Evaluating the microstructural evolution, hardness and monotonic strength of post-weld surface-treated undermatched HSLA fusion welded T-joints

Description

While post-weld surface treatment techniques to improve the fatigue life are well documented, their impact on the monotonic structural integrity of undermatched T joints remains under-researched. This study provides a quantitative assessment of the static load bearing capacity and fracture characteristics of different post-weld surface-treated HSLA T-joints welded with undermatched filler material.
Undermatched T-joints were welded using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Following different post-weld surface-treatments, individual specimens were sectioned from each weld for microstructure analysis, hardness mapping and monotonic tensile testing. The post weld surface treatments under investigation include IIW recommended hammer peening, TIG dressing, burr grinding, combination of grinding and peening, and a combination of TIG dressing and peening.
The experimental setup for monotonic tests involved custom made fixtures assembled on an Instron 250 kN universal testing machine. Slow and steady load was applied on the top plate of the T joint. The stress-strain data was computed and subsequent fractography was performed to compare and evaluate the effect of different weld surface-treatment techniques on the static load bearing capacity of undermatched T joints.

Period	14 Jul 2026
Event title	The International Institute of Welding (IIW) 79th Annual Assembly and International Conference on Welding and Joining
Event type	Conference
Location	Salzburg, AustriaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International