Determing existing steel grade
Determing existing steel grade
(OP)
Does anyone know of a way to determine the grade of steel used in an existing structure, besides cutting a coupon and testing it? I have heard of taking a grinding wheel to the steel and observing the sparks. However, I understand that that method only determings whether it is mild or high carbon steel (for determing the weldability).






RE: Determing existing steel grade
A portable hardness tester can be used to determine yield strength, (hardness is a function on yield strength). Querry the Automotive group many body plants check the hardness of the incoming steel prior to fabrication.
Good Luck,
Rich
RE: Determing existing steel grade
Also, if the building is recent enough, there might be drawings available and possibly shop drawings if the consultant/building department still has this information. You might be able to make an informed guess...
Otherwise, it's a metallurgical process... and no easy way around it that I'm aware of.
FWIW, Grinding and sparks is not always positive.
RE: Determing existing steel grade
The beams are just about at maximum capacity as is, and the additional load the client wants to apply makes or breaks depending on what grade of steel.
RE: Determing existing steel grade
I don't know what your jurisdiction is, but we are required to keep documents 'forever'.
I assume you have checked with the local building inspector. Towns and cities also keep drawings (if they can locate them) for extended periods of time.
Is the contractor available; they might be able to point you to the fabricator who may be able to help.
RE: Determing existing steel grade
RE: Determing existing steel grade