materials

Article
Analysis of Selected Properties of Welded Joints of
the HSLA Steels
Ivan Miletić 1, * , Andreja Ilić 1 , Ružica R. Nikolić 2 , Robert Ulewicz 3 , Lozica Ivanović 1 and
Norbert Sczygiol 3
1 Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; gilic9@sbb.rs (A.I.);
lozica@kg.ac.rs (L.I.)
2 Research Center, University of Žilina, 01026 Žilina, Slovakia; ruzica.nikolic@rc.uniza.sk
3 Department of Production Engineering and Safety, University of Technology, 42201 Cz˛estochowa, Poland;
robert.ulewicz@pcz.pl (R.U.); norbert.sczygiol@pcz.pl (N.S.)
* Correspondence: imiletic@kg.ac.rs




Received: 18 February 2020; Accepted: 11 March 2020; Published: 13 March 2020


Abstract: This paper presents research of the impact toughness and hardness distribution in specific
zones of a ‘single V’butt multiple-pass welded joints of the high-strength low-alloyed steels. Obtained
values of the impact toughness are analyzed in correlation with a microstructure in specific zones of
the welded joint, together with the micro hardness distribution found in the related zones. Based on
the carried out analysis and results obtained in experiments, the applied technology of welding was
evaluated. The original conclusions on influence of the selected welding procedure manual metal arc
(MMA) for the root passes and metal active gas (MAG) for the filling and covering passes) on impact
toughness of the high-strength low-alloyed steels are drawn. The paper also presents discussion
on the valid standards and recommendations related to welding of those steels, from the aspect of
applications in design of steel welded constructions.

Keywords: high-strength low-alloyed steels; impact toughness; micro hardness; V-butt multiple-pass
weld; MMA/MAG welding procedure(s)

1. Introduction
Joints formedby welding, especially in the case if parts made of the high-strength low-alloyed
steels (HSLA) being joined, stands for a complex process with a large number of influential factors
and with their complex mutual interactions that additionally complicate the process itself. Due to the
significance and specificity of welding, high-strength low-alloyed steel producers prescribe the relevant
welding technology steels they provide. The HSLA steels can be considered as conditionally weldable,
whereby this conditionality refers to application of measures that provide for the successful joining by
welding. In the process of welding, these steels suffer degradation of mechanical properties due to
changes of their microstructural state. Those changes are especially significant in the heat-affected
zone (HAZ) of the welded joints, such as increase of stiffness, decrease of toughness, increase of
brittleness due to ductile transition temperature, as well as appearance of different kinds of material
discontinuities. Appearance of cracks and the brittle phases is related to the fast cooling of the butt
weld and its surrounding, within the temperature limits characterized by the largest instability of
austenite. Due to the presented specifics of this steel grade, it is not sufficient only to take care of
technological welding parameters that provide for the proper weld formation, but it is necessary to
consider all the aspects of applied technology, as well as its negative effects altogether with sensitivity
to those effects.

Materials 2020, 13, 1301; doi:10.3390/ma13061301 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

Materials 2020, 13, 1301 2 of 12

Considerations of the welded joints of the HSLA steels require pointing to the following: limited
plasticity reserve, high tensile strength, possibility of local zones of the lower plasticity as compared to
the rest of the construction, as well as the possibility of appearance of cold cracks in the weld metal
and the HAZ, which can be potential initiation spots for brittle fracture.
Luo et al. [1] analyzed the influence of morphology of martensite-austenite constituents on
impact toughness of the HSLA steels in the inter-critically reheated coarse-grained heat-affected zones.
The three different two-pass weld thermal cycles were applied by using the thermal simulator base
metal of a HSLA steel, for the purpose of obtaining the martensite-austenite constituents of different
morphologies. The authors concluded that slender constituents are more harmful to toughness than
the massive ones. Taban, Kaluc, and Kocaeli [2] have considered application of the super-martensitic
stainless steels (SMSS) as efficiently and effectively selected materials for fabrication of onshore and
offshore pipelines. They also emphasized that fatigue loading behavior of welded structures, made of
the super-martensitic stainless steels, has not been thoroughly investigated.
Chen et al. [3] presented an experimental studyof welding effects on tensile characteristics of the
T-welds of the high-strength low-alloyed steel. Values of mechanical characteristics in the elastic zone,
obtained experimentally, are higher than the related values calculated according to Eurocode 3 standard:
steel constructions design [4], implying that the standard prescribes determination of the discussed
weld characteristics of the HSLA steel in a conservative way.Zhang et al. [5] presented experimental
investigation of the welding influence on strength of the high performance steels and concluded that
welding significantly softened the heat affected zone in the HSLA steel with insignificant effect on the
normal strength.
Durmusogly, Turker, and Tosun [6] were investigating gas metal welding (GMA) of the HY-80
steels with application of different welding parameters. They subjected different samples, obtained
from the welded joints, to tensile, hardness, and impact toughness tests. The measured values of
hardness in the weld metal were almost similar to the base metal values, while the hardness values
in the HAZ were higher. Saedi, Hajjari, and Sadrossadat [7] presented an analysis of microstructural
characteristics and mechanical properties of the dissimilar joining weldments of the API 5L X60 ferritic
HSLA steel and the AISI 310S austenitic stainless steel, by using theoptical and scanning electron
microscopy, ferritometry, micro hardness, tensile, and impact tests. Verma and Taiwadem [8] showed
that joining of duplex alloys is challenging due to number of embrittling precipitates and metallurgical
changes, while inappropriate welding conditions and unbalanced phase ratio of austenite/ferrite,
lead to solidification cracking, corrosion susceptibility, and lower ductility. Authors also presented a
systematic review and highlighted the effects of welding on microstructure, mechanical properties and
corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steels.
Hosseinioun et al. [9] were performing the multi-run welding of the HSLA steel plates executed
by the MMA procedure. They emphasized that it is essential to quantify the weld microstructure after
each inter-run, as well as its constitution, since that is what influences the final mechanical properties
of the welded structures. Their analysis of the weld metal microstructures revealed the following: “(1)
in the last run, there were intergranular acicular ferrite and pro-eutectoid ferrite, (2) in previous weld
runs, there were refined grains with precipitated particles and (3) in the interlayer region of previous
runs, there were some heterogeneous ferrite grains, grain boundary discontinuities and precipitated
micro-alloying elements”. Dundjer et al. [10] presented research of influence of the welding parameters
on the HSLA steel and on hardness and impact energy of samples welded at related different welding
parameters. Saxena et al. [11] presented a comparative study of the tensile and impact properties of the
multi-pass SMAW Armox 500T steel joints, executed with the two different consumables: austenitic
stainless steel and low hydrogen ferritic steel. The research presented in that paper pointed out that
the joint efficiency of weldment with the low hydrogen ferritic steel consumable was 41.7%, while
for weldment with austenitic stainless steel consumable it was 30.6% of its base metal. Those facts
indicated influence of the electrode-consumable on tensile properties of the welded joints.
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 3 of 12

Haslberger et al. [12] have presented a research of the multi-pass welded joints of the high-strength
low-alloyed steel, done by the underwater local cavity welding and underwater dry welding techniques.
The micro-hardness of the HAZ and fusion zone in the underwater local cavity welding specimen
was higher than in the related zones in the underwater dry welding joint. The yield strength and
ultimate tensile strength values of the underwater local cavity welding specimens were lower than
values of those properties of the underwater dry welding joint. However, the impact toughness of
the underwater dry welding specimens was much higher than that of the underwater local cavity
welding specimens. Alipooramirabad et al. [13] implied that one of the important steps in design
and fabrication of welded structures is selection of the welding process and the filler consumables.
Furthermore, it is concluded that this is because those two factors are controlling the mechanics of
thermal distribution and the chemistry of the weld. Experimental results showed that the higher level
of residual stresses was registered at the modified short arc welding and the flux cored arc welding in
accordance with the microstructural and mechanical properties. The higher levels of residual stresses
may be related to formation of bainite and Widmanstätten ferrite in the weld metal and HAZ.
Mechanical characteristics of the HAZ of the HSLA steel weld are dominant to both resulting
mechanical characteristics and mechanical behavior of the welds on tests during exploitation according
to Xue [14], Ilić [15], Ilić et al. [16], and Ivanović et al. [17]. Mechanical characteristics, in correlation with
evaluation of microstructure in specific zones, as well as analysis of the micro hardness distribution are
the basis for design of welded constructions made of the HSLA steel. Full advantages provided by the
related material usage can be achieved only by this design perspective, Ilić [15].
Zhanget al. [18] presented an analysis of the microstructure effect on mechanical properties of
the high-strength low-alloyed steel during the welding with/without additional layers (buffer layers).
Influence of the HAZ characteristics on overall characteristics of the welds for the low-carbon steels
is analyzed by Gharibshahiyan et al. [19], due to the fact that this zone is characterized by altered
microstructure and the high level of residual stresses. This work analyzes effect of the welding
parameters, i.e., the heat input, on the growth rate of the metal grains and their ratios. Szataniak,
Novy and Ulewicz [20] were considering use of different cutting techniques for HSLA steels. They
realized that mechanical cutting works for thin sheets made of structural steel. For thicker sheets,
different technologies of oxygen cutting, plasma, laser, and water jet cutting must be applied. Bokůvka
et al. [21] were studying influence of the welded joints’ quality on safety and reliabilityin operation.
Despite the usual assumption that the welded joints of steels possess long-term reliability, they can be
causes of fracture and even crashes of plants due to defective work of bad quality of joints’ execution.
Nový et al. [22] presented selected experimental results of investigation of the structural steels fatigue
resistance. They performed experiments on nine structural steels including high strength steels,
DOMEX 700MC, HARDOX 400, HARDOX 450, 100Cr6 (Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) from 446 to
2462 MPa) at high-frequency cyclic loading (f = 20 kHz, T = 20 ± 5 ◦ C, R = −1) in the range of the
loading cycles numbering from 2 × 106 to 2 × 109 . They observed the continuous decrease of fatigue
strength in dependence on the number of loading cycles, with the average value of ratio (σa 2 × 109 )/(σa
2 × 106 ) = 0.69.
Since the cooling rate is variable and decreases with the temperature decrease, the cooling time
from 800 to 500 ◦ C (t8/5 ) is usually taken as the parameter that the best characterizes the cooling
conditions of the HAZ, with respect to the lowest stability of austenite of the majority of steels. The
cooling time in that temperature range can be calculated according to different expressions, as well
as determined experimentally. Knowing that cooling time and relevant material properties, enables
prediction of characteristics of the welded joint and the heat affected zone [23–25].
Compared to conclusions of the presented references, this paper presents an analysis of the welding
effects on impact toughness of the high-strength low-alloyed steels of one of the most commonly used
welding procedures in present industry. The research further establishes the basic qualitative relations
between the pre-existing microstructure, relevant micro hardness values, and measured values of the
impact toughness. Derived conclusions can be used for both the relevant technology and welding
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 4 of 12

parameters identification of this steel grade, as well as a basis for the future detailed research related to
quantifying of certain effects established qualitatively in this research.

2. Experimental Testing
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 11
Experimental testing is done on the models made of the high-strength low-alloyed steel that is
classified accordingtesting
Experimental to standard
is done ENon10025–6:2004 [26] asof
the models made class
the S690 and meetslow-alloyed
high-strength defined properties and
steel that is
conditions.
classified The chemical
according composition
to standard of the considered
EN 10025–6:2004 [26] assteel
classisS690
givenand in meets
Table 1. Experimental
defined testing
properties and
samples are The
conditions. madechemical
by the multiple-pass
compositionV-groove butt weld joint
of the considered steelatisthegiven
central
in zone.
TableThe root passes of
1. Experimental
considered
testing welds
samples areare executed
made by theby the manual metal
multiple-pass arc (MMA)
V-groove butt weldprocedure.
joint at theThe fillingzone.
central and covering
The root
passes of
areconsidered
made by the welds areactive
metal executed by the manual
gas (MAG) weldingmetal arc (MMA)
procedure in theprocedure.
gas compound The filling
(82% Arand +
covering
18% CO2 ).passes
Beforearethemade by the
welding, metal
it was active gas
necessary (MAG) welding
to prepare the groove. procedure in the
Shape and gas compound
dimensions of the
(82% Ar groove
welding + 18% isCO 2). Before
presented in the welding,
Figure it parameters
1, while was necessary to prepare
and related the groove.
consumables Shape
of the and
welding
dimensions are
procedures of presented
the welding groove
in Table 2. is presented in Figure 1, while parameters and related
consumables of the welding procedures are presented in Table 2.
Table 1. Chemical composition of S690 steel
Table 1. Chemical composition of S690 steel
Content of Chemical Elements, %
C Mn Si P SContent
Cr of Chemical
Mo NiElements,
V %B Cu Ti N Nb
C0.2 Mn
1.5
Si0.6 P0.02 S0.01 Cr0.7 Mo0.7 Ni 2.0 V 0.09 B 0.005
Cu
0.3
Ti
0.04
N
0.01
Nb
0.04
0.2 1.5 0.6 0.02 0.01 0.7 0.7 2.0 0.09 0.005 0.3 0.04 0.01 0.04

Figure
Figure 1.
1. Shape
Shape and
and dimensions
dimensions of
of the
the single
single V
V groove.
groove.

Table 2.
Table Welding parameters
2. Welding parameters and
and related
related consumables
consumables

Parameter
Parameter MMA MMA MAG
MAG
INOX B 18/8/6;
INOX B 18/8/6;Shielded
Shieldedelectrode
electrode MIGMIG 75; Electrode
75; Electrode wire diameter
wire diameter
Consumables
Consumables diameter Ø
diameter Ø 3.25 mm3.25 mm Ø 1.2Ømm 1.2 mm
Welding current, Iz ≈ 20 A Iz1 , Iz2 , Iz3 ≈ 250 A
Welding current, Iz Iz1Iz1
≈ 20 A Iz1, Iz2, Iz3 ≈ 250 A
Work pressure, Uz Uz1 ≈ 24 V Uz1 , Uz2 , Uz3 ≈ 25V
Work pressure, U z U z1 ≈ 24 V
vz1 ≈ 0.2 cm/s vz1 , vz2U z1, Uz2, Uz3 ≈ 25V
Welding speed, vz ,v z3 ≈ 0.35 cm/s
Welding speed,energy,
Fatigue vz ql vz1q≈l1 0.2
≈ 12cm/s
kJ/cm ql1 , v
qz1 ,
, v
q z2, vz3 ≈ 0.35 cm/s
l2 l3 ≈ 15 kJ/cm
Fatigue energy,
Welding qdepth,
l ql1 ≈1 12 kJ/cm
≈ 1.8 mm q , q
≈
1 2 3 l21.9
, ,
l1 , ql3mm
≈ 15 kJ/cm
Wire handling
Welding depth, speed 1 ≈ 1.8 mm − 8m/min
1, 2,3 ≈ 1.9 mm
Gas compound M21-82% Ar + 18%
Wire handling
Protective gas −
− CO82m/min
speed
Protective gas flow − 14 l/min
Gas compound М21-82% Ar +
Protective gas −
18% CO2
Metallographic analysis of the welds with measuring of micro hardness is done in three
Protective gas flow − 14 l/min
parallel directions in the cross-sections of prepared metallographic samples. The cross-section
of the metallographic samples with directions and micro hardness measuring spots is presented in
Metallographic analysis of the welds with measuring of micro hardness is done in three parallel
Figure 2.
directions in the cross-sections of prepared metallographic samples. The cross-section of the
metallographic samples with directions and micro hardness measuring spots is presented in Figure
2.

Figure 2. Cross-sections of a metallographic sample with directions and micro hardness measuring
spots.
 Protective gas flow − 14 l/min

Metallographic analysis of the welds with measuring of micro hardness is done in three parallel
directions in the cross-sections of prepared metallographic samples. The cross-section of the
metallographic
Materials samples with directions and micro hardness measuring spots is presented in Figure
2020, 13, 1301 5 of 12
2.

Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 11

Figure2.2.Cross-sections
Cross-sectionsofof a metallographic
a metallographic sample
sample with
with directions
directions and micro
and micro hardness measuring
Figure
Directions
spots.
of the analysis and micro hardness measuring spots are hardness measuring spots.
set in characteristic zones in
metallographic samples cross-sections, so that they run through the parent metal, heat-affected zone
Directions of the analysis and micro hardness measuring spots are set in characteristic zones
and the weld metal: I-I is on the face of the weld; II-II is in the central zone with interfered impacts of
in metallographic samples cross-sections, so that they run through the parent metal, heat-affected
the root and other passes and III-III is on the side of the root pass. Further assessment of the
zone and the weld metal: I-I is on the face of the weld; II-II is in the central zone with interfered
pre-existing microstructure state is done by the reflex optic micrograph method at enlargements of
impacts of the root and other passes and III-III is on the side of the root pass. Further assessment of the
200× and 500×. Basic chemical and mechanical characteristics of used consumables are shown in
pre-existing microstructure state is done by the reflex optic micrograph method at enlargements of 200
Table 3.
× and 500 × . Basic chemical and mechanical characteristics of used consumables are shown in Table 3.
Table 3.
Table 3. Chemical
Chemical composition
composition and
and mechanical
mechanical characteristics
characteristics of
of used
used filler
fillermaterials
materials

Chemical Composition,
Chemical Composition, % % Mechanical
MechanicalCharacteristics
Characteristics
Type
Type
C C Si Si Mn Mn Cr Cr NiNi MoMo RmMPa Rm MPaRp0,2R MPa
p0,2 MPaAA5%5% KVJKVJ
INOX B18/8/6
INOX B18/8/6 0.12 0.12
0.80.8 77 19
19 9 9 − − 590 to 690
590 to 690 > 350
> 350 > 40
> 40 > 60 (+ 2020°C)
> 60 (+ ◦ C)

MIGMIG
75 75 0.08 0.080.60.6 1.7
1.7 0.25
0.25 1.5 1.5 0.50.5770 to
770940
to 940 > 690
> 690 >>1717 > 47 (–(–4040°C)
> 47 ◦ C)

The used
The used filler
filler metals
metals marks
marks by
by EN
EN codes
codesand
andusual
usualapplications
applicationsare
areas
asfollows:
follows:
(1) INOX B 18/8/6, mark EN 18 8 Mn B 22 according to EN 1600–Applied as interlayers for
(1) INOX B 18/8/6, mark EN 18 8 Mn B 22 according to EN 1600–Applied as interlayers for application
application of the root welds aimed to decrease the residual stresses and increase the weld
of the root welds aimed to decrease the residual stresses and increase the weld plasticity
plasticity and toughness.
and toughness.
(2) MIG 75, mark Mn3Ni1CrMo according to EN 12534–For fine grains HSLA steel welding with
(2) MIG 75, mark Mn3Ni1CrMo according to EN 12534–For fine grains HSLA steel welding with
yield stress up to 690 MPa.
yield stress up to 690 MPa.
During the following stage, experimental testing of impact toughness and analysis of
During behavior
mechanical the following stage,
during theexperimental
fracture weretesting
done ofonimpact toughness
the series of threeand
testanalysis
samples.of Shapes
mechanical
and
behavior during the fracture were done on the series of three test samples. Shapes and
dimensions of the test samples for the impact toughness testing of type ISO-V (55 × 10 × 10) aredimensions of
the test samples for
shown in Figure 3. the impact toughness testing of type ISO-V (55 × 10 × 10) are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3.
Figure 3. Impact
Impact toughness
toughness test
test samples,
samples, shape
shape and
and dimensions.
dimensions.

Thetesting
The testingprocedure,
procedure,shapeshape
andand dimensions
dimensions of theoftest
the test samples
samples were in were in compliance
compliance with
with adequate
adequate[27].
standard standard [27]. The pendulum
The pendulum speed
speed for the for the
impact impact toughness
toughness test
test was 5 to 5.5was
m/s,5 while
to 5.5 the
m/s,energy
while
the energy
loss was lessloss was
than less
1%. than 1%. Experimental
Experimental testing was testing
carriedwasout carried
at roomout at room temperature.
temperature.
The time
The time between
between the
the interpasses
interpasses is is measured
measured until
until the
the temperature
temperature of of the
the deposited
deposited layer
layer does
does
not drop
not drop below
below 225 ◦
225 °C and itit amounts
C and amounts toto between
between 33 and
and 55 min.
min.

3. Results and Discussion

The micro hardness distribution along all the three considered directions, as well as
micro-photography of the pre-existing microstructure states for the MMA/МАG welds are
presented in Figure 4.
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 6 of 12

3. Results and Discussion

The micro hardness distribution along all the three considered directions, as well as
micro-photography of the pre-existing microstructure states for the MMA/MAG welds are presented
inMaterials
Figure2020,
4. 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 11

Figure4.4.Micro
Figure Microhardness
hardnessdistribution
distributionand
andmicro-structure
micro-structureofofsamples:
samples:(a)
(a)zone
zoneofoftransition
transitionbetween
between
the weld metal and HAZ; (b) weld metal.
the weld metal and HAZ; (b) weld metal.

Accordingtotodiagram
According diagramofofthe themicro
microhardness
hardnessdistribution
distributionininall alldirections,
directions,ititisisevident
evidentthat thatthe
the
micro hardness measured values do not exceed the critical values of the brittle
micro hardness measured values do not exceed the critical values of the brittle structures formation structures formation
whatisisininaccordance
what accordancewith withthethefact
factthat
thatnonobrittle
brittlestructures
structuresofofmicrostructural
microstructuralstates statesare
arerecorded
recordedinin
themicrographic
the micrographicanalysis.
analysis. The
The critical
critical values,
values, prescribed
prescribed by by standard
standard are are from
from 380380to
to390
390HV.HV.TheThe
fine-grain and coarse grain zones are present in the HAZ along all the directions and are common forfor
fine-grain and coarse grain zones are present in the HAZ along all the directions and are common a
a large
large numbernumber of welding
of welding proceduresprocedures
by melting.by In melting.
direction InI-Idirection
the coarseI-I thebainite
grain coarsemicrostructure
grain bainite
microstructure
with with quenched
quenched martensite martensite
is registered at theis spots
registered
close toat the
the fusion
spots close
zone.toInthe thefusion zone.to
HAZ, close Inthe
the
parent metal, a favorable fine-grain ferrite-pearlite structure with bainite is registered. The slightlyis
HAZ, close to the parent metal, a favorable fine-grain ferrite-pearlite structure with bainite
registered.
higher microThe slightly
hardness is higher
registeredmicro hardness
in the weld metalis registered
as comparedin thetoweld metalhardness
the micro as compared to the
measured
micro hardness measured in the HAZ, while the microstructure is
in the HAZ, while the microstructure is assessed as the coarse grain bainite with a higher shareassessed as the coarse grain
of
bainite with a higher share of martensite, which is in correlation with
martensite, which is in correlation with measured micro hardness values, Figure 4b. The measured measured micro hardness
values,
micro Figure values
hardness 4(b). The measured
in direction micro
II-II hardness
are lower valuesinin
than those direction
specific zones II-II
in are lowerI-I
direction than
andthose
do notin
specific zones in direction I-I and do not exceed the critical values relevant
exceed the critical values relevant for the brittle microstructural states. The lower micro hardness values for the brittle
result from the microstructure relief due to the heat input from the filling passes of the multiple-passto
microstructural states. The lower micro hardness values result from the microstructure relief due
the heat The
welding. inputcoarse
from grain
the filling passes of the
microstructure multiple-pass
of the welding.
HAZ in direction The of
III-III coarse grain microstructure
metallographic samples,
of the HAZ in direction III-III of metallographic samples, obtained
obtained by the MMA/MAG welding procedure, is bainite without bold acicular structures. The by the MMA/МАG welding
root
procedure,
pass metal weldis bainite
remained without bold during
non-erosive acicular thestructures.
preparationThe root pass metal
of metallographic welddue
samples remained
to the
non-erosivefiller
high-alloyed during the preparation
material used for the ofroot
metallographic
pass, as presented samples due to4a.
in Figure theThe
high-alloyed fillerbetween
transient zone material
used for the root pass, as presented in Figure 4a. The transient zone between
the weld metal and the HAZ is characterized as bainite microstructure without acicular tendency the weld metal and the
in
HAZ is characterized as bainite microstructure without acicular tendency in compliance with the
lowest micro hardness measured in this zone, as compared to the related values in direction II-II.
The energy flow during the fracture of the two test samples, marked as 1 and 2, without the
weld joint, at impact toughness testing, are presented in Figure 5, while the force variation during
the testing of samples, made of the parent metal without a welded joint, is presented in Figure 6.
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 7 of 12

compliance with the lowest micro hardness measured in this zone, as compared to the related values
in direction II-II.
The energy flow during the fracture of the two test samples, marked as 1 and 2, without the weld
joint, at impact toughness testing, are presented in Figure 5, while the force variation during the testing
of samples,
Materials
Materials 2020, made
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13, xx FOR
FOR the parent
PEER REVIEW
REVIEWmetal without a welded joint, is presented in Figure 6. 77 of
of 11
11

Figure
Figure 5.
5. Flow
Flowof
ofenergy
energyduring
during the
the impact
impact toughness
toughness test
test of
of the
the S690
S690 samples.
samples.

Figure
Figure 6.
6. Force-time
Force-timedependence
dependenceduring
during the
the impact
impact toughness
toughness testing
testing of
of the
the parent
parent metal.
metal.

Experimentally obtained
Experimentally obtained values
values of of the
the energy,
energy, asas well
well asas force–time
force–time dependence
dependence duringduring thethe
fracture of
fracture ofthe
thetested
testedsamples,
samples,demonstrate
demonstrate insignificant
insignificant variations
variations forfor
twotwo different
different samples
samples and and
the
the character
character complying
complying withwith
the the standard;
standard; accordingly,
accordingly, obtained
obtained results
results canbebeused
can usedas asrelevant
relevant forfor
further analysis. Based on the experimentally obtained values of the fracture
further analysis. Based on the experimentally obtained values of the fracture energy and impact energy and impact
toughness, itit can
toughness, canbebeconcluded
concluded that thethe
that considered
considered steelsteel
completely
completely meetsmeets
prescribed standard
prescribed values
standard
at roomattemperature.
values room temperature.The average percentage
The average of experimentally
percentage obtained
of experimentally ductile ductile
obtained fractures is 57.83%,
fractures is
whichimplies the tough mechanical behavior of samples made of steel
57.83%, whichimplies the tough mechanical behavior of samples made of steel S690QL during theS690QL during the testing at
room temperature
testing (Figures 5 and
at room temperature 6). Appearance
(Figures of the fracture
5 and 6). Appearance surface
of the implies
fracture the mixed
surface impliesfracture type
the mixed
with the large percentage of ductile fracture, whichcorrespondswithexperimentally
fracture type with the large percentage of ductile fracture, whichcorrespondswithexperimentally obtained results.
Experimental
obtained results. testing was then done on the prepared test samples that contain considered welded
jointsExperimental
with a notch positioned
testing was along
thenthedone
weldon axis,
thethen in the zone
prepared test of fusion and
samples thatatcontain
the end considered
in the HAZ
welded joints with a notch positioned along the weld axis, then in the zone of fusion and atchemical
on the face and on the root pass side. Characteristic zones of the weld became visible by the end
etching
in withon
the HAZ a 4%
thenital
facesolution,
and on thewhichrootenabled
pass side.precise positioningzones
Characteristic of theofnotch. The became
the weld notch positions on
visible by
test samples
chemical withwith
etching the welded jointsolution,
a 4% nital are presented
which in Figure precise
enabled 7. Testing procedure,
positioning of shape and dimension
the notch. The notch
and characteristics
positions of the with
on test samples used the
testing pendulum
welded joint areare the sameinasFigure
presented for testing of samples
7. Testing without
procedure, the
shape
welded
and joint thatand
dimension is previously described
characteristics in used
of the details.
testing pendulum are the same as for testing of
samples without the welded joint that is previously described in details.
Experimentally obtained values of the fracture energy of the test samples with a notch on the
face side of considered welds are presented in Figure 8, while for the test samples with a notch on
the root side they are shown in Figure 9.
positions on test samples with the welded joint are presented in Figure 7. Testing procedure, shape
and dimension and characteristics of the used testing pendulum are the same as for testing of
samples without the welded joint that is previously described in details.
Experimentally obtained values of the fracture energy of the test samples with a notch on the
Materials
face side of 13,
2020, 1301
considered 8 ofon
welds are presented in Figure 8, while for the test samples with a notch 12

the root side they are shown in Figure 9.

(a)
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 11

(b)
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 11
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 11

(c)
(b)
(b)
Face side of the weld Root side of the pass
7. Positions
Figure 7. Positionsofofthe
thenotch
notchonon samples
samples for for
the the impact
impact toughness
toughness testing:
testing: (a) Along
(a) Along the metal
the weld weld
(c)axis;
(c)metal(b)
axis; (b) fusion
in the in the fusion zone;
zone; (c) (c) HAZ.
in the in the HAZ.

Experimentally obtained
Face sidevalues
of the of the fracture energy of the test
weld samples
Root with
side of theapass
notch on the face
Face side of the weld Root side of the pass
side of considered welds are presented in Figure 8, while for the test samples with a notch on the root
Figure 7. Positions of the notch on samples for the impact toughness testing: (a) Along the weld
side Figure 7. shown
they are Positions
in of the notch
Figure 9. on samples for the impact toughness testing: (a) Along the weld
metal axis; (b) in the fusion zone; (c) in the HAZ.
metal axis; (b) in the fusion zone; (c) in the HAZ.

Figure 8. Fracture energy histogram of the test samples with a notch on the face side of the welds.

Figure
Figure 8.
8. Fracture
Fractureenergy
energy histogram
histogram of
of the
the test
test samples
samples with
with aaa notch
notch on
on the
the face
face side
side of
of the
the welds.
welds.
Figure 8. Fracture energy histogram of the test samples with notch

Figure 9. Fracture energy histogram of the test samples with a notch on the root side of the pass.

Presented results of the fracture energy are completely in correlation with prior existing
microstructure state, as well as with the corresponding micro hardness values. Along with presented
experimental procedures, the visual assessment of the fracture surface characteristics was done. This
Figure 9. Fracture energy histogram of the test samples with a notch on the root side of the pass.
impliedFigure 9.
9. Fracture
the mixed
Figure energy
character
Fracture histogram
energyof fractureof
histogram the
the test
ofand thatsamples
test with
with aa notch
is in accordance
samples on
on the
notchwith root
the
the side
side of
above
root the
the pass.
mentioned
of pass. facts.
The Presented
fracture surface of the test samples with a notch on the face side in the HAZ,
results of the fracture energy are completely in correlation with prior existing done by the
Presented
MMA/MAG resultsisofpresented
welding, the fracture
in energy
Figure 10. are completely in correlation with prior existing
microstructure state, as well as with the corresponding micro hardness values. Along with presented
microstructure state, as well as with the corresponding micro hardness values. Along with presented
experimental procedures, the visual assessment of the fracture surface characteristics was done. This
experimental procedures, the visual assessment of the fracture surface characteristics was done. This
implied the mixed character of fracture and that is in accordance with the above mentioned facts.
implied the mixed character of fracture and that is in accordance with the above mentioned facts.
The fracture surface of the test samples with a notch on the face side in the HAZ, done by the
The fracture surface of the test samples with a notch on the face side in the HAZ, done by the
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 9 of 12

Presented results of the fracture energy are completely in correlation with prior existing
microstructure state, as well as with the corresponding micro hardness values. Along with presented
experimental procedures, the visual assessment of the fracture surface characteristics was done. This
implied the mixed character of fracture and that is in accordance with the above mentioned facts. The
fracture surface of the test samples with a notch on the face side in the HAZ, done by the MMA/MAG
welding, is presented in Figure 10.
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 11

Figure 10.
Figure 10. Fracture surface of
Fracture surface of the
the test
test sample
sample with
with aa notch
notch in
in the
the HAZ
HAZ on
on the
the face
face side
side of
of the
the weld.
weld.

Valuesofofthe
Values the cooling
cooling time
time t8/5 were
t8/5 were obtained
obtained within
within range range
28.5 to 28.5
32 s. to 32 s. Different
Different theoretical
theoretical formulas
formulas
predict predict
that valuesthat values
could rangecould
from 24 range from 24 sformula)
s (Ito-Bessyo (Ito-Bessyo
to 65formula)
s (formula to of
65limited
s (formula of limited
thickness) [25],
thickness)
so [25], so the obtained
the experimentally experimentally
valuesobtained values arewith
are in compliance in compliance
theoreticallywith theoretically
predicted ones. predicted
ones.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
The high-strength low-alloyed steels present a significant steel grade of a general purpose with
specific
Theproperties, underlow-alloyed
high-strength conditions whensteelsthe welding
present procedures
a significant stand
steel for aof
grade method of joint
a general execution.
purpose with
Application of this steel grade in the welded constructions can be seen
specific properties, under conditions when the welding procedures stand for a method of joint from the two aspects: mechanical
reaction
execution. in the exploitation
Application conditions
of this and technological
steel grade in the welded aspect of welding
constructions application
can be seen from for the
thejoints
two
making. The welding plan combined the two different procedures of obtaining
aspects: mechanical reaction in the exploitation conditions and technological aspect of welding the welded construction.
Selected
applicationprocedures
for the represent welding
joints making. The procedures
welding plan ordinarily used in
combined theindustrial practice.
two different Mechanical
procedures of
characteristics
obtaining the weldedand response to load during
construction. Selected theprocedures
testing of the impact toughness
represent point to a significant
welding procedures ordinarily
deterioration
used in industrialof mechanical properties ofcharacteristics
practice. Mechanical observed steeland S690QL,
response duetotoload
applied
duringwelding procedures.
the testing of the
Microstructures
impact toughness of specific
point to zones of weldeddeterioration
a significant joints, assessed ofby metallographic
mechanical methods,
properties were expected
of observed steel
and are in agreement with theoretical observations.
S690QL, due to applied welding procedures. Microstructures of specific zones of welded joints,
The samples
assessed with the welded
by metallographic joints did
methods, wereexpress the termination
expected and are inzones of the fast
agreement with crack growth
theoretical
during the testing.
observations.
Experimentally
The samples with obtained valuesjoints
the welded of the fracture
did express energy of those samples
the termination zones was smaller
of the thangrowth
fast crack values
obtained
during the fortesting.
samples without the welded joints, made of the parent metal. This confirms the fact that
welding causes a decrease
Experimentally of the
obtained fracture
values energy
of the of the
fracture parent
energy of metal.
those samples was smaller than values
It should be emphasized that experimentally
obtained for samples without the welded joints, made of the parent obtained results imply theThis
metal. necessity for modification
confirms the fact that
of procedures
welding causesand recommendations,
a decrease of the fracture together
energywith regulatory
of the parent metal.norms and standards that regulate
designIt of the important
should welded constructions.
be emphasized that experimentallyThe contemporary
obtained resultsmethods of welded
imply construction
the necessity for
calculation
modification of procedures and recommendations, together with regulatory norms and estimated
and design are based on relations for estimation of stresses. In that way, the standards
stresses remain
that regulate within
design the important
of the critical limits during
welded the projectThe
constructions. development,
contemporary below the permissible
methods of welded
stresses that are guaranteeing the integrity and functioning of the welded
construction calculation and design are based on relations for estimation of stresses. In that way, theconstructions. Estimated
stresses
estimated in welded
stressesconstructions
remain within demonstrate
the critical a high level
limits of accordance
during the project withdevelopment,
the real stressesbelow
obtainedthe
experimentally,
permissible stresses due tothat
theare
increasingly
guaranteeing complex mathematical
the integrity apparatus and
and functioning application
of the of the modern
welded constructions.
computer
Estimated techniques. However,
stresses in welded the modern demonstrate
constructions materials demonstrate
a high level mechanical characteristics
of accordance with the thatreal
substantially
stresses obtained differexperimentally,
from material mechanical
due to the characteristics
increasingly complex that were a basis for developing
mathematical apparatus and the
mathematical
application ofmodels and algorithms
the modern computer for techniques.
stress estimation in welded
However, the constructions.
modern materials The full advantage
demonstrate
of applicationcharacteristics
mechanical of modern materials, such as the HSLA
that substantially differ steels,
from can be achieved
material only ifcharacteristics
mechanical a specific nature of
that
those
were amaterials
basis forisdeveloping
taken into the account during the
mathematical welded
models constructions
and algorithms for design.
stress estimation in welded
constructions. The full advantage of application of modern materials, such as the HSLA steels, can
be achieved only if a specific nature of those materials is taken into account during the welded
constructions design.
Experimentally obtained results correspond to the relevant literature sources, such as Pamnani
et al. [28], Nathan et al. [29], Haribalaji, Boopathi and Balamurugan [30], Oyyuaravelu [31], and
Materials 2020, 13, 1301 10 of 12

Experimentally obtained results correspond to the relevant literature sources, such as Pamnani
et al. [28], Nathan et al. [29], Haribalaji, Boopathi and Balamurugan [30], Oyyuaravelu [31], and Çağırıcı
et al. [32]. However, research presented in this paper is a deeper qualitative analysis of the welding
procedure’s influence on fracture toughness of the HSLA steels. Sensitivity of those steels to the heat
input additionally complicates this analysis and causes that only experimentally obtained results can
be taken as fully relevant. The impact toughness of welded joints of the HSLA steels, which was the
focus of research presented in this paper, is significantly less discussed in literature. On the other hand,
level of application of this steel grade shows continual increase. Modern materials, used for the welded
constructions, are characterized by difficult, even conditional weldability, especially from the aspect
of obtaining favorable microstructure in the specific zones of the welded joints. The contemporary
referent literature sources discuss the impact only of certain parameters on microstructure and only in
certain zones of the weld. From practical aspects of application in the welded constructions’ design, it
is more convenient to establish the correlation between the microstructure parameters and mechanical
characteristics of the welded joints.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.I. and I.M.; Methodology, I.M. and R.R.N.; Validation, L.I. and
R.U.; Experiments A.I.; Writing—original draft preparation, A.I. and I.M.; Writing—review and editing, R.R.N.;
Supervision R.U. and N.S.; Funding acquisition, L.I. and N.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.
Funding: This paper presents results obtained within realization of the projects TR-35021, TR-35033, and TR-33015
funded by Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia and project of
Operational Program Research and Innovation: “Research and development activities of the University of Žilina
in Industry of the 21st century in the field of materials and nanotechnologies”, no. 313011T426, co-funded by the
European Regional Development Fund.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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