Foreign Fabricated Steel Members 1

[lutein]

Hello all,
We have a project, which the owner is thinking of fabricate the whole job in China. This project is in US and was designed in accordance with AISC 360-05 and 341-05. I was wondering if there is any special requirements, from structural engineering & technical standpoint, that we have to check to conform to AISC?

Any input would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Bagman2524]

I believe AISC 360 requires the materials to meet certain ASTM standards. The Code of Standard practice may also apply.

 

[kelowna]

There is a book that, I think, should be read by anybody intending to outsource production to a foreign country
"Poorly made in China"

 

[JLNJ]

If it's not an AISC-member fab shop how can you know what you are getting? I'd say AWS certified welders are a must (at the very minimum).

Heck, I see a lot of specs which due to poor past performance write out Chinese made bolts. These are the same people who put poison in infant formula to mask its low protein content. Trust seems to be the key issue to address.

 

[HgTX]

If the contract requires AISC certification, you can hold them to that. If the contract requires fabrication to D1.1, you can hold them to AWS qualification for welders and welding procedures and AWS CWIs. You should make sure they have these qualifications and certifications--and that they actually understand them. They may have all kinds of procedures and qualification tests on file that were done all wrong. If they have AISC certification, you might see if you can get a copy of the exit meeting report so you know what their weaknesses were and can keep an eye out. Will you have an inspector at their facility?

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376

 

[InDepth]

If you are obtaining memebrs from a foreign source I would assume that you would be getting all the material testing (coupons, etc..).

With a fabrication shop, you also have the owner hire their own testing and inspection agency to perform destructive and non-destructive testing on the members and assemblies. This way the owner is guaranteeing that the work is performed per spec and is serving as the owner's rep. If a weld is bad, guess, what the owner's rep doesn't accept it and it gets redone at the fabricators cost. It even includes quality insurance for tolerances and finishes.

This is typical. The new Bay Bridge is actually being built in China and Caltrans and the Contractor have their own testing and inspection agents reviewing and verifying the bridge sections. From what I hear, though, the fabricator is having a learning curve.

 

[InDepth]

Make sure that the fabrictor submits a quality control program as a submittal.

 

[RacingAZ]

Aside from AISC and AWS requirements, check with the permitting authority also. Here in Phoenix, fabricators need to be on their approved list. If not, all shop welds are subject to special inspections.

http://www.dfoxonline.com

.....executing your vision.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Verify their testing. Ever heard ob "bait and switch". We have a lot of fabricated parts made in China. Took about 6 months and a trip by a metalurgist to straighten the mfg process out - but now we are getting product that is better than US, UK or German made at about half the price. Also takes about 12 weeks to get it. Don't forget that.

 

[lutein]

Thank you all for the input. As a summary from your valuable input, please see below:
1. No special design provision for foreign steel.
2. Need a QA plan to specify:
a. Quality control from owner's part.
b. Testing from 3rd party in US.

 

[HgTX]

If they are shipping it across the ocean, you may need additional corrosion protection. You may also be asked by the supplier to allow substitutions of locally available material with non-US specifications.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376