Finite element modeling of the influence of residual weld stresses on buckling

One of the determining factors in the design of steel-tied arch bridges is the out-of-plane buckling behavior. While considerable research, focusing on the determination of the geometrical imperfections, using non-destructive testing as well as analytical calculation methods, is available, the influence of residual welding stresses has not been studied in depth. It is assumed that these stresses would have only limited influence on buckling. Still, this paper claims the residual stresses, which are present in the arches, can be of limited importance, since they do influence the out-of-plane shape of the arch. Firstly, a fundamental approach is followed by developing a three-dimensional finite element model of the influence of the welding parameters and weld sequence. In addition, the resulting residual welding stresses are used for an elastic-plastic calculation of an entire arch. This allows for calculating the buckling behavior of arches as realistically as possible.