Boron Extrication An in-depth look into vehicle extrication and rescues involving today's automobiles
The 2011 Cadillac SRX Body Structure has a wide range of different Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS) to consider during an extrication. Just remember that so many different factors come into play when cutting UHSS so never think that you are outgunned! Have a Plan A, Plan B, etc!
The B-Pillar (item 10) is a combined mixture of different UHSS. The outer B-Pillar is martensitic and the inner reinforcements are Dual Phase Steel and other UHSS. The Side Door Impact Beams (item 13) and Rocker Panel (item 14) are made with UHSS.
Cadillac Service B-Pillar
The collision repair guide on the 2010-2011 Cadillac SRX states that the B-Pillar can only be replaced as a one piece, no sectioning! The service B-Pillar will come as a complete assembly and the center B-Pillar Reinforcement is constructed of ultra high strength steel (martensitic). Ultra High Strength Steel normally has a tensile strength greater than 700 MPa.
Here’s a little interesting note I ran across from GM, when GM calls out UHSS this classification includes common steel names of Martensitic Steel (MS), Press hardened Steel (PHS), and Boron Steel.
Inner Reinforcements of the B-Pillar
The Inner reinforcements of the B-Pillar are seen in the image to the right with the rocker panel and outer B-Pillar removed. Remember the reinforcements are UHSS Dual Phase. General Motors states that Ultra High Strength Dual Phase Steel (Dual Phase Steel with a tensile strength greater than 800 MPa), also known as DPX cannot be repaired.
