×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Evaluating existing structure connection.

Evaluating existing structure connection.

Evaluating existing structure connection.

(OP)
Hi.
I'm evaluating an existing mezzanine structure and I'm concerned with some connections whose plate shear connectors I think are too long (drawing attached).

The 2 5/8" length seems to me to long and that considerable torsion deformation can take place.
I can't find references that addresses this, except for AISC provision on Maximum Spacing and Edge Distance for bolted or riveted connections, but I don't think this solves it.

Any opinion?



A36 steel for the plate and beams.
Beams are 12" X 4" X 1/4"
Connector is 1/4"

Thanks for your answers.

RGuerra.

RE: Evaluating existing structure connection.

I'd be more concerned about the 3/4" edge distance that the 2-7/8" dimension and 2" bolt spacing... but then again you are using 1/2" dia bolts where I am used to using 3/4" dia bolts. Take a look at AISC table 10-9a and the last paragraph on page 10-104 of the ASIC 13th edition. I think this will help ease some of your concerns.

RE: Evaluating existing structure connection.

(OP)
Thank you SteelPE.

Yes, I'm addressing a handfull of issues in a poorly done erection job, being that 3/4" edge distance not the shortest one nor the dirtiest one. There are at least seventeen connections in wich the distance is 7/16" or so, some torch made bolt holes, bad welds and more.

Photos attached.

RGuerra.

RE: Evaluating existing structure connection.

Looks like you need a new erector.

BA

RE: Evaluating existing structure connection.

The supporting member looks tiny. (W12 x 16?) Due to that, I'm also worried about torsion on the supporting members. Unless those bolts are torqued (and even of they are), you'll get a torsional component on your member. It's small, but it doesn't take much with those 4 inch flange members.
And to second BA, you seriously need a new fabricator. Those cope details (cutting the whole beam short) are lazy.

RE: Evaluating existing structure connection.

(OP)
The structure has been there for 7 or 8 years. They used it for storing cardboard sheets. Ten ft high piles, they say.
Now they want to to install a small production line there and want to know the (in)capabilities of the structure.

Bad news they are getting Monday.

Yes, the beams are W12X16 and W8X10.
Colums are 3" X 3" X 1/8", 10 ft to the bottom of the beam.
Bolts are SAE Grade 5, and I don't think they are torqued to specification as you can see the loose one in the far connection in the third photo.



Pictures.
https://plus.google.com/photos/1060793372803278958...

RGuerra.


Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources