POSCO E&C Applies Multi-layer Welding Automation Technology to Bridge Construction

POSCO E&C announced on the 26th that it has developed a 'multi-layer welding automation construction technology' applicable to steel bridge construction and will apply it on-site.

Welding process using multi-layer welding automation technology / Photo by POSCO E&C

Typically, when welding thick steel plates in steel bridge construction, a slight gap is left between the plates, and multiple layers of 'weld beads' are stacked by melting the welding rod to join them. At this time, major steel structural components have been welded directly by workers even in dangerous places such as high or narrow areas.

The 'multi-layer welding automation construction technology' jointly developed by POSCO E&C and POSCO allows even non-expert welders to easily join thick steel plates with multi-layer welding. Depending on the type and thickness of the steel plate and the welding layer, the welding device automatically adjusts detailed parameters such as the required current, voltage, welding speed, and weaving method that determines the welding shape, based on an optimized database. The welder only needs to check whether the welding is proceeding properly.

The welding device has been lightweighted to facilitate work on various structures. The rails on which the device moves are modularly manufactured to be installed according to the size of the structure. Accordingly, quality can be consistently improved even in high or narrow spaces, and the work speed is about 50% faster compared to manual welding. In particular, it is expected to significantly reduce human accidents that may occur during welding.

POSCO E&C demonstrated the performance of this technology by applying it on a trial basis to the steel tower fabrication process of the Yeongjong-Cheongna connecting road (3rd Yeonryukgyo Bridge) construction project last September. It will also be applied to welding of beams and steel pipe piles supporting structures in projects such as the Hwatae-Baekya road construction. Furthermore, POSCO E&C plans to enhance robotic functions by introducing automatic tracking technology using laser sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as welding cameras, and expand its application to various construction projects.

Along with this, to achieve precise construction of steel structures, POSCO E&C is developing a real-time location tracking system for structures using 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotic total stations to improve the quality of steel bridge and super high-rise building construction.

A POSCO E&C official said, "As automated welding technology advances and is applied to various construction projects, the paradigm of the construction industry will change. We will continue to add value to the world through continuous smart technology development and challenges toward space."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.