Current tendencies in welding of steel bridges; choice of material and use of thick plates

Abstract

Abstract The emergence of new efficient materials, the high demands on the quality of the welded joints, while ensuring their safety in operation, outstanding aesthetic forms, the complexity of the new European welding standards, the pressure of the short execution times, had as result the adoption of modern solutions for steel and composite bridges. Durability is also one of the demands of the European Standards. The use of thick heavy plates can lead to reduction of the constructive depth, possibility for improved fatigue details, short execution time and easy maintenance. In this direction the fabrication efficiency is important, the need of a correct technology is vital. The role of the welding specialist is determinant. The paper presents some examples in the realization of modern steel and composite bridges with thick plates for the Romanian highways network.