Structural steel for the application in offshore, wind and hydro energy production: comparison of application and welding properties of frequently used materials

Abstract

Energy production by wind and hydropower sets demanding requirements on the steel grades used for structural applications. The question of steel grade selection must be answered by finding an optimum between sufficient toughness properties, good strength properties but also easy fabrication, in particular welding. Sufficient toughness is of importance in order to avoid brusque failure phenomena; good strength properties are necessary to minimise the dead weight of these structures in order to facilitate the transport and erection process. The significance of good fabrication properties consists of two facets: for instance, a good weldability can result in easy procedures and therefore high efficiency. Moreover, material with high weldability may show a higher resistance against cracking phenomena in the heat affected zone. Therefore, this article explains the different production methods which are used today for structural steel grades as well as the resulting mechanical and chemical properties and the welding behaviour.