Effect of the Root Gap on the Structure and Properties of High Strength Steel S700MC Welds

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of high strength (HS) and ultra-high strength steels (UHS) increases, notably in welded constructions. These steels are mainly exploited in heavy loaded welded constructions such as bridges, cranes and excavators, in pressure vessels, vehicles, ships, drilling rigs etc. working at room or lower temperatures. As the welded constructions have specific requirements, the development of high strength and ultra-high strength steels imposes the need for research on the factors influencing their weldability. Among the possible negative implications are: cold cracks formation, softening of the heat affected zone, brittleness in the coarse grained zone. When complying with the generally accepted rules for welding, HS and UHS are readily welded by all conventional welding methods. Recommendations for welding of steels after normalization, thermo-mechanical treatment and quenching and tempering are given in the standard EN 1011 -1, 2. The use of thermo-mechanically treated (hot-rolled) steels with low carbon equivalent, such as S700MC, allows reduction in time required for welding as the preheating temperature is lowered or even preheating is not necessary. A more pronounced negative effect on the weld quality has the presence of different defects. S700MC can be welded by all conventional methods, and a reduction in the softened zone can be achieved by using appropriate welding parameters. Joint preparation for welding of HS and UHS steels is described in the standards EN ISO 9692-1:2013 and EN ISO 9692-2:2001. Nevertheless, the root gap is often the closing part in constructions and does not comply with the standard recommendations. That is why the effect of the root gap on welds has to be researched. The present work introduces results of a research studying the effect of the root gap on the structure and some mechanical and technological properties of S700MS welds, welded by submerged arc welding.