Mechanical behaviour of angles used to strengthen rectangular steel columns

Abstract

Welding angles onto the surfaces of steel columns is a commonly used method to strengthen rectangular steel columns in practical engineering. However, continuous welding requires extensive welding work in the field, which increases project costs significantly and extends the construction period. Intermittent welds can reduce both the field welding work and the cost of the reinforcement. The main objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of substituting intermittent welding for continuous welding through an experimental study. The mechanical behaviour of the intermittently welded angles was also investigated. The influences of the use of steel battens, the number of weld zones, the weld length and the intermittent length of the weld seam on loading capacity were examined and a design recommendation is proposed. The findings of this study indicate that intermittent welding can be used as a substitute for continuous welding.