Bolting instead of welding
Bolting instead of welding
(OP)
Contractor has asked me if instead of welding some cross members(tubes) to vertial members of a steel truss they can bolt them so after repairs they can be removed and used somewhere else.
Is that acceptable? What checks I am supposed to do?
Appreciate your opinions
Is that acceptable? What checks I am supposed to do?
Appreciate your opinions






RE: Bolting instead of welding
What kind of repairs are being undertaken, and how do the tube stiffeners play into them?
What do you visualize for the connection to the unspecified truss members?
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Bolting instead of welding
RE: Bolting instead of welding
These vertical mostly will be compression members, any problem in this sense?
RE: Bolting instead of welding
RE: Bolting instead of welding
rather than an open loop discussion about what you could do, what other's recommend from their experience, etc, let's cut to the chase and you show us what you intend to do and we'll say yea or nay.
another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?
RE: Bolting instead of welding
You're probably ok. You'll need to ensure that P < phi*As*Fu at the net sections where the holes will be located. Unless there are a lot of holes along the length of the member, this won't likely affect your member buckling strength appreciably. It would be best to locate the cross members near the top or bottom of the vertical member lengths if possible.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Bolting instead of welding
Is the truss designer aware that you are planning on removing these members?
This is a pretty dangerous question to be asking the "internet"...
tg