Deformations and residual stresses induced in channel section columns by presetting and welding

Abstract The paper addresses the problem of eliminating deformations of fabricated monosymmetric members caused by weld shrinkage forces eccentric from the section centroid. A method of manufacture is presented which counteracts the deformation from weld shrinkage by presetting and subsequently clamping of the plate elements prior to welding. The method can also be used to produce a specified overall bow of the member. A theory is outlined for controlling the deformation after fabrication by presetting, and expressions are stated for the residual stresses induced by the combined effects of presetting and weld shrinkage. The presetting method is applied to the fabrication of channel section members. Details of the fabrication process and the deformation after manufacture are reported. Residual stresses are measured in a total of nine specimens and are compared with theoretically predicted stresses.