ABSTRACT
Research work carried out at the University of Karlsruhe on fabrication of welded connections between hot-rolled tubes and cast sections is presented in this paper. The relative advantages of different layouts of the weld seam, weld preparation and non-destructive testing are demonstrated. This also includes the influence of different backing materials and influence of cast defects. A theoretical evaluation will be carried out later in the project, in phase with the experimental study, part of which is described here. These investigations should lead towards the development of a concept for improving the fatigue life for bridges using such connections.
