ABSTRACT
It is necessary to gain the information on the mechanical, chemical, and fracture properties of their materials in order to find out cause of damage and examine retrofitting methods for repairing damaged steel bridges. One of the properties used to investigate retrofitting methods is fracture toughness. Charpy impact tests are conducted in order to examine fracture toughness. The size of test specimens of Charpy impact tests is specified in Japanese Industrial Standards. Test specimens must be shaped according to the specific size, but it is desirable to take smaller material from sound material. Therefore, this study aims to make test specimens with small steel pieces in order to estimate fracture toughness. The size of small steel pieces was set as they can be taken from stop holes or bolt holes. Test specimens were made with these small steel pieces by electron beam weld. Then the effect of steel piece size on Charpy absorbed energy was examined.
