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Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

(OP)
Is there any code statement on re-using W shapes as beam?
In nut shell, we used two W shapes to craddle a part of floor and we are thinking after disassebly use it to craddle another floor, but unsure what is qualification of re-using them?

I appreciate if anybody has any information or done similar in past.

Thank you

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

This is a bit confusing.

Are the beams in satisfactory condition to preclude reductions for section loss, yielding, fatigue, etc. - check
Do they meet the loading requirements with all reductions accounted for - check

Maybe there is something else you can reveal about your situation?

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

(OP)
The beams for the new floor have been sized exactly the same size as the first floor but I don't know if the beam was laoded once and then taken off is qualified to be reused?
What are tests that needs to be applied to check that? As a matter of fact what checks do I need to do?

I hear a lot that they reuse bridge girders? What qualifies that?

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

Inspect the W shape. Any problems, bends, dents, weld scars? Has it been heated or mistreated?

A steel piece loaded to anything below its yield point can be reloaded if the inspection and reuse is prudent.

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

This thread is a bit confusing. A recent graduate would be able to answer the question.

This week I had a project were the client installed a foundation in the wrong location. The foundation was for an architectural element and we had a canopy that framed up to the backside of the element but not touch it. Well it was decided that rather than field modify the steel beam we would fabricate new beams and keep the old ones for a future project (at the owners request). We didn't just throw them away and get new ones because they were "used".

I also recently completed a building for a guy who cleaned out a fabrication yard after the company went out of business. The entire structure was constructed out of members that were intended for other projects but never used. Laying out that project was extremely difficult for the architect.

As others have said, as long as the beams are in good condition and you know they will support the required load there is not reason why you can't reuse them.

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

"but I don't know if the beam was loaded once"

Who cares? You are talking about a floor load - what 100 or 150 psf static live load at the most? As we have said, if it checks out under a good visual inspection, you're good to go.

Slow down...don't even begin to compare bridge and floor loadings.

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

You can use these pieces of steel over and over as long as you don't put them in yield at some point or have lots of holes or cuts. The trick is to know what the steel is - sometimes you'll find some old A7 steel (Fy =33 ksi). Once had a coffer dam project for one contractor and knew that another one of my client's had a bone yard full of old steel that we used for the cross struts of the C.D.

Also worked for one company where almost all their special rigging and hauling configurations were made from previous projects. The trick here was to paint your name on the pieces that you planned to use before some one else took the steel before you finished detailing you planned apparatus.

RE: Re-using W shapes? Any code requirement

SKJ25POL
There isn’t really anything in the bldg. codes which says you must always use brand new materials for a structure. They do say you should use materials which are adequate for their intended purpose, and you should have good knowledge of what they are, their spec. and origin, their strength, stiffness, etc. You should also have good engineering knowledge, experience and judgement of what you are doing and designing, or you should not be tackling such projects. Your several OP’s do not suggest you really have this knowledge or experience, and you should probably get some local qualified structural engineering help.

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