The objectives of the first phase of research were (1) to assemble a systematic body of information on the performance of weathering steel, and (2) to document and evaluate the current state of practice.

The first phase of research has been completed, and the final report published as: NCHRP Report 272, "Performance of Weathering Steel in Bridges."

The second phase of research had as its specific objectives to fatigue test 8-year weathered A588 transverse stiffener specimens under constant loading in air and aqueous environments, and to develop practical guidelines for design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of weathering steel bridges.

Research on the second phase is also complete and has been published as NCHRP Report 314, "Guidelines for the Use of Weathering Steel in Bridges."