Beam Splice

[Heldbaum]

Hello folks,

does anyone know how to make an alternative moment connection for this beam ? (see attached picture). The splice has been done as per structural drawings but contractor did not call for the inspection during welding. Now the EOR doesn't want to sign the job off. My boss PE inspected the welds and he released the letter stating that welds are structurally sound but that didn't help. Do you have any ideas what can be done there, otherwise he will have to dismantle it and redo it with the inspector on site. The concrete slab is over there so there is no access from the top..Thanks for any input.

 

[dik]

I don't know what you have there, but, it sure looks ugly... I would suggest a re-do...

Dik

 

[Heldbaum]

Dik..I was thinking to add two L shape bent plates below the top flange and weld it along with fillet weld..

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I'm inclined to agree with the EOR; I wouldn't want to accept those welds either (though I don't know enough about your project to understand the application of what this beam is supporting and what the splice was designed for).

What level of weld inspection was performed by your boss?

I agree that a splice on the inside flanges with angles fillet welded could work but then you're welding overhead in the field. That's going to be a very difficult weld. Also, can this be shored to remove the load on the splice? Reinforcing a loaded beam is a fair bit harder to design.

Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/

 

[Heldbaum]

TME - Just visual, but tributary area is very small..it's W 12x35 and yes it can be shored to remove the load on the splice..

 

[Rabbit12]

How was the joint prepped, per what prequalified weld joint? Almost looks like the bevel creates a wider opening on top than on the bottom. Might be an optical illusion.

 

[canwesteng]

Is your boss a certified welding inspector? Agreed with everyone else that it looks terrible, I can't imagine there is a signed of weld procedure for that weld... if I was EOR I'd reject as well.

 

[Heldbaum]

It is what it is, just trying to find a solution here so he doesn't have to dismantle it..two flat bars underneath the top flange welded along..weld length calculated for 100% beam capacity , flat bars area same as top flange area..what do you think ?

 

[Rabbit12]

Get a qualified engineer to design a built-up splice. There are probably a hundred ways to do it.

 

[jike]

I can't tell what kind of weld this is. Is this bevel weld or butt weld? What is the AWS type? Were there backup bars? If so, were they removed? Was this welded from the bottom or top or both? Why is there not a rathole thru the web? Is the top flange in compression only? Is this composite construction with headed studs into the concrete slab?

 

[Tomfh]

I'd splice it as suggested with flats or angles.

 

[Heldbaum]

Thank you everyone for your input. I ended up adding plates welded to the flange from below.