Weldability of steel made in 1909

[skeeter11]

Does anyone know of the weldability of steel used in government buildings, specifically army barracks, built in 1909 for the purpose of renovation? In other words, was the steel made under ASTM A9 a "weldable grade steel"?

 

[gtaw]

There was no need to be concerned with "weldability" in the early 1900's. Elements such as carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, lead, copper, etc. were of no concern as long as the steel met the minimum tensile strength requirements.

The chemical composition from one heat to another could differ considerably, thus one member could be easily welded and the next, coming from a different heat, could be very prone to cracking.

It would be prudent to take samples from several members and have them analyzed to verify the chemistry before deciding to weld to them or to bolt the connections.

Bolting would be a serious contender in the situation you describe.


Best regards - Al