Author(s)

E. Basko, V. Larionov & V. Lazutin

Abstract

This paper deals with the results of experimental studies of the resistance to brittle failures in structural steels and elements. The characteristics of dynamic cracking resistance of structural steels are determined resulting from impact bend and brittle crack arrest tests. It is shown that under dynamic loading the transition to brittle failures at the stresses which are substantially lower than the yield strength of steel occurs at climatic negative temperatures. The case studies of local and total brittle failures of spherical and cylindrical gasholders were analysed using the obtained characteristics of steel dynamic cracking resistance. Keywords: static, dynamic loading, cracking resistance, brittle failure, stress, tension, bending, brittle temperature, specimen, strength, structural steel. 1 Introduction Brittle failures of steel structures occurring under the stresses that are significantly lower than design ones are generally attributed to low service temperatures and crack-like defects and, to a lesser extent, to dynamic effects. This consideration may be explained by the fact that an external dynamic effect on a structure is regarded as a random event that is unlikely to occur. However in view of the intensive construction of large storage capacity tanks used for oil products and liquefied gases, growth of the trunk gas pipeline network extending to large areas, a probability of external effects on structures becomes higher during a long structural service life. Another important factor necessitating the consideration of dynamic factors is a structural and mechanical heterogeneity of welded joints. The occurrence of a brittle crack in the area of embrittled metal leads to the dynamic impulse that by

Keywords

static, dynamic loading, cracking resistance, brittle failure, stress, tension, bending, brittle temperature, specimen, strength, structural steel.