Method of reinforcing defects in field welds of unique buildings and structures

Introduction. The article presents a new method of reinforcing field welds with defects, impermissible according to the regulation requirements. This method allows reinforcement works to be carried out while maintaining the functional purpose of a building or structure without closing for the repair.Aim. To develop a technology of reinforcing defective welds, which preserves the functional purpose of a structure during repair works without its closure.Materials and methods. Reinforcement is carried out using a sheet of high-strength steel. The reinforcing sheet must be attached to connected field elements, which excludes the defective weld from the operation. Welders are permitted to perform works after testing on control welded joints. Welds, made by a candidate welder, is cut and sent to a specialized laboratory for determining weld strength properties, impact strength of weld macro- and microstructures, as well as the order and dimensions of legs for multi-pass welds. If the obtained weld data meets the standard indicators, the candidate welder is permitted to connect the reinforcement sheets of defective field welds. After making welded joints, they must be checked by visual, instrumental and ultrasonic testing.Results. A method of reinforcing defective welds was developed and implemented. Defects in the welds appeared during the connection of field elements, whose dimensions were less than the transport size, into a single spatial system, for example, the inner contour of a dome cover. This type of reinforcement can be made without closing the building or structure for repair works.Conclusion. The method of weld reinforcement can be used to remedy impermissible derects, detected by visual, instrumental and ultrasonic testing, in any buildings and structures, including unique long-span ones, therefore ensuring their reliable and safe operation after the construction.