1/4" thick repad to reinforce branch connection
1/4" thick repad to reinforce branch connection
(OP)
Hi guys,
I have typically designed with a minimum repad thickness of 1/2" on welded branch connections. This time around, I am dealing with a 4" branch on a 36" run pipe. The problem is with a 1/2" repad, I have a weld proximity issue where the repad weld toe is only 1 mm away from the adjacent small fitting weld. While using 1/4" repad provides enough reinforcement as per B31.4 calculation, it also contradicts the common practice where repad thickness equals the header thickness. I read on another thread that repad thickness is 0.75 x header thickness at minimum and 1.5 x header thickness max. Any of the experts here can provide some explanations on the minimum repad thickness limit?
Much appreciated!
I have typically designed with a minimum repad thickness of 1/2" on welded branch connections. This time around, I am dealing with a 4" branch on a 36" run pipe. The problem is with a 1/2" repad, I have a weld proximity issue where the repad weld toe is only 1 mm away from the adjacent small fitting weld. While using 1/4" repad provides enough reinforcement as per B31.4 calculation, it also contradicts the common practice where repad thickness equals the header thickness. I read on another thread that repad thickness is 0.75 x header thickness at minimum and 1.5 x header thickness max. Any of the experts here can provide some explanations on the minimum repad thickness limit?
Much appreciated!
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RE: 1/4" thick repad to reinforce branch connection
Why not use a weldolet in this application? Smaller footprint, fewer welds, and integrally reinforced.
RE: 1/4" thick repad to reinforce branch connection
B31.4 do not specify that but thank you for sharing the possible hard weld problem. I'm not yet well-versed in welding. As for the weld proximity, the client spec has a provision for small fitting that allows minimum weld spacing; I simply want to maximize this spacing as much as I can.