What type of welding technique is most commonly used for structural steel work?

The most commonly used welding technique for structural steel work is arc welding. This method encompasses various processes that utilize an electric arc to generate heat to melt the base metal and filler material, forming a strong joint.

Arc welding is highly favored for its versatility and efficiency in joining thicker materials, which is typical in structural steel applications. It is capable of producing high-quality welds under various conditions, making it ideal for construction projects where structural integrity is paramount.

MIG welding, while a popular arc welding process that uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode and often requires less cleanup, is specifically a subset of arc welding. It is well-suited for thinner materials but is not as commonly used for robust structural applications compared to other arc welding methods like shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).

TIG welding usually provides high-quality and precise welds but is more often employed in applications where aesthetics and precision are critical, such as in piping or sheet metal work rather than heavy structural steel.

Spot welding is generally used for joining thin sheets of metal, primarily in the automotive industry, and not for the substantial members typical in structural steel construction.

Thus, while MIG welding is recognized and utilized, arc