Evaluation of the factors influencing the strength of HSLA steel weld joint with softened HAZ

Softening in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) may occur at welding of high-strength low-alloy steels and might have a negative effect on the static strength of welded joints. This study investigates the influence of HAZ softening in combination with different filler metal strength classes, weld seams, and hot rolled strips on static performance of a GMA-welded joints. The results of these welding experiments were compared and discussed with a numerical investigation on factors influencing the static strength of HSLA steel welds. At the numerical investigation, a systematical study on potential strength influencing factors and a Pareto analysis based on a multiple regression was done and the potential strength influencing factors were ranked according their degree of influence. The comparison of the results of this experimental and numerical study showed a good accordance.