Welding stresses and distortions in multi-cellular box girders

Abstract The formation of residual stresses and deformations in weldments is reviewed and an experimental study of eight multi-cellular model steel girders is described. These models represent, to approximately quarter-scale, the construction of double-bottom ships' hulls. Details of the fabrication and welding procedure are given and measured values of residual strains, stresses and deformations are presented. Clear patterns of behaviour are identified and a comparison of experimental and predicted values shows reasonable agreement.