Welding to a Concrete Filled Hollow Section

[LobstaEata]

I've been taught by mentors long ago, to avoid welding to concrete filled hollow steel sections, especially when the wall of the steel section is thinner than the weld size. The thought is that if you produce enough heat, it will produce a small explosion in the concrete voids, due to expansion of residual water vapor.

Someone in my office is asking about this very subject and wanted to know if this phenomenon can be substantiated by an authoritative article on the subject. I didn't think this would be a problem to find, but am having trouble finding much of anything on the subject.

So, does anyone here have experience with this issue or know of a source that I may point to to either substantiate or refute avaoiding welding to concrete filled hollow sections?

Many thanks.

 

[csd72]

I would suggest you research under fire engineering as I believe this is one of the causes of spalling during a fire. Not sure at what temp though.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You are welcome to try it - just wear a "blast" suit!!