The impact of slag inclusion on steel structures during the welding process of steel structures

Slag inclusion is a common defect in the welding process of steel structures, which will have a negative impact on the performance and quality of steel structures. The following are the possible effects of slag inclusion on steel structures:

Reduction in strength: The presence of slag inclusions will lead to a reduction in the effective cross-sectional area of the weld, thereby reducing the load-bearing capacity of the weld. When subjected to external forces, slag inclusions may become the starting point of cracks, resulting in a decrease in the strength of the steel structure.

Reduced toughness: Slag inclusions have a negative impact on the toughness of the weld metal, making the weld prone to brittle fracture when impacted or vibrated. This is particularly disadvantageous for steel structures that need to withstand dynamic loads.

Shortened fatigue life: Slag inclusion will reduce the fatigue strength of the steel structure, making it more susceptible to fatigue fracture under the action of alternating stress. This is an important safety hazard for steel structures such as bridges, buildings, etc. that are subject to cyclic loads.

Increased risk of corrosion: Slag inclusions may damage the protective layer on the surface of the steel structure, making it more susceptible to corrosion by corrosive media. During long-term use, corrosion at slag inclusions may gradually expand, leading to local failure of the steel structure.

Impact on appearance and performance: Slag inclusion will not only affect the appearance of the steel structure, but may also affect its performance. For example, in situations where sealing is required, slag inclusion may cause problems such as leakage.

Therefore, during the welding process of steel structures, effective measures should be taken to avoid the generation of slag inclusions to ensure that the performance and quality of the steel structure meet the requirements.