摘要

Welding is a key manufacturing technology in the production of heavy steel structures, but it is likewise a weak link in the production chain since fatigue fractures in welds is a common cause of failures. This paper proposes several changes in the process to make the manufacturing more efficient and to improve the fatigue properties. The idea is to adopt the weld quality demands for the purpose of the weld and to connect them to the welding procedures. This approach ensures that the primary focus during welding is at the critical characteristics which add value to the welded structure through an enhanced fatigue life. These fatigue life-critical properties have been found to be related to the local weld geometry in the weld toe and at the weld root. Traditional demands related to the good workmanship of welding can often be neglected, due to its limited effect to the fatigue life. The research presented in this paper has contributed to the development of welding procedures for improved fatigue life properties at the critical points of the weld. Results indicate a considerable potential for enhanced fatigue life of fillet welds. The idea is to replace the standard fillet welds with a new toolbox containing three different welds: (i) welds with optimized penetration, (ii) welds with optimized weld toe, and (iii) welds with a low cost. Right usage of these weld types contributes to an efficient production that offer a long fatigue life. This paper describes a holistic view of the subject and highlights issues with the traditional way of working. The challenge and the novelty in the paper are the connection between the welding process, weld demands, and fatigue life properties. This connection is necessary for the development of welding procedures that can contribute to the fabrication of weight optimized welded structures with a predictable life.

  • 出版日期2015-10