Materials science aspects of in-service reduction in brittle fracture resistance of metal structures of sea port cranes

Abstract

Structural steels of see port cranes are operated under intensive cyclic loading that leads to degradation of their initial mechanical properties, and the characteristics of brittle fracture resistance decrease most. This research presents the results of mechanical testing of excessively operated low-carbon sheet steel St3sp commonly used for metal structures of handling equipment in seaports. Strength, plasticity and impact toughness of this steel have been examined. Specimens with V-shaped notch for Charpy impact testing were cut out from steel sheets in both longitudinal and transversal directions relative to the rolling direction.