Impact of Patch Welding Repair on the Compressive Strength of Thickness-reduced Steel Members

Abstract

This study explores the efficacy of patch welding repair in restoring the compressive strength of steel structural members affected by corrosion-induced thickness reduction. Traditionally, high-strength bolts are the preferred method for patch-repairing such damages. However, patch welding presents a viable alternative, offering benefits like light weight and ease of workability. Compression tests were conducted on steel plates with varied degrees of thickness reduction to assess the effects of patch plate dimensions on the compressive behavior of the repaired plates. Additionally, elastic-plastic analysis simulations were performed to scrutinize the behavior of specimens with varying parameters. The findings suggest that to match the compressive strength of undamaged steel plates, the thicknesses of the weld throat and patch plates must be increased by a factor of 1.1 relative to the thickness loss. Moreover, for optimal effectiveness, the length of the patch plate should exceed the affected area by at least 30 mm. This study illuminates the potential of patch welding as a repair technique for corrosion-compromised steel structures.