Heat‐Straightening of Steel: Fact and Fable

Abstract

Although heat‐straightening has been used for the repair of damaged steel structures for over 40 yr, the process is more of an art than a science. Since the effects of heat‐straightening steel structures are not well understood by the engineering community, a number of undocumented opinions have appeared in the literature that are false or misleading. Presented here is a state‐of‐the‐art review in the form of popular fables followed by the documented facts related to each one. Sixteen fables are listed in two categories: basic material properties and behavior of structural systems. The references cited form a comprehensive bibliography on the subject of heat‐straightening effects on steel. The selection of facts and fables has been chosen to provide the reader with an understanding of the process, important factors influencing heat‐straightening of rolled and built‐up members, a working knowledge of its effect on the material properties of steel, and the sources for additional information. Heat‐straightening has produced a good track record that illustrates the potential of the method for providing safe and economical repairs.