Strength and Utility of Metals in Construction

Abstract

An approach to assessing the utility of structural steels in heavily loaded structural elements is proposed. In this approach, the sensitivity of the metal to the sharply nonuniform stress distribution in components with stress concentrators or cracks is estimated. The resistance of the metal to a nonuniform stress–strain state may be assessed in terms of the deformational stability (fracture resistance) B_r. If B_r < B_rb, which is the critical fracture stability for the given part, the part will be embrittled by the given stress concentrator. In other words, the utility of the metal for the structural component will be decreased. The influence of the steel’s strength on its structural utility is investigated for the example of samples with a stress concentrator in the form of an annular cut. The practical limits are established on the strengthening of steels so as to prevent embrittlement of parts containing such stress concentrators.