Repair of Existing Steel Moment Frame Buildings Damaged from Earthquakes Using Fracture Tough Weld Overlays

Abstract

This paper reports the first phase of a research and testing effort by a volunteer group of Metallurgists, Structural Engineers, Testing Engineers, and Welding Engineers who have developed methods of repairing existing earthquake damaged steel moment frame connections, using fracture tough weld overlays enabling the joint to be considered as a Dynamic Load Weld (DLW). This follows the well reported damage to Steel Moment Frame Buildings observed following the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Subject to more research and testing, the methods may eventually prove suitable for modification of existing steel moment frame buildings and new construction, along with application in other industries.