Welding Etiquette for Corrosion

[Ibeam]

When welded connections are for exterior industrial steel platforms, walkways and such, is it better to weld-all-around in order to seal against corrosion?

I'm refering to things such as gusset plates, connection plates,and stiffeners welded to W-shapes and channels. I realize there are situations where "turning a corner" or welding around the end of plates or flange tips can create stress concentrations, or weak points in the weld. It's these areas that I'm mainly questioning.

 

[CWIC]

Sealing the welds for these types of components may or may not be a cure for corrosion resistance. Most of these types of structural components are hot-dipped galvanized. The galvanizers typically burn (not very neatly I might add) holes to vent enclosed members to avoid explosions during the zinc bath. This would defeat the purpose of wrapping the welds if they are indeed galvanized. Touching up holes by welding after galvanizing is not uncommon.

These holes may end up anywhere the galvanizers see fit. Typically they are located as vents at the top of the part (the last part to enter the bath).

 

[Ibeam]

No Galvanizing. Powder Coated from fabricator.