Pipe pile to cap beam connection

[foreng]

When connecting a pipe pile to an embedded plate on a cap beam of a bridge pier, which type of weld works best? fillet or a groove weld with a steel backing ring? I was told it is difficult to get a proper weld because of the difficulty in getting all the pile tops level enough to get each plate flush with the pile. Any thoughts?

I've seen the connection done using both types of welds
(see attached)
option 2 would seem to provide the best option.

 

[DRC1]

Up hand field welds such as those in option 1, although doable, should be avoided if possible, as they are difficult to do well. The interior weld for the inner pipe may be difficult. If that is only a tack weld for the slot weld, that may not be a problem. (If that is so I would call it out as a non structural tack weld, so it does not get bogged down by meeting structural weld inspection). The slot weld may be difficult if you do not have good access to the work. Another pair of possible details would be: 1. Get a ring that will fit over the pipe. Down hand weld the ring to the embedded plate in the shop. Weld on studs. In field drop the assmbly over the pipe tack and filet weld the ring to the pile. 2. If a ring of suitale diameter is not available, fille weld stiffeners to the plate in the shop so that the inside dimensions of the siffeners match the diameter of the pile plus a litlle for clearance.Weld studs to the plate. Again drop the plate over the pile, Tack if necessary and field weld vertical fillets.

 

[kelowna]

Fillet welds please. Life is hard enough as it is!

Fillets are much easier to do, specially with limited access. In my experience the possibility of deffects is smaller. The test requirements are much more reasonable. You do not need that backing plate that will never be fitted properly. Easier pre-qualification of the weld...

If it works structurally (and I do not see why it should not if designed properly), my vote is for fillet weld