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Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

(OP)
For ERW steel pipe piles used in stardard building foundation applications, are there any special concerns regarding welded splices? I believe all ASTM A252 says is that the weld must provide the required strength during driving and service, nothing too specific.

Is a full-penetration weld using an AWS approved procedure summarily acceptable? Or are there other things to consider?

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

You probably won't get a full pen weld for pile splices unless a backing ring is used. If the pile is less than 24 inches in diameter (which I would bet that it is!), then a welder qualified for pipe welding would be necessary.

A partial pen weld should be sufficient. Also, the joint prep will leave a lot to be desired. A single bevel would be the easier profile to get, but it will likely be done with a torch in the field.

I would suggest guide tabs for alignment or a splice ring designed for such.

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

(OP)

Quote:

You probably won't get a full pen weld for pile splices unless a backing ring is used. If the pile is less than 24 inches in diameter (which I would bet that it is!), then a welder qualified for pipe welding would be necessary.

Why wouldn't you get a full pen weld from a welder qualified for pipe welding? For example, if I call for a 50' long pipe pile, they aren't going to automatically provide me a full pen weld wherever they place the splice?

Quote:

A partial pen weld should be sufficient. Also, the joint prep will leave a lot to be desired. A single bevel would be the easier profile to get, but it will likely be done with a torch in the field.

Why wouldn't this be done in the shop?

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

abp...most pipe piles don't come through a "shop". They come from a supplier and those suppliers don't have a means to prepare the ends of the pipe for welding.

No..it is almost never understood that a full pen weld will be provided for splices in pipe piles. Most often it is a "seal weld" with little or no preparation.

Yes, a qualified pipe welder could get a full penetration weld on a properly prepared joint in the field; however, you are not likely to get a pressure piping welder on the job...more likely a general field welder so be aware of the quality variation you might get.

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

You can also buy splice rings (chill rings) for splicing pipe piles. They require fillet welds. They are most suitable for piles with just axial compression.

www.PeirceEngineering.com

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

(OP)
Ron - Basically, I have a situation where I specified 50' long A252 steel pipe piles. I received a submittal which indicated that the mill is sending the supplier 40' long piles and the supplier is welding 10' long pile segment to make a 50' pile. They submitted a pre-qualified weld procedure which indicated a full-pen weld. Is this how it would normally occur? Why wouldn't the mill send them a 50' pile?

PEinc - Thanks for the links!

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

Ah.. but what if the pile has to be 80' long and your piling rig can only handle a 40' pile. Then you could order 2 x 40' piles and weld the joint after one has been driven into the ground.

RE: Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

abusementpark,
Probably due to transport restrictions. 40' may be the longest that can be transported without a long load escort?

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