Stel to Steel

[msquared48]

Anyone run across any certified lab tested and rated epoxies for joining structural steel shapes that have the allowable shear and tension values suitable for presenting to a building official for a permit?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[msquared48]

That was Steel to Steel (A36)... Sorry

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[hokie66]

You use welds steel to steel, not glue.

 

[Tmoose]

I think I've seen bolts or rivets used once or twice, too.

What are you holding together?

I love epoxy, but if I were a building official and was presented with an epoxy spec sheet of a few perfectly prepared substrates I don't think I'd approve using epoxy holding up anything but name plates on doors.

Epoxy anchors are a system with specific instructions, load ratings developed from testing, and potentially destructive test procedures to verify installation was done correctly, and we still manage to foul them up sometimes.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/05/modern_continen_2.html

 

[msquared48]

I don't like the idea either and am well aware of the code and BO's. Just asking...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[berkshire]

Mike for what its worth, Epoxies will join steel to steel together quite well in the short term.
The unknowns are, how long corrosion takes to creep under the edges of the epoxy joint.
Will the joint creep under a cnstant loading?
B.E.

 

[chicopee]

Good luck with epoxied joints on structural steel when you have a fire in that structure.

 

[connectegr]

I second berkshire's comments...

I researched a steel to steel epoxy several years ago. There were several products that were surprising in the strength category. But, they could not provide sufficient data on the lifespan and deterioration over time, or the effects of temperature/climate changes.

Good luck

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.

 

[msquared48]

This is for anchoring an antenna array for telecom to the side of building with steel paneling. I do not like the scenario for several reasons, and am considering a very expensive alternative that will make me a lot of friends. Like that really matters to me!

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[berkshire]

Mike ,
I have a very strong suspicion that you are considering cutting those steel panels, and bracketing to the structure.
B.E.

 

[msquared48]

Not really, as the "structure" only consists of 2.625" wall studs of an unknown gage...

I think I have convinced them (Architects, uggh!) to locate the antennas elsewhere...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering