Welding is a versatile, complex, and essential process that facilitates the use of a broad range of steel assemblies in transportation structures. Use of welding improves design efficiency for all steel structures and modern typical sections such as ... Read more

Welding is a versatile, complex, and essential process that facilitates the use of a broad range of steel assemblies in transportation structures. Use of welding improves design efficiency for all steel structures and modern typical sections such as trapezoidal (tub) girders and long curved Igirders cannot be achieved without welding. Further, welding facilitates rapid and flexible field connections in new construction and retrofits on existing structures. Bridge engineers need to be skilled in welding design and knowledgeable in welding science to effectively and efficiently detail welded connections during bridge design.The reference manual explains welding specifications governing highway structures, namely the AASHTO/AWS D1.5/D1.5M Bridge Welding Code (AASHTO/AWS, 2015) and the AWS D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code-Steel (AWS, 2015), and the relationships to structural performance and design intent. The manual provides a detailed overview of welding materials, equipment and processes; includes a discussion of various inspection techniques and methods; addresses the special welding requirements in the fracture control plan (FCP); and lays out the engineer's role in welded fabrication including the creation of contract documents, approval, and dealing with unexpected circumstances. Additionally, the resource educates the user on fabrication considerations such as accessibility, closed sections, distortion and restraint, the use of partial joint penetration welds and intersecting welds. Finally, the document touches on ancillary issues such as field welding, aluminum, stainless steel, reinforcing steel, welding of coated members and upcoming welding innovations. This reference manual will benefit DOT employees, their representatives, and consultants involved with the welding and fabrication of steel highway structures. This includes designers, fabricators, field/construction/materials engineers and other paraprofessionals associated with structural design, material and procedure specifications, drawing approval, welding, construction, inspection, and repair. Less