Hidden HSS Connections
Hidden HSS Connections
(OP)
What are some options for hidden HSS round connections?
I have a long run of 10" diameter round HSS that I would like to be connected to make a continuous member. This will be exposed steel and I have the impression that the Arch does not want field welding to be visible, but they do seem open to some sort of cover/access plate/hole. Will the field weld really look that bad? I could design the HSS to be hinged at the connection if that helps my options. What are some options for this situation, can some sort of insert or sleeve be done?
Thanks!
I have a long run of 10" diameter round HSS that I would like to be connected to make a continuous member. This will be exposed steel and I have the impression that the Arch does not want field welding to be visible, but they do seem open to some sort of cover/access plate/hole. Will the field weld really look that bad? I could design the HSS to be hinged at the connection if that helps my options. What are some options for this situation, can some sort of insert or sleeve be done?
Thanks!






RE: Hidden HSS Connections
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
www.FerrellEngineering.com
Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
I would have thought that PJP or CJP as you guys have suggested would be ok. I mean I don't think it would look that obvious or bad.
Are there other alternatives?
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
www.FerrellEngineering.com
Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
I also generally provide fillet welds to 1.1 x thickness for smaller tubes... greater than code allowance, but CIDECT has info that indicates that this nearly provides CJP strength.
Dik
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
If it was my project, and it required the cleanest aesthetic, I'd do the plates welded inside the tubes then bolted together (mainly because I have a bias against field welding), but
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
Better, drop one on his or her desk.
Then (s)he may be more amenable to a few exposed bolt heads retaining an internal doubler.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
Not sure which way will we end up going but atleast I've got some ideas. I realize now that there will be a fair amount of torsion on the pipe as well which my make internal plat and bolting more difficult than I previously realized.
A couple of follow up questions:
If your going to put in an access hole, you would still have some sort of visible interruption of the surface of the HSS; so from an aesthetics point of view isn't this the same as having a weld there? (Sure this is probably a question for the Arch)
If the weld and the access hole are the same aesthetically and say welding or an internal plate / bolt connection were possible, I suppose it comes down to cost. Any ideas on which is more costly (welding vs internal plate/bolts)?
Is it possible to use a sleeve which fits inside each pipe and is then "box-bolted" or maybe even slot/plug welded? I could see this being semi difficult to align in the field, maybe.
Thanks again!
EIT
www.HowToEngineer.com
RE: Hidden HSS Connections
As far as cost, its highly dependent on if most of the parts are pre-fabbed and bolted on site, or if there is going to be a welder on site already. If this connection is the only one a welder is coming on site for, it would be very expensive. Otherwise there is less material involved so it could be cheaper if a welder will already be onsite. You'll have to consider coating/painting as well.
I think all of the options are going to be semi-moderately difficult to align in the field. An experienced installed should be able do them with minimal issue though. I'd lean away from the sleeve personally.