Tensile properties of S355 butt welds after exposure to high temperatures

Abstract

The influence of the exposure to high temperatures on the tensile properties and failure mode of butt-welded connections in S355 J2 steel was assessed. With this aim, welds were produced using GMAW and FCAW semi-automatic processes. Transverse tensile specimens were extracted from the welded coupons, heated to high temperatures (300, 600 and 900 °C), cooled to room temperature and then loaded to failure. Microstructural characterization and hardness measurements were performed to explain the tensile behaviour of the specimens after exposure to high temperatures. Tests at ambient temperature were also conducted for benchmark comparison. From the analyses, it was possible to conclude that, in the absence of welding defects, the residual properties of the S355 joints, after heat exposure, are very similar to that of the base material. However, the presence of welding defects, depending on its severity and typology, may conduct to rupture in the welds and low residual strength, after heat exposure. This happens even if those defects not affect the tensile properties of the connections in the as-welded condition. The residual capacity of steel structures will be only severely reduced after heat exposure to temperatures in the eutectoid range, i.e., between 700 and 900 °C. The critical exposure temperature may vary according to the chemical composition of the steels/welds and to the duration of the heat exposure. The strength loss and the ductility of the BM and of the connections are dependent of the duration of the heat exposure. Very long exposure conditions conduct to a maximum decrease in residual yield and ultimate strength of 30 % and 20%, respectively, in S355 J2 steels and welds.