Adverse Impacts of Wildfires on Power Industry Steel Structures

Understanding how and why materials fail is critical for anyone entering the materials science and engineering field. Corrosion is one of the most common and costly causes of material degradation, affecting metals, concrete, and other infrastructure components across industries like energy, water, and transportation.

This presentation will provide an introduction to corrosion mechanisms, failure analysis, and prevention strategies that are essential for maintaining the performance and safety of critical structures. We will explore topics such as how material selection, protective coatings, and cathodic protection systems are used to slow down or prevent corrosion. Students and early-career professionals will also learn about important inspection and assessment tools—such as visual inspections, hardness testing, and non-destructive evaluation methods—that help predict when materials might fail and how to extend their service life.

To make these concepts real and relatable, we will look at a timely example: the impact of wildfires on steel and concrete structures. In recent years, wildfires across the United States have become more intense and frequent, exposing infrastructure to extreme heat. This can weaken metals, damage protective coatings, and cause concrete to crack or spall explosively. By examining how wildfire damage can accelerate material degradation, students will better understand how environmental conditions influence corrosion and failure—and why designing with these risks in mind is so important.

The session will highlight how materials scientists and engineers can play a key role in developing stronger, safer, and more resilient materials for the future. It will emphasize the importance of proactive monitoring, failure investigation, and innovation in corrosion prevention for those starting out in the materials industry.