Selection of butt welding methods for joints between tubular steel and steel castings under fatigue loading

摘要

Research work at the University of Karlsruhe on fabrication of welded connections between hot-rolled tubes and steel castings is presented in this paper. Comparison is made between different parameter variations at the weld seams. This also includes the influence of different backing materials and influence of cast defects. Furthermore the cost effectiveness of the various measures is also taken into account to find a proper solution to the design of the butt weld. These investigations are intended to lead towards the development of a concept for improving the fatigue life for bridges using such connections.