Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
(OP)
I am wondering if there is anything that prevents us of welding cover plates and reinforcing steel to the steel memebers of a steel structure that was built 1956-7ish.
The steel structure connections are rivited.
My question is in my repair plan is okay that I connect the new reinforment members to the old existing steel structure by welding?
Appreciate your guidance.
The steel structure connections are rivited.
My question is in my repair plan is okay that I connect the new reinforment members to the old existing steel structure by welding?
Appreciate your guidance.






RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
By the 1950's AWS and ASTM were well established in construction.
Weldable structural shapes in A7 and A373(later A36) were commonly available. Even so, it would be wise to cut a small coupon from a low stress area (neutral axis, low or no shear)to check the metallurgy and mechanical properties. Not that expensive and worth the money.
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
Michael.
"Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved." ~ Tim Minchin
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
I believe I am not the first one facing this issue of welding to a old structural steel?
What may happen if the welding get done?
I appreciate some directions.
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
First, a quick test can be performed welding a plate with a single sided fillet weld to a part of the existing structure. Impact loads with a heavy hammer can be applied to the plate putting the weld in tension. If the plate can be bent over without fracturing the weld then it's generally weldable steel. The plate should then be hammered the other way putting the weld root in tension where it will fracture, allowing you to observe the fracture plane. This is detailed in design guide 21 and Ricker's paper.
Second, you will likely have to do testing regardless of the above field test to determine the chemical composition of the steel from a series of samples cut from the existing steel. This will allow you to find the tensile yeild and fracture and chemical composition. From there you can go into AWS D1.1 and establish a welding procedure and if pre or post-weld heat treatment is required.
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
http://search.aisc.org/queryMSC.html?col=msc&q...
One example of the info there is the answer to this question "Is steel in older existing structures weldable?"
The answer confirms what Ron, paddingtongreen, and TME have advised:
"Possibly. If the chemical properties of steel to be welded are known, either by valid mill certification or by laboratory sample testing, its weldability can be judged by computing the carbon equivalent value. A more obvious approach would be to examine the existing structure for evidence of original welding. Alternatively, an on-site investigation could be performed to address weld ductility and base-metal hardening. Other factors should also be considered, such as past history of the structure, the nature of the loads, weather conditions, and whether the members to receive welds are loaded."
Here is a link the landmark paper, "Field Welding to Existing Structures" by Ricker, that TME recommended:
https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE/Academics/Groups...
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
And back in those days paint had lead in it. During welding operations the welders can get exposed to lead fumes.
Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Any welding limitation to steel structural member of a bldg of 1956
I appreciate it very much, especially Mr. SlideRuleEra (Structural)thank you so very much for the refrence documents, I greatly appreciate it. The article was good as well as the Structural Magazine.
Thank you all,
Have a wonderful day
Sincerely,
Your Colleague.