Increasing residual lifetime of steel structures through use of nanometallic multilayer treatment
Citation Link: https://doi.org/10.15480/882.19157
Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Date Issued
2026-09-29
Sprache
English
TORE-DOI
Volume
85
Start Page
1686
End Page
1693
Citation
Procedia Structural Integrity 85: 1686–1693 (2026)
Publisher DOI
Publisher
Elsevier
Steel bridges are experiencing premature aging due to fatigue with structural connections particularly affected. According to the International Institute of Welding (IIW), welded connections deteriorate because of inherent geometric notches as well as material changes that occur during the welding and cooling process. Researchers at Hamburg University of Technology have developed a novel post-weld treatment known as nanometallic multilayer (NMM) treatment. This method applies a nanolaminate coating using electrodeposition, covering the entire connection area. Upon solidification, the NMM induces compressive residual stresses in the steel substrate adjacent to the surface, further, acting as a high-strength and ductile layer on the welded area, effectively delaying crack initiation. Recent findings demonstrate a significant increase in fatigue strength of the butt-welded double-V weld from FAT class 80 to FAT class 225, which corresponds to a more than tenfold extension in service life. This study for the first time investigates the potential of NMM technology as maintenance method for existing steel structures. Local fatigue-critical welded joints, which limit the service life of the overall structure, are treated with NMM and significantly increase the residual lifetime of the overall structure. This study presents a quantitative assessment of this residual lifetime increase and underlines the potential in regard to sustainability goals, economic viability and readiness of steel infrastructure.
DDC Class
624.1: Structural Engineering
620.1: Engineering Mechanics and Materials Science
333: Economics of Land and Energy
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