EFFECT OF ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION ON THE FATIGUE-STRENGTH OF WEATHERING STRUCTURAL-STEELS

The experimental results obtained after a two-year weathering exposure are discussed and evaluated in terms of the relevant codes and specifications. A two-year exposure to atmospheric corrosion of the butt-type and transverse stiffener weld joints investigated failed to reveal any noticeable effect on fatigue strength. This finding is consistent with the results of Japanese and American researches. According to these investigations, there is in fact an increase of the notch effect in welded joints only with virtually notch-free weld toes after several years of weathering exposure; the tolerable stresses are, however, clearly above the pertinent design lines. In welded joints with normal weld undercuts, it is possible to ascertain even a smoothing of the weld toes with the reduction of the notch effect.