Welding across I-Beams?
Welding across I-Beams?
(OP)
What is the reason not to weld across an I-Beam. I have always been told that it is ok to weld along the axis of the beam but not to weld across it. Why is this? Please send reply's to iclampers@hotmail.com Thanks.






RE: Welding across I-Beams?
RE: Welding across I-Beams?
RE: Welding across I-Beams?
As to imminent failure? The possibility always exists particularly on small stuff, say something like a loaded W6. In doing the siesmic repair in Los Angeles before I retired we generally unloaded a beam with jacks before cutting and welding. There is no good way to repair some of the stress cracks without welding across the flange. A great deal of NDT was used after welding, also.
Rod
RE: Welding across I-Beams?
Okay, there's a few concerns here:
1. loaded and unloaded beams.
2. statically loaded and dynamically loaded beams.
You'll need to consider which case(s) you're dealing with.
Bridgebuster is correct to cite the fatigue and stress raiser issue. By his handle, he is involved with bridges, therefore dynamic structures. I've never been very concerned with welding across a flange on a statically loaded structure. I've seen hundreds of spliced beams.
I've always been concerned whenever welding on any loaded structure. Common sense should tell anyone that. Steel does not respond well to stress when it is cherry red.
Evelrod is right: Use jacks or whatever to get the load off the beam, then weld.
RE: Welding across I-Beams?
In the flat position, the base metal provides support for the molten pool of weld metal. Therefore, this position provides for the fastest deposition rate and the most economical weld. Welding in the horizontal position is similar, but slightly less efficient. Welding in the vertical or overhead position requires slower deposition rates to maintain the integrity of the molten pool against the effects of gravity.
For other details refer AISC manual under welding chapter
Kvram
RE: Welding across I-Beams?
Rod