To help operators and inspectors increase the fatigue strength of new structures or repair or upgrade existing structures, Haagensen (structural engineering, Norwegian U. of Science and technology) and Maddox (mechanical engineering, U. of Strathclyde, UK) draw on previous International Institute of Welding publications to supplement the IIW Recommendations for Fatigue Design of Welded Joints and Components and identify the main methods of weld toe improvement used to increase fatigue strength: burr grinding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) dressing, and hammer and needle peening. They give specifications for the use of each method, including equipment, weld preparation, and operation, as well as guidance on inspection, quality control, and training and assessments of fatigue strength and thickness effects possible with each technique. No index is provided. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The weld toe is a primary source of fatigue cracking because of the severity of the stress concentration it produces. Weld toe improvement can increase the fatigue strength of new structures significantly and can also be used to repair or upgrade existing structures. However, practitioners have reported wide variations in the actual improvements in fatigue strength. Based on an extensive testing program organized by the International Institute of Welding (IIW), this report reviews the main methods for weld toe improvement to increase fatigue strength: burr grinding, TIG dressing and hammer and needle peening. The report provides specifications for the practical use of each method, including equipment, weld preparation and operation. It also offers guidance on inspection, quality control and training as well as assessments of fatigue strength and thickness effects possible with each technique. These recommendations will allow for a more consistent use of these methods and more predictable increases in fatigue strength.