Fatigue strength of transverse attachment steel joints with single-sided arc weld using low transformation temperature welding consumable

Abstract

This study investigated the applicability of low transformation temperature (LTT) arc welding consumables to improve fatigue strength against weld root failure. Transverse attachment joints formed by single-sided welding, similar to rib-to-deck connections in orthotropic steel bridge decks, were fabricated using an LTT welding consumable and conventional welding consumable. Fatigue tests were performed with out-of-plane bending loads using a vibration-type fatigue testing machine. The test results indicated that higher fatigue strength can be achieved in the joint with an LTT consumable compared with a conventional one. In addition, residual stresses around the weld bead were clarified by X-ray diffraction measurements and finite element analyses. The results revealed that the LTT consumable weld metal can reduce residual stress around the weld and also introduce compressive residual stress to the weld root, which can contribute to improved fatigue strength.