Weld access holes in End Plate Moment Connections

[guanorican]

I recently visited a site for a project I designed and noticed weld access holes on end plate moment connections. The access holds were specifically noted as prohibited on our drawings and was not shown on the reviewed shop drawings. AISC 360 and 341 prohibit the use of weld access holes in end plate moment connections due to testing that has shown stress-riser that promote flange fracture early in the inelastic range. 90% of the structure has been erected and I’m having trouble finding a solution. Has anybody come across this in the past? We are looking into what our options are and have contacted AISC for guidance.

Lateral force resisting system = OMF (SDC D & R = 3.5)

 

[ajc2014]

Am I wrong to say that if it meets the criteria on page 1-33 of the AISC seismic manual then it's okay?
...I don't do much seismic design- but am somewhat familiar with it.

 

[paddingtongreen]

With certain welds, the ratholes are required and automatic and thus don't require mention. As to whether you can buy them off, I don't know.

Michael.
"Science adjusts its views based on what's observed. Faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved." ~ Tim Minchin