AUTOMATIC OPEN ARC BUTT WELDING ON WESTGATE BRIDGE

The fusarc automatic welding process was chosen for the fabrication of the new orthotropic steel deck for the Westgate bridge (Melbourne). Deck but welds were required to have a minimum average charpy V notch impact strength of 35 j at -5deg C, and when after a considerable number of satisfactory welds had been made two butt welds failed to meet specification, despite stringent quality controls, an investigation was started into the reasons for non-compliance. The results have shown that despite the quality control procedures the allowable variation in the welding parameters can result in welds of widely different properties. Welding voltage was found to have a significant and unexpected effect on impact strength. As a result of the investigation changes in the welding parameters have been made and tougher welds are being produced. /Author/TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Australian Welding Institute

  118 Alfred Street
  Milsons Point, Milsons Point,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • Newton, J D
  • Gilmour, R S
  • Sweeney, T L
• Publication Date: 1976

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 5 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridges; Butt welds; Conferences; Electric arc welding; Orthotropic; Orthotropic plates; Properties of materials; Shock resistance; Specifications; Steel; Strength of materials; Welding
• Uncontrolled Terms: Impact strength
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ITRD Terms: 8006: Australia; 3455: Bridge; 3482: Bridge deck; 8525: Conference; 3490: Orthotropic plate; 5929: Specific surface; 187: Specification (standard); 4542: Steel; 5544: Strength (mater); 3852: Welding
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I34: Steels and Metals; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00164349
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 12 1978 12:00AM