Influence of the residual stresses and distortions on the structural behavior of girth-welded cylindrical steel members

The structural response of girth-welded cylindrical steel members is affected by the weld-induced residual stresses and distortions. This paper presents finite element analyses to clarify the effects of the girth weld-induced imperfections on the structural behavior of the cylindrical steel members with medium diameter-to-thickness ratio. Finite element modeling of the girth weld-induced residual stresses and deformations is first described. Nonlinear finite element analyses in which the behavior of the cylindrical steel members in pure compression and in pure bending is explored incorporating the girth weld-induced imperfections are next discussed. Results showed that the weld-induced residual stresses and distortions should be taken into account in assessment of the structural behavior of the girth-welded cylindrical steel members subjected to pure compression or pure bending since the weld-induced imperfections always induce local buckling near the girth weld, which alters the load–displacement behavior and diminishes the ultimate load-carrying capacity.

► Structual behavior of girth-welded cylindrical steel members was investigated by FE method.
► The compression or bending behavior always involves local buckling near the girth weld.
► The local buckling alters the nature of the load–displacement response.
► The weld-induced imperfections should be considered in assessment of the structural behavior.