Rationalization of steel structure welding for buildings in Japan‐mechanical behaviour of beam‐to‐column welded joints without beam scallops

Abstract

Synopsis: The majority of Japanese buildings higher than three storeys are constructed of a steel structure instead of the conventional reinforced concrete structure. However, the number of skilled labourers working with steel structures is not enough to match demand. In addition, the cost of steel fabrication has risen considerably. These factors make rationalization of steel works all the more urgent. The cost ratio of welding to the entire steel works is also quite high. In the design stage, consideration of welded joints details is necessary on the basis of required mechanical performance fitting to structures. On the other hand, in the fabrication stage, highly efficient welding methods or welding robots are needed to save labour.

In this paper, an outline of rationalization of steel works in Japan is presented. As a rationalization example a welding method without scallops in beam‐to‐column connections is described in the light of the experimental results.