Field welding process of S690 high-strength steel considering wind influence

Abstract Due to outstanding mechanical properties and economic advantages, high-strength steel, especially S690, is used more frequently in construction projects. Unlike traditional steel, working with S690 steel requires meticulous control over welding parameters to ensure quality and safety during construction. For construction projects in Hong Kong, bolted connections are commonly used for assembling S690 members on-site, as field welding has not been verified. To evaluate the viability and refine the methodology of field welding, a series of tests was conducted. This investigation began with tensile tests of butt welds on steel plates, followed by evaluations of splice welds for H-section steel components. This research assessed several critical parameters influencing weld integrity, including heat input, joint details, thermal treatment processes, and the implementation of wind shielding. The work was conducted to enhance both the quality and productivity of field welding for S690 steel, thereby supporting progress for construction methodologies.