Abstract
In order to prevent the low cycle fatigue damage in existing steel bridge members as observed in the Hanshin-Awaji Great Earthquake in 1995, improving the fatigue strength of welded joints can be a realistic option. In this study, the effect of TIG dressing, which is one of the ways to finish the weld toe, was investigated. As a specimen, T-shape welded joint specimens were employed. Some specimens were finished with TIG dressing, and the others were left as welded. The low cycle fatigue tests were conducted for these specimens in the same conditions. The test results indicated that TIG dressing made the low cycle fatigue life of welded joints much longer.
