Experimental Investigations of the Effects of Multiple Heat Straightening Repair on the Structural Properties of Bridge Steels

The effects of multiple damage-heat straightening repair cycles (i.e., multiple cycles of damage followed by heat straightening repair) on the fundamental structural properties of typical bridge steels ASTM A36, A588, and A7 were evaluated. The damage and repair parameters considered in the study are the damage strain (e_d), the restraining stress (s_r), and the number of multiple damage-repair cycles (N_r). The effects of these parameters on the following structural properties were evaluated: elastic modulus, yield stress, ultimate stress, percent elongation, surface hardness, and fracture toughness. Seventy-five laboratory-scale specimens made from A36, A588, or A7 steel were subjected to multiple damage-repair cycles, and their effects on the structural properties were evaluated. The results indicate that multiple damage-repair cycles have a small influence (±15%) on the elastic modulus, yield stress, and ultimate stress. However, the percent elongation and fracture toughness of the damaged-repaired steel are influenced significantly. On the basis of reductions in the percent elongation and fracture toughness, it is recommended that A7 and A36 steel be limited to three damage-heat straightening repair cycles. A588 steel can be subjected to five damage-heat straightening repair cycles.