Stud welding is a unique welding operation because it has such a broad range of applications varying in several ways including the size, strength, and function of the weld and stud and the materials used. However, stud welding is often considered the lightweight player in terms of welding processes. While it’s true that stud welding is highly effective in many small-scale applications, it’s equally effective in a wide spectrum of large-scale production.
Within each manufacturing industry, there are various applications of stud welding, big and small. When it comes to structure and building construction, stud welding has more uses than any other type of welding. With Northland Fastening Systems, you can find the services and tools you need for any construction stud welding project, no matter the scale.
Construction stud welding can be performed with capacitor discharge or drawn arc stud welding techniques, and it’s frequently used for a number of construction projects. Some common large-scale applications of stud welding in the construction industry include parking structures, high-rise buildings, stadiums, water towers, and bridges.
Bridges in particular require a specific approach to construction when it comes to the application of stud welding.
Stud Welds in a Bridge
Stud welding is used on many types of bridges. The primary functional role of stud weld points in the vast majority of bridges is to hold and and/or strengthen shear connectors to the concrete base:
- Connection Points: Stud welding is used to form powerful connections. This process permits contraction and expansion movement with temperature changes and wind affecting the bridge without compromising structural integrity.
- Plate Connection Points: Certain bridge components are made up of steel plating and other similar sections put together to form the full bridge structure. These sections are often connected using a stud welding process of tying them to concrete. Specifically, stud welding is often used to connect steel girders to concrete slabs combined with powerful meshes, forming a durable, flexible connection.
- Anti-Skid Studs. These studs create the rumbling effect that drivers hear entering and exiting a bridge.
Without the added strength and necessary allowance for motion in the face of weather and wind that stud welding provides, bridges would not be as safe and effective as they are today.
Find Your Construction Stud Welding Supplies Here
To learn more about construction stud welding or other applications of stud welding, contact Northland Fastening Systems at (651) 730-7770 or request a quote today.