- Several approaches on geometrical and structural imperfections are given in the literature for I sections and rectangular box girders. Those approximations of the residuals stress state can be implemented into the structural analysis using multi-purpose FEM program packages. The knowledge of the stress state of free forming cross sections has still to be determined. To fulfil a safe design, the assumptions mostly will be very conservative due to the lack of the assumed stress state. This will result directly to increased thicknesses or additional stiffening of the plates. Not only the material cost will rise, but also the fabrication costs like welding will be affected. This paper aims to provide an overview on the possibilities in the numerical prediction of weld residual stresses and weld induced deformations for cross sections with unique shapes. With the obtained values the tendencies of the residual stress state and deformations will be used to optimize the design. A representative example on a section used in a steel compressionSeveral approaches on geometrical and structural imperfections are given in the literature for I sections and rectangular box girders. Those approximations of the residuals stress state can be implemented into the structural analysis using multi-purpose FEM program packages. The knowledge of the stress state of free forming cross sections has still to be determined. To fulfil a safe design, the assumptions mostly will be very conservative due to the lack of the assumed stress state. This will result directly to increased thicknesses or additional stiffening of the plates. Not only the material cost will rise, but also the fabrication costs like welding will be affected. This paper aims to provide an overview on the possibilities in the numerical prediction of weld residual stresses and weld induced deformations for cross sections with unique shapes. With the obtained values the tendencies of the residual stress state and deformations will be used to optimize the design. A representative example on a section used in a steel compression ring of a realized roof is described and analyzed using a simplification of a numerical welding simulation. The reduced simulation of the originally transient weld procedure was held to a practically reasonable level and can be reproduced for similar problems. The calculations used the Abaqus Welding Interface (AWI) to automate working steps in conjunction with the definition of weld passes and their sequencing. The field of the method that is discussed also a need of further investigations to prove its applicability. Some experimental back up is requires to verify the result quality. Nonetheless, this method could already help to show up tendencies or to identify potential critical spots in the design.…
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