The Ability to Determine the Degree of Damage to Welds Depending on Damage to the Welding Elements

Abstract

In real conditions, bearing elements of metal structures are often subjected to the effect, both external loads, and various aggressive medium, under the influence of which corrosion processes are developed. Corrosive processes with prolonged action lead to a decrease the working area of ​​the welds and accordingly connected elements. During the examination of the technical condition of existing metal structures operating in aggressive medium, it is often necessary to perform calculations to define the reserve of strength. In case of exhaustion of material strength it is necessary to develop measures to strengthen certain weakened elements. Herewith, the quantitative assessment of the reduction of the reliability of welds remains a matter that requires additional research. To study the change in the ratio of squares of metal elements under the influence of the prolonged action of various aggressive medium, specially directed experimental studies were carried out. The results of studies allowed to determine the reserves of the strength of the welded elements in relation to the welds themselves. The ability to determine the reliability of welds depending on the reduction of the area of ​​the welded metal elements increases the operational reliability of metal structures, which for a long time are exploited in aggressive medium.