Welded Repair of Cracks in Steel Bridge Members

This report documents and presents the results of a literature survey on the occurrence of cracking in steel bridge members and repair methods used. The experience of United States bridge operators who were interviewed is also presented and the scope for welded repair is reported. Experimental work included the repair of I beams that had been fatigue cracked in the laboratory. Welded repairs were carried out including repairs under dynamic loading and also under conditions of restricted access out of doors. Fatigue testing of repaired beams showed no decrease in fatigue life.