Weldability of old mild steels in maintenance of historical steel structures

Welding process causes notch effects and residual stresses. Accordingly, the risk of brittle fracture grows. In comparison with currently used steels, old mild steels have a lower toughness. The weldability of mild steel is limited and only feasible under specific conditions. If for structural reasons welding is preferred instead of the use of bolts, the metallurgical characteristics of the steels have to be considered. These include the concentrations of impurities in the zones of segregation and the tendency to embrittlement by nitrogen-induced ageing.
In the corresponding paper, experimental and analytical studies of the weldability of old mild steels are presented. Extensive material analyses to determine the mechanical and the technological properties of the material will be an essential part of the investigations. Particularly, the increased impurities of phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen and also oxygen in the segregation zones as well as the distinctive non-metallic inclusions complicate to produce load-bearing butt welds. Welding materials currently available are not designed for welding such materials. Nevertheless, in the context of a research project welding tests on old mild steels has been carried out using current welding electrodes. Supported by involved industrial partners, a stick electrode adapted to the characteristics of old steels will be developed. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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