Performance of Underwater Weldments
Abstract
Data reported herein indicate that the wet and wet-backed metal arc welding (SMAW) process can produce welds suitable for structural applications provided certain limitations of the welds are considered in design. Welding procedure qualification tests and fracture toughness (J sub Ic) tests were performed on wet, wet-backed, and dry fillet and groove welds made with (1) A-36 steel and E6013 electrodes, and (2) A-516 steel and nickel alloy electrodes. Despite hardness measurement exceeding 300 HV1.0 in ferritic welds and 400 HV1.0 in austenitic welds, no hydrogen cracking or brittle fracture behavior was observed. Generally, the Charpy tests indicated upper-shelf behavior at 28 deg F and the HAZ was found to be tougher than the weld metal. Statistical analysis reveals the effect and inneraction of water depth, plate thickness, restraint, material, and location of notch in the weld. Design guidelines are formulated and illustrated by examples for the use of these welds in structural applications. The fracture toughness of the welds is sufficient to be tolerant of flaws much larger than those allowed under AWS specifications. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 05, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230198
Entities
People
- E. B. Norris
- P. D. Watson
- R. J. Dexter
- W. R. Schick
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute