Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
(OP)
What issues do I need to consider when doing this? Obviously there is going to be heat generated by the welding process. Is that detrimental to concrete? Does how cured the concrete is make a difference? Is base plate thickness an issue?
I'd appreciate any insight or thoughts on this topic.
Thanks.
I'd appreciate any insight or thoughts on this topic.
Thanks.






RE: Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. -MLK
RE: Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
The concrete has moisture trapped in it and aggregate. Heating these causes extreme localized pressure on the concrete. Thus, too much heat and small areas of the concrete can "explode". This can damage the concrete appearance, pop the embedded plate out, or spray molten weld metal around. Caution and short welded passes to limit the HAZ are definitely a good idea.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
Concrete provides a large thermal mass (depending on dimensions obviously) and can as Bagman noted, take a lot of heat. I'd be worried if it was thin topping but if it's a reasonable amount of concrete then I wouldn't even think about it.
RE: Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete
Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase. -MLK
RE: Welding steel columns to steel base plates embedded in concrete