Fit of Column Compression Joints and Base Plates
Fit of Column Compression Joints and Base Plates
(OP)
AISC 360-10 Section M4 Erection, Note 4 reads, "Fit of Column Compression Joints and Base Plates
Lack of contact bearing not exceeding a gap of 1/16 in. (2 mm), regardless of the type
of splice used (partial-joint-penetration groove welded or bolted), is permitted. If the
gap exceeds 1/16 in. (2 mm), but is equal to or less than 1/4 in. (6 mm), and if an engineering
investigation shows that sufficient contact area does not exist, the gap shall
be packed out with nontapered steel shims. Shims need not be other than mild steel,
regardless of the grade of the main material."
I am a quality control representative inspecting the erection of a stair tower being built in accordance with AISC. What I am inspecting is a bolted column splice (see below). Is this quotation above referring only to the ends of the abutting columns or does it refer to any place a gap could be in the connection? There are no gaps in the abutting ends of the column exceeding 1/16"


This is the image of my issue. The abutting columns are misaligned in this manner (abutting ends offset, this measurement was taken in the K area of the abutting columns) and I cannot find a tolerance for this type of misalignment. Any help?
Lack of contact bearing not exceeding a gap of 1/16 in. (2 mm), regardless of the type
of splice used (partial-joint-penetration groove welded or bolted), is permitted. If the
gap exceeds 1/16 in. (2 mm), but is equal to or less than 1/4 in. (6 mm), and if an engineering
investigation shows that sufficient contact area does not exist, the gap shall
be packed out with nontapered steel shims. Shims need not be other than mild steel,
regardless of the grade of the main material."
I am a quality control representative inspecting the erection of a stair tower being built in accordance with AISC. What I am inspecting is a bolted column splice (see below). Is this quotation above referring only to the ends of the abutting columns or does it refer to any place a gap could be in the connection? There are no gaps in the abutting ends of the column exceeding 1/16"


This is the image of my issue. The abutting columns are misaligned in this manner (abutting ends offset, this measurement was taken in the K area of the abutting columns) and I cannot find a tolerance for this type of misalignment. Any help?






RE: Fit of Column Compression Joints and Base Plates
Dave
Thaidavid