Hydrogen Embrittlement in Screws: Risks, Testing and Design Considerations

Why do some structural screws fail before the end of their design life? This webinar examines hydrogen embrittlement in timber construction from a practical engineering perspective, focusing on the interaction between stress, moisture exposure, corrosion, installation quality, and material hardness. The session explains the difference between internal and environmental hydrogen embrittlement, how these mechanisms develop during manufacturing or on site, and why thick steel-to-timber connections, wet construction conditions, over-torque, misalignment, and wood swelling can sharply increase risk. It also covers testing methods, core hardness thresholds, coating performance, Canadian and ISO requirements, and design-site measures to reduce failures through correct fastener selection, moisture management, and installation control. Speaker: Andrés Reyes - Rothoblaas Fastening Product Line Manager January 15, 2025 - First Edition