Beam Reinforcement Detail 3

[RattlinBog]

I'm designing reinforcement for an A36 W12x22 with 25-75% section loss due to corrosion on its top flange and web. The W12 is a strut in a braced frame with about 20 kip axial and is also picking up some floor loads with 1.25 ft trib width. Prior to corrosion, the beam is at about 32% bending & axial utilization; after corrosion, it's at about 122%. The corrosion extends about 5 ft from one end, and the beam is in good condition elsewhere. The 122% utilization may be a bit conservative because there's no section loss at midspan. This W12 would be challenging to replace, so I'm looking to repair.

Anyway, would anyone have suggestions for improvement for my attached detail? I'm welding 1/2" plate to the flanges and 1/4" plate to the web. Might be a bit conservative, but I'd rather keep symmetry. Does anyone see fit-up issues with installing and welding plates MK-9P6 after plates MK-9P5 have been welded? Anything I could do better?

Thank you

 

[SlideRuleEra]

1) It appears I'm ok to temporarily remove this strut.

2) I will buy ASCE 37-14. I can swing $84...

3) I'm still getting used to the "Owner" hat. Some days I feel like a mini consulting firm within my own company.

1) Agree with winelandv, some form of bracing is usually a good idea. Often just come-alongs and cables. Make sure temporary bracing does not interfere with the work area (including space for crane lifts, etc. during construction).

2) Consider saving yourself $30 with a used copy of ASCE 37-14.

3) Before finalizing your plans, "drop in" (not a formal meeting) on your co-workers in Operations (not necessarily just management) to discuss what you have in mind. They may have ideas and suggestions you have not thought of (since they are the ones who use this floor). At a minimum you want to (sincerely) demonstrate that you are part of this company and, like them, you have a stake in the outcome.

It is apparently very difficult to successfully transition from Consulting to Industry. We had numerous engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil / structural) attempt to do this. Most returned to consulting quickly. The pace and type of work are too, different. Work in industry tends to be more general, as opposed to a specific engineering discipline. For example, on this project you may wind up getting directly involved in not only design, but also procurement and construction management.

 

[RattlinBog]

SlideRuleEra, thank you for the advice. I'm striving to live it right now.

Not to toot my own horn, but it's that variety you mentioned that I actually really enjoy with industrial work, and I believe I'm fairly good at it. Good maybe isn't the right word...it's just that this type of work energizes me. I did enjoy consulting, but I find myself waking up a lot more excited for the day, and I love the daily boots on the ground problem solving that happens. Like you said, the work is certainly different, but I think I'm built a bit more for this. I grew up a farm kid, so maybe I enjoy the more hands on nature of this job. I'm doing less design than I was in consulting, but the PM, construction support, procurement, and other responsibilities are challenging and fun.

I've been able to build decent rapport with the maintenance and operations folks. I go out and get dirty alongside them when I have to dig into a problem. I hope I'm not sounding cocky; I honestly just have a lot of fun here.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Excellent!
Continue, and "word" will get around the company that you are the person to call for the hard jobs... which are always the most interesting.