Steel wide-flange column Damaged by Vehicle Impact 1

[jim57]

I wa asked to prepare a repair for a steel column that was dented by a vehicle. Damage does not look bad, but a repair is required based on the client. I would prefer to not heat treat and bend back into shape. i am considering welding a plate over the dented section. Still need to excavate down to the footing to ensure no damage at the connection. Would like to hear your thoughts on welding a plate vs heat treatment. Also how do the costs differ. See photo

 

[MotorCity]

If a repair is not required for structural reasons and is only required by the client for aesthetics, then you could simply weld a plate over the damaged area. This will be much less expensive than heat straightening. That said, I would not expect the heat straightening cost to be outrageous for this case, but the trick is to find a contractor that is good at it. Its much more of an art than a science.

As for damaged connections, if there is no damage to the slab there is most likely not damage to the connection. There would need to be visible distress or movement in the slab that would indicate horizontal or vertical movement of the connection

 

[KootK]

This would almost certainly be a "do-nothing" situation for me unless the column is part of the lateral system. Here are some threads that discuss this in detail:

Link
Link

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[jim57]

Has to be fixed for legal reasons.

 

[msquared48]

Ask the lawyer for a recommended fix.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[oldestguy]

Heating to straighten things can be done, but you must take take the load off at that time, probably costing more than the welding, bending, etc. Otherwise uneven stresses result across the section there.