Does welding on stainless rod cause substantial weakening 1

[saltoh101]

Hi

I have built a sculpture which is supported by a 1.5" diameter, 316 stainless rod. There is a square stainless tube welded to the rod and the welds are completely around the circumference of the rod. The rod (4 feet in length) supports a 7 foot long, 110 lb. dolphin sculpture. The 1.5" rod is sufficient to support the sculpture, but I have been hearing that the welds, around the circumference of the rod, have weakened the rods tensile strength. I am trying to gauge whether the welds have compromised the rod's ability to support the sculpture in adverse conditions. I am trying to ascertain whether the welds will cause the rod to snap or just bend should it be overloaded? Any thought would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[EdStainless]

I would think that most structural guys could do this. You need to find someone that wants to do it. There must be other large outdoor art installations in the city. I'll bet the city engineer knows who evaluates these types of things. It would be similar to some special commercial signs.

Natural frequency is my only real concern. If it gets vibrating a lot of stress can be set up.

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