RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF SAGGING AND CONTINUOUS UNDERCUT ON THE CAPACITY OF BUTT-WELDED JOINT

The behavior of butt-welded joint with imperfection of the outer contour due to sagging and continuous undercut has been analyzed in this paper. The analysis was done by testing and numerical investigation using Finite Element Analysis. For the testing, the standard probes have been made from material S235JR that is mostly used for the production of welded structures. Sagging and continuous undercut on both sides of the testing plates have been simulated in the welded joint in order to evaluate the imperfection. Research presented in this paper is directed in gaining acknowledgement and experience for analysis of the welded structures and their usage in design, construction, production and testing. In that manner the real picture of stress distribution is going to be acquired and this will contribute in the design of structures with decreased factor of safety leading to less expensive and yet safe structures which is the common interest of the companies that construct, produce and assemble welded structures. The purpose of this paper is to endorse the influence of the sagging and continuous undercut on the capacity of the welded joint in order to make appropriate judgment for the safety.