in investments to provide sea water for the future power plant. Through the analysis of the consumption of the power plant condensers, it was possible to change the standard for the sea water pump operation. CST has decided to operate with two sea water pumps instead of three, and this change resulted in a reduction of the demand for electric energy at CST of 1.6% or 2.6 MW or 22,776,000 kWh/year.

The multiple versions of electromagnetic stirring in continuous casting are described. For long products, linear or rotational stirring appears confusing, but is clarified based on liquid steel flow pattern and metallurgical results. Rotational mould stirring is the predominant application. For slabs, butterfly type single and double strand stirring and rotational mould stirring coexist with different metallurgical purposes. Also, the evolution to higher casting speeds has required a new type of mould stirring that combines accelerating and braking functions. The trend goes to multi-mode systems.

A specific method for the automatic starting of strands fed through stopper flow control is presented. The methodology includes on one hand the estimation of the flow rate in function of the stopper opening, and on the other hand the qualification of the stopper flow control system prior to strand starting. Moreover, metallurgy and behaviour of different steel grades are considered in order to optimize the mould filling time. Results are given from the installation of the system on one slab caster which produces a wide range of steel grades, and on one bloom caster which produces stainless steel.

In HSLA steels (high strength low alloys), the most important strengthening mechanisms are grain refinement and precipitation hardening by second phases. Therefore, the control of precipitation and chemical composition of the second phases is essential. A model based on thermodynamics alone does not predict the precipitation phenomena that are observed in thin slabs. This paper introduces a kinetic model that makes it possible to take into account the influence of the thin slab casting process on the precipitation and composition of carbonitrides.

The new pickling line of Aceria Compacta de Bizkaia, designed and supplied by VOEST-ALPINE Industrieanlagenbau (VAI), allows to produce high quality hot-rolled strip, which can be used as a substitute to cold rolled strip for an increasing number of applications. This article describes the main features of the highly modern technical solutions implemented in this line.

In order to improve the productivity and quality results of tandem - cold rolling mills and coupled pickling - tandem lines, VOEST-ALPINE Industrieanlagenbau (VAI) offers a complete range of innovative solutions, which concern as well mechanical equipments as operation and control systems. This paper describes some of these innovations and illustrates them by project examples where these solutions were implemented.

European standardization related to steel construction covers several aspects: design, materials and execution rules. The paper sums up the state of progress concerning materials (steels, bolting, welding consumables) and execution rules. It explains the connection with the Construction Product Directive and develops implications. It specifies the time schedule and consequences for existing French standardization.

The structures for the open car parks are an important market for the steel construction. However this market was not available in France due to very severe fire resistance requirements. Thanks to the development of fire engineering methods and to the approval of the authorities, some steel open car parks have now been built in France. This paper will describe the different steps which have enabled this change.

Since the 1980s steel has been more and more used in the design of bridges in France and this material cannot be ignored by anyone involved in bridge construction. Cost reduction has been the main incentive for the design of bridges with steel. Then steel was also attractive for architects thanks to its modern aspect and its flexibility, which offered them great opportunities to follow their imagination and their aesthetic feeling. By submitting some of Baudin Châteauneuf's recent references, the author shows all the advantages of using steel in the fabrication of 21st century's bridges.

High strength steel is an interesting alternative for making steel structures more competitive. Its production and use in Europe is small compared to markets as Japan and USA. It would be of mutual benefit for producers and users if the use increased. The paper gives examples of successful use and a state of art concerning design of such structures. Possibilities for further development and obstacles to be overcome are also discussed.

Weathering steels are high strength low alloy steels that under normal atmospheric conditions give an enhanced resistance to rusting compared with that of conventional structural steels. The market for weathering steel bridges in the UK is growing exponentially. This paper describes the UK market for weathering steel bridges, highlights the benefits of the material, describes its limitations, and comments on the appearance of such bridges.