Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
(OP)
Hello,
My question is in regard to determining the yield strength of steel I beams in existing buildings. In the past, I have used historical steel grades listed in the local steel design handbook as a basis for assumption, based on the age of the building. The problem I'm having is that for buildings constructed in the 1960's, there is quite a range of possible steel grades used.
Is there an easy way to determine the grade of steel used in an existing buildings construction? I know that a coupon test can be performed, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of an easier way to figure out steel grade. Is there any in situ testing equipment available? Any other ideas?
To give some background, I am frequently analyzing existing buildings for the feasibility of adding a solar array to the roof. In many instances drawings are not available for the buildings, so we send a field crew out to measure up the beams and joists, and analyze them to see if there is any excess capacity. Usually we can obtain the age of the building from the client, which narrows down the steel grade, but there are some grey areas. Sometimes having to take the more conservative value makes the building not have any excess capacity, which rules out the feasibility of the added weight from a solar PV system. It isnt practical to do coupon tests for every building we analyze, but if there is another way it would certainly be worth consideration.
Thanks!
My question is in regard to determining the yield strength of steel I beams in existing buildings. In the past, I have used historical steel grades listed in the local steel design handbook as a basis for assumption, based on the age of the building. The problem I'm having is that for buildings constructed in the 1960's, there is quite a range of possible steel grades used.
Is there an easy way to determine the grade of steel used in an existing buildings construction? I know that a coupon test can be performed, but I was just wondering if anyone knew of an easier way to figure out steel grade. Is there any in situ testing equipment available? Any other ideas?
To give some background, I am frequently analyzing existing buildings for the feasibility of adding a solar array to the roof. In many instances drawings are not available for the buildings, so we send a field crew out to measure up the beams and joists, and analyze them to see if there is any excess capacity. Usually we can obtain the age of the building from the client, which narrows down the steel grade, but there are some grey areas. Sometimes having to take the more conservative value makes the building not have any excess capacity, which rules out the feasibility of the added weight from a solar PV system. It isnt practical to do coupon tests for every building we analyze, but if there is another way it would certainly be worth consideration.
Thanks!






RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
Is there a hardness test procedure that is relatively simple and gives fairly accurate results?
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
BA
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
thanks for the comments, all.
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
BA
RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel
Another device known as a stress strain microprobe will do a better job than PMI, but is tougher to acquire. Also, trying correlate hardness to yield strength is possible, but factors such as material type, microstructure, surface finish, test equipment, technician experience, etc will influence the outcome. Correlating hardness to tensile strength is more common.
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RE: Identifying Yield Strength of Steel