Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
(OP)
I am back. We have found out that the 1912 crane rail system requires modification. We need to weld on some plates and angles to the top flange of the crane beam.
Can we do it? Any thoughts would be helpful.
Can we do it? Any thoughts would be helpful.






RE: Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
That should tell you a lot...
RE: Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
"Field Welding to Existing Structures" by David T. Ricker, it is a great starting point!
Mike's given you a very good start; The paper is quite detailed and in-depth.
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
RE: Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
I respectfully disagree. I don't think it's a clear-cut issue. Just this week we had a webinar about a topic related to this issue. If the steel were manufactured post 1927-ish, then you could say that. Prior to that it's more iffy.
I know there is a procedure out there involving welding a test tab to the member in question and then bending it. If it bends without fracturing, then you are OK. I'm sorry I don't have my notes in front of me, so I wouldn't even be able to give you the governing body on this procedure, but I could post it on Monday.
RE: Welding onto 1912 Structural Steel
Another quick test is to take a very small sharp chisel and try to make a chip on the edge of the piece in question. If you make a chip that curls a little you stand a good chance of welding it.
You will have to do this on every piece you are going to weld to. Depending on the structure you can get some pretty ratty steel or wrought iron.
Here is an electrode that I've had the most luck with is the Cronoweld 321 electrode made by Lawson Products. This is not a 321 SS electrode, it is screw up by marketing. This rod is more expensive than a 7018 but will weld through most anything.
ht