Experimental investigation of residual stress distribution on girth welds fabricated at proximity using neutron diffraction technique

Abstract Maintaining minimum distance between repair and existing welds often becomes impractical due to the presence of compact layouts, original branches, nozzles, etc. on offshore structural elements, pipelines, piping. Although some international codes standards provide criteria for maintaining a proximity welds, most them lack technical justification in relation their effect integrity welded components. The development residual stresses has significant (i.e., negative tensile positive compressive stresses) fabricated at proximity. Hence, it is important investigate stress distribution proximity, especially away from weld toe. This study presents findings characterization by neutron diffraction region two girth welds. were using different welding procedure specifications three distances, steel pipe, grade S355. distances toes maintained 5, 10, 15 mm respectively. diffraction-based distributions investigated POLDI instrument Swiss spallation source SINQ Switzerland. axial, hoop, radial components experimentally revealed that axial 5-mm increased beyond yield strength steel, this enable practitioners take remedial actions minimize developed Also, us derive developing