INVESTIGATION OF LOW CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOROF BUILDING STRUCTURAL STEELS UNDEREARTHQUAKE LOADING

Based on the failure model of building structural steels under earthquake loading, the low cycle fatigue test at constant strain, the stochastical fatigue test under real earthquake load spectrum and the structural fatigue test are carried out. The experimental results show that microalloying of V Ti and Nb can improve the anti-seismic propersties of steel bars. In the high strain and shori life range, both the static strength and ductility of steels are very important to increasing the low cycle fatigue resistance of steels.

Effects of low temperature on properties of structural steels

The experiments were carried out to measure the mechanical properties ofthree grades of structural steels (Q235A, 16Mn and Q390E steel) at low temperature. It was shownthat the strength of the steels increases while the plasticity and toughness decrease as temperaturedrops. In the transitional area the toughness drops rapidly with temperature. Among the threestructural steels, Q390E steel has the best toughness and the lowest sensitivity.

Evaluation Indicators and Extraction Method for Pitting Corrosion of Structural Steel

A set of evaluation indicators based on corrosion ratio in theory for assessing the extent of pitting corrosion and performance reduction are proposed. In order to quantify the morphology of pitting corrosion and extract the evaluation indicators,the 3D profile data obtained by pitting morphology measurement are imported into a special written program to automatically determine the location of each corrosion pit and distill any desired data pertinent to the pitting morphology. The results show that this method seems to be effective to analyze the corroded surface and characterize the pitting morphology.

Monte-Carlo Simulation of Surface Crack Growth Rate for Offshore Structural Steel E36-Z35

The Monte- Carlo method is used to simulate the surface fatigue crack growth rate for offshore structural steel E36-Z35, and to determine the distributions and relevance of the parameters in the Paris equation. By this method, the time and cost of fatigue crack propagation testing can be reduced. The application of the method is demonstrated by use of four sets of fatigue crack propagation data for offshore structural steel E36-Z35. A comparison of the test data with the theoretical prediction for surface crack growth rate shows the application of the simulation method to the fatigue crack propagation tests is successful.

Simplified Thermodynamic Model for Pro-Eutectoid Ferrite Formation in Multicomponent Structural Steel

By introducing aparameter of difference in ferrite formation temperature between binary Fe-C and multicomponent system,and referring to the thermodynamic model for Fe-C binary system,a simplified thermodynamic model for pro-eutectoid ferrite formation in Fe-ΣXiC multicomponent structural steels(Xi=Mn,Si,Mo,Cr,Ni or Ti,etc)was suggested.The comparison of the calculated Ae3 temperatures with the measured data of steels 42 shows that the relative standard deviation and root-mean-square(RMS)error between them are only 0.71% and 8.92 K,respectively.However,the deviations between the same measured data and the values calculated from the superelement model are as high as 1.86% and 23.83 K,respectively.It can be concluded that the simplified thermodynamic model for pro-eutectoid ferrite formation in multicomponent structural steels is acceptable and the calculated Ae3 temperatures are in good agreement with the experimental data.

DUCTILE CRACK INITIATION AND STEADY-STATE PROPAGATION OF HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURAL STEEL

The resistance to crack propagation at earlier stage for a high strength structural steel with certain ductility and its correlation to microstructures,stress states,deformation history and strain characteristics have been investigated.The resistance to crack propagation is mainly de- termined by the plastic constrain ahead of the crack tip,the elastic energy and plastic work absorbed in the stress-strain field.These are connected with the state function of triaxial stress.The deformation history and strain characteristic during deformation of material are described by the flow line in which the deformation history and strain characteristic restrain the crack initiation at stage Ⅱ and the crack propagation at stage Ⅲ.The strain hardening rate may sensitively reflect the stress distribution and micro-fracture mechanism in the interi- or of material.

Experimental study on stress-strain-temperature models for structural steel

For the research on steel structure in fire,it is very important to determine the properties of structural steel at elevated temperature.Up to now,the high-temperature properties of material is believed to be related to only temperature state,which is not precise enough to simulate the behavior of steel structures under different combinations of heating,cooling,loading,and unloading.To analyze the influence of the temperature-load history on the steel properties,a series of tests were carried out under different temperature-load paths about steel Q235,which is widely used in steel structures in China.In this paper,the method to set the temperature-load paths was introduced;the variety regulation of steel properties changing with temperature was analyzed under different paths;according to experimental results,the formulas of elastic modulus and yield strength at elevated temperature were fitted,and the stress-strain-temperature 3D relationships of structural steel under different paths were presented.

Seismic Response Analysis of Steel Structure Isolation System Under Long-Period Seismic Motion

To analyze the seismic response of steel structure isolation systems under long-period seismic motion,a 9-story steel frame building was selected as the subject.Five steel structure finite element models were established using SAP2000.Response spectrum analysis was conducted on the seismic motion to determine if it adhered to the characteristics of long-period seismic motion.Modal analysis of each structural model revealed that the isolation structure significantly prolonged the structural natural vibration period and enhanced seismic performance.Base reactions and floor displacements of various structures notably increased under long-period seismic motion compared to regular seismic activity.Placing isolation bearings in the lower part of the structure proved more effective under long-period seismic motion.In seismic design engineering,it is essential to consider the impact of long-period seismic motion on structures and the potential failure of isolation bearings.

Cleanliness of Alloying Structural Steel

Alloying structural steel used for mechanical structures has a high requirement for cleanliness because its failures are greatly affected by non-metallic inclusions and total oxygen content in steel.It has been reported by some steelmaking plants to have some problems in controlling total oxygen content and inclusions during alloying structural steel production.For this purpose,cleanliness control in 0.2C-0.3Si-0.6Mn-1Cr-0.2Mo steel was investigated.Firstly,low melting temperature zone（≤1873 K） of CaO-Al2O3-MgO system and formation condition of low melting temperature inclusions were investigated through thermodynamic equilibrium calculation.On this basis,industrial tests were carried out.Through sampling at different stages,transformation of oxide inclusions and change of total oxygen content in steel were studied.The results show that：in order to form CaO-Al2O3-MgO system inclusions with low melting temperature,mass percent of Al2O3,MgO and CaO in inclusions should be controlled from 37.6% to 70.8%,0 to 17.4% and 25.5% to 60.6%;For the condition of 1873 K and 0.05%（mass percent） dissolved aluminum in steel,the activities of dissolved oxygen,magnesium and calcium should be controlled as 0.298×10-4-2×10-4,0.1×10-5-40×10-5 and 0.8×10-8-180×10-8 respectively.With secondary refining proceeding,average total oxygen content and inclusion amount decrease,the type of most inclusions changes from Al2O3 after tapping to Al2O3-MgO after top slag is formed during ladle furnace refining and finally to CaO-Al2O3-MgO after RH treatment.In the final products,average total oxygen content was 12.7×10-6 and most inclusions were in spherical shape with size less than 5 μm.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a New Multi-functional 460 MPa Grade Construction Structural Steel

This article reports a new generation of Q460 multi-functional construction structural steel,which has high strength(yield strength larger than 460 MPa),excellent toughness(higher than 110 J/cm^(2) at-60 ℃),lower yield ratio(lower than 0.8),good fire resistance(yield strength at 600 ℃ larger than two-thirds of its room-temperature yield strength)and better corrosion resistance.The eff ects of finish cooling temperature(FCT)on the microstructure and properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),emission electron probe micro-analysis(EPMA),electron backscattering diff raction(EBSD),tensile tester,impact tester,periodic immersion cycle acceleration test and electrochemical experiment.The results show that the strength and toughness are simultaneously improved by decreasing the FCT due to more lath-like bainite with large number of dislocations,refined martensite/austenite(M/A)with higher carbon concentration and increased high angle boundaries.In addition,the fire resistance of the newly developed Q460 steel is obviously better than the conventional one,which is mainly due to non-recrystallized lath-like bainite with high dislocation density at elevated temperature.The corrosion resistance of the new Q460 steel is also improved due to the addition of Cu and Cr.

21^(st) Century Niobium-Bearing Structural Steels

Value-added applications of niobium (Nb) microalloyed steels continue to be developed for commercial implementation to meet increased material demands and improved properties for 21st century structural applications. These applications demand Nb-bearing steels that deliver improved toughness, fracture and fire resistance and weldability. Such applications include medium and jumbo beam, boiler, bridge, container, heavy equipment, long product, pressure vessel, ship, storage tank and windtower applications. Steel producers are challenged to develop microalloyed steel grades that cost effectively meet end user demands for higher strength at thinner cross sections, better low temperature toughness to resist brittle fracture in building, pressure vessel and ship structures, sustain higher loads per unit area in earthquake and hurricane zone product applications, demonstrate improved fire-resistance in buildings, bridges and tunnels and provide overall improved weldability. Niobium is often a key element to achieve these results. This paper will discuss Nb market opportunities and key operational practices required to successfully melt, cast and roll these high strength steel grades. Niobium process metallurgy is important to leverage the ability of niobium to obtain ultra-fine grain, homogeneous structural steel microstructures with superior mechanical properties. The process metallurgy, physical metallurgy and resultant properties are significantly determined by mill capabilities, mill practices, operational understanding and the culture of the steel mill. The optimal combination and implementation aspects that are unique to each mill we call metallurgical operational integration (MOI) . MOI is the bridge that links the product requirements to mill capability and process implementation.

Effect of tempering on carbides and hydrogen embrittlement in E690 high strength marine structural steel

The effect of tempering on carbides and hydrogen embrittlement in E690 high strength marine structural steel has been investigated.The steel was tempered at 600℃ for 1–3 h.Detailed characterization was carried out to characterize the microstructure,especially the dislocation density and grain size.The hydrogen permeation test and thermal desorption spectroscopy test were also implemented.The dislocation density decreases,the amount of carbide increases,and carbides(M_(23)C_(6) and MX)coarsen with the tempering time increasing.After tempered at 600℃ for 3 h,the diffusible hydrogen trapped by lattice and dislocation decreases while the non-diffusible hydrogen trapped by carbides increases,leading to the best hydrogen embrittlement resistance,although hydrogen diffuses rapidly due to the reduction of dislocation density.And the fracture mode changes from a combination of brittle cleavage and ductile dimpled fracture to fully ductile dimple fracture under hydrogen charging condition.Moreover,a phenomenon that hydrogen accelerates the dislocations movement of the steel during deformation was observed,which is related to the fact that hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity mechanism.

Influence of Rare Earths on Improve Impact Property of Structural Alloy Steel with Extra Low Sulfur and Oxygen

The influence of rare earth lanthanum and cerium on impact property of structural alloy steel with extra low sulfur and oxygen was studied by impact test and microanalysis. The results showed that rare earths increased impact power of the steel when their contents were about 0.005%. Proper addition of rare earths could purify grain boundaries and decrease amount of inclusions, and reduced the possibility of crack growth along grain boundaries and through inclusions. Therefore, such steel could absorb more crack growth energy while it was impacted. However, if the content of rare earths is excessive, the grain boundary would be weakened and brittle-hard phosphates and Fe-RE intermetallic would be formed, which worsened impact toughness of steel.

Influence of Structural Modification on Work-hardening Behaviour of Type 316 Stainless Steel

Work-hardening behaviour of type 316 austenitic stainless steel having difFerent initial dislocation structures introduced by swaging to various levels is analysed by a simplified Kock's model which takes into account the structural changes through the dislocation accumulation and annihilation process during deformation. The dislocation accumulation and annihilation factors show a temperature and structure dependence. The dislocation annihilation factor shows a plateau or decreasing tendency in the dynamic strain ageing (DSA) temperature range. This is attributed as either due to dislocation accumulation being more pronounced than dislocation annihilation or as due to precipitates being formed at DSA temperatures acting as obstacles to dislocation motion in the DSA temperature range.

Analysis of Soundproof Technology of Assembled Steel Structure Houses

The problem of noise has always been highlighted in assembled steel structure houses.Therefore,it is necessary to use effective soundproof measures where steel beams intersect with the reserved line pipe openings,doors,windows,elevator shafts,and other locations.In this paper,we will investigate the areas with subpar soundproof performance in an assembled steel structure residential project and propose suitable noise control measures to address this issue.

Discussion on Construction Technology and Welding Deformation of High-Rise Steel Frame Structure

Because of urbanization,land resources in China’s cities has become increasingly scarce.Therefore,modern buildings are becoming taller,making high-rise steel frame structures the new favorite of the construction industry.However,the construction of high-rise steel frame structures requires advanced technology.If the construction technology is effectively implemented and the welding techniques of the construction personnel align with the requirements for high-rise steel frame structures,it can help mitigate deformations in the steel structure,thus preserving the overall construction quality of high-rise steel frame structures.To enhance the applicability of steel frame structures in high-rise buildings,this paper focuses on analyzing the optimization path for the construction process of high-rise steel frame structures.It introduces a tailored approach to control welding-induced deformations in steel frame structures,aiming to make a valuable contribution to the advancement of China’s construction industry.

Fault Identification for Shear-Type Structures Using Low-Frequency Vibration Modes

Shear-type structures are common structural forms in industrial and civil buildings,such as concrete and steel frame structures.Fault diagnosis of shear-type structures is an important topic to ensure the normal use of structures.The main drawback of existing damage assessment methods is that they require accurate structural finite element models for damage assessment.However,for many shear-type structures,it is difficult to obtain accurate FEM.In order to avoid finite elementmodeling,amodel-freemethod for diagnosing shear structure defects is developed in this paper.This method only needs to measure a few low-order vibration modes of the structure.The proposed defect diagnosis method is divided into two stages.In the first stage,the location of defects in the structure is determined based on the difference between the virtual displacements derived from the dynamic flexibility matrices before and after damage.In the second stage,damage severity is evaluated based on an improved frequency sensitivity equation.Themain innovations of this method lie in two aspects.The first innovation is the development of a virtual displacement difference method for determining the location of damage in the shear structure.The second is to improve the existing frequency sensitivity equation to calculate the damage degree without constructing the finite elementmodel.Thismethod has been verified on a numerical example of a 22-story shear frame structure and an experimental example of a three-story steel shear structure.Based on numerical analysis and experimental data validation,it is shown that this method only needs to use the low-order modes of structural vibration to diagnose the defect location and damage degree,and does not require finite element modeling.The proposed method should be a very simple and practical defect diagnosis technique in engineering practice.

Laser cleaning of steel structure surface for paint removal and repaint adhesion

Paint removal from steel structure is executed for shipyards of marine and offshore engineering.Due to environmental unfriendliness and unhealthy drawbacks of sand blasting technique, laser ablation technique is proposed as a substituting method.By absorbing high energy of the 1064 nm pulsed laser, the paint is vaporized quickly.The ablated debris is then collected by using a suction pump.Initial metal surface of the steel is exposed when laser beam irradiates perpendicularly and scans over it.The cleaned surface fulfills the requirements of surface preparation standards ISO 8501 of SA2.The adhesion is further characterized with pull-off test after carrying out painting with Jotamastic 87 aluminum paint.The repainting can be embedded onto the laser cleaned surface to bond much more tightly.The excellent adhesion strength of 20 MPa between repainted coating and the substrate is achieved, which is higher than what is required by shipyards applications.

Preliminary investigation of seismic damage to two steel space structures during the 2013 Lushan earthquake

Severe damage to steel space structures is rarely reported when compared to other structural systems damaged during past major earthquakes around the world. Two gymnasiums of steel space structures in downtown Lushan County that were damaged during the 2013 M7.0 Lushan earthquake in China were investigated and the observations are summarized in this paper. Typical damage to these two steel space structures ranges from moderate to severe. Moderate damage includes global buckling and dislocation of bolted connections of truss members, and inelastic elongation of anchor bolts and sliding of pedestal plates of supports. Severe damage includes member fracture caused by local buckling, and fracture failure of anchor bolts and welds. The distribution of structural damage to these two structures is described in detail and future research opportunities are suggested.

Methodology to Estimate Remaining Service Life of Steel Structure by Possibilistic Reliability Theory

Steel structure system of crane deteriorates over time due to environmental effects, material fatigue, and overloading. System structural reliability and remaining service life assessment methods are developed during the few decades. But until now estimating remaining service life methods of crane steel system by reliability theory begin to develop. Safety assessment of existing steel structure system requires the development of a methodology that allows for an accurate evaluation of reliability and prediction of the remaining life. Steel structures are the supporting elements in the special equipment such as hoisting machinery. Structure reliability and remaining service life safe assessment are important for steel structures. For finding the reason which caused the failure modes （such as fatigue strength failure, stiffness failure and stability failure）, incremental loading method based on possibilistic reliability is applied into dynamic structure failure path research. Through reliability analyzing and calculating for crane, it is demonstrated that fatigue damage is the most common failure mode. Fuzzy fatigue damage accumulation theory is used for basis theory and Paris-Eadogan equations are used for mathematical modeling. All fatigue parameter values of the welding box girder of bridge cranes are determined and fatigue remaining life formulas are deduced. After field test and collecting working parameters of numerous cranes, typical fatigue load spectrum was compiled for the dangerous point of box girders used in the area. Fatigue remaining life is assessed for different types and lifting capacities. Safety for steel structure system of bridge crane is assessed by two quantitative indexs： reliability and remaining life. Therefore, the evaluation means is more comprehensive and reasonable. The example shows that the two quantitative indexs are mutually correlated. Through analyzing the 120 t-22.5 m bridge crane of a certain enterprise, a new methodology to estimate remaining service life of steel structure by possibilistic reliability theory is introduced for safety evaluation of structure system.