IMPROVED FABRICATION AND INSPECTION OF WELDED CONNECTIONS IN BRIDGE STRUCTURES

This report consists of two parts. Part A, describes the optimization and application of acoustic emission monitoring to the in-process detection, location, and characterization of flaws in welded connections for highway bridges. The microprocessor-based acoustic emission monitoring system developed by GARD, INC. was fabricated and tested in the laboratory on various intentionally induced flaws, in welds which simulated typical highway bridge welded connections. These tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the method, allowed acoustic emission signal processing parameters to be optimized for typical bridge welds, and acoustic emission monitoring application guidelines to be developed. In addition, the Acoustic Emission Weld Monitor was given a brief evaluation in a bridge fabrication shop. Additionally, the tensile, fracture toughness, and fatigue properties were evaluated for the weldments fabricated using steels commonly employed in bridge construction: ASTM A36, A588, and A514. A variety of welding techniques were considered including submerged arc welding (SAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas considered for the submerged arc weldments. The results of these tests are presented in Part B. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Gard, Incorporated

  7449 North Natchez Avenue
  Niles, IL  United States  60648

  Federal Highway Administration

  Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Prine, D W
• Publication Date: 1984-10

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 304 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic emission tests; Bridge superstructures; Defects; Detection and identification; Detectors; Electric arc welding; Fatigue strength; Inspection; Joints; Metal bridges; Microprocessors; Optimization; Steel bridges; Tensile strength; Underwater construction; Welds
• Uncontrolled Terms: Welded joints
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00392187
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-83-006 Final Rpt., FCP 35L1-032
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-80-C-00083
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1987 12:00AM