Test Jig Design for Welded T-joint Tensile Tests

Abstract

The purpose of this bachelor’s thesis was to develop the test arrangement for high strength steel (HSS) welded T-joint tensile tests by designing and producing a test jig. According to Eurocode, the welding procedure test for T-joint specimens requires a hardness test and macroscopic examination. The hardness test indirectly gives information about the connection’s strength. However, completing tensile tests may provide more accurate results. In addition, the effect of different variables on the T-joint strength can be studied. The goal of the thesis was to conduct further studies in this sphere easier, faster and more informative by creating and testing a universal jig for tensile T-joint tests.

The test jig was designed to be able to withstand a tensile force of 400 kN. Moreover, specimens with different thicknesses and weld types and sizes would fit in it, and the support location can be adjusted and fixed. Heat affected zone (HAZ) of the specimen is clearly observable from the side view of the jig, so that deformation and strain in this part can be measured with the special optical measuring systems.

The thesis presented a test jig design, examples of its practical use, finite element analysis (FEA) simulation of stresses and deformations and the general test setup. In addition, the design process of the test jig was described and improvement ideas were given.