Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
(OP)
Hi
We have a 3 ton (SWL) single girder lifting beam which is to be installed in a pump station. Upon inspection of the coating of the beam it was noticed that the paint is lifting from area where the flange and web comes together. It seemed as though delamination occured since one could pull small flakes off the beam. We then had the beam shotblasted to clean all paint off and tested the areas of concern with magnetic particle testing and a crack showed up which seemed to run the length of the beam. After grinding a certain area of the beam and performing magnetic particle testing again the crack still showed up.
The supplier of the steel beam says it is part of the rolling process and that the structural integrity of the beam will not be compromised.
Has anyone seen this before and shed some light on the cause? Is it anything to worry about?
I've uploaded a picture of the crack after magnetic particle testing.
The beam size is 457 x 191 x 74 kg/m and has a 8.1m span.
Thanks for the help...
We have a 3 ton (SWL) single girder lifting beam which is to be installed in a pump station. Upon inspection of the coating of the beam it was noticed that the paint is lifting from area where the flange and web comes together. It seemed as though delamination occured since one could pull small flakes off the beam. We then had the beam shotblasted to clean all paint off and tested the areas of concern with magnetic particle testing and a crack showed up which seemed to run the length of the beam. After grinding a certain area of the beam and performing magnetic particle testing again the crack still showed up.
The supplier of the steel beam says it is part of the rolling process and that the structural integrity of the beam will not be compromised.
Has anyone seen this before and shed some light on the cause? Is it anything to worry about?
I've uploaded a picture of the crack after magnetic particle testing.
The beam size is 457 x 191 x 74 kg/m and has a 8.1m span.
Thanks for the help...





RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
As soon as I've received the report I will let you know.
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
Here is a tip, I would recommend you have this beam load tested by an outside entity as we do with our turbine lifting beams, and have it re-inspected after load testing, assuming the report from the 3rd party indicates acceptable for use.
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
Your right to reject the beam, ask the supplier is he willing to guarantee its safe to use in writing.
I would also have the beam inspected by a third party after load testing.
How long have you had the beam? and did the metallurgist actually inspect the beam? I doubt he would write a report without at least seeing it.
desertfox
RE: Cracking in I-profile lifting beam
It may be suitable for an I beam but not for lifting equipment.
If you need to push the point then have a core drilled out and a metallographic cross section prepared.
1. This is a crack-like indication and not suitable for load bearing applications
2. I'll wager that the remaining metal thickness in this area is below the minimum allowed for this size beam
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