Abridgment of arc-welded structures and bridges

The use of arc welding for constructing buildings, machinery, bridges, etc., has come into prominence during the past eighteen months, due to the merits of the process becoming recognized by a number of designers. Undoubtedly within the next few years the applications of the process will be extended rapidly as our available data are corroborated and amplified and as the limitations of the process become well defined. The arc welding process of joining steel members to produce a fabricated structure, either to replace riveting or to take the place of castings, will produce results not obtainable in any other way known at present. Among the advantages of arc welding are the following: 1. The weight of materials required in a member or structure can be reduced by as much as 18 per cent. 2. No material is removed from members for welded connections such as rivet holes for riveted construction. 3. The weight of connecting material in some cases can be reduced 50 per cent to 90 per cent. 4. Absolute fixation of one member to another can be easily and economically obtained. 5. Continuity of members intersecting others can be readily obtained. 6. Greater rigidity can be obtained in a structure. 7. Overlapping members can be completely sealed by weld metal, thereby excluding moisture, preventing corrosion, and making a structure easier to paint. 8. Changes in or additions to structures can be made with a great saving in both time and expense. 9. More pleasing designs and in some cases, designs impossible by other processes, can be produced. 10. The welding process is practically noiseless.