Repair of existing steel moment frame buildings damaged from earthquakes using fracture tough weld overlays

This paper reports the first phase of a research and testing effort by a vo lunteer group of Metallurgists, Structural Engineers, Testing Engineers, an d Welding Engineers who have developed methods of repairing existing earthq uake damaged steel moment frame connections, using fracture tough weld over lays enabling the joint to be considered as a Dynamic Load Weld (DLW). This follows the well reported damage to Steel Moment Frame Buildings observed following the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Subject to more resea rch and testing, the methods may eventually prove suitable for modification of existing steel moment frame buildings and new construction, along with application in other industries.