Filling Abandoned Bolt Holes 2

[StrucPEng]

Hi All,

Hopefully an easy question, when you have a bolted connection in a steel WF that gets abandoned for whatever reason, I have heard before and read (on AISC site here 2.5.3 -

https://www.aisc.org/steel-solution.../2.5.-correction-of-fabrication-errors/#9503)

that as long as the net section is sufficient for the loads the holes can be left open or filled with bolts.

My question is, is there any point to filling the holes with bolts other than aesthetics? It doesn't seem like it would provide anything extra to the section in sear or bending. Just curious if anyone has a reason or hear a reason for this.

Thanks

 

[rb1957]

would these holes, now not filled with bolts, create a site for corrosion ? or open holes as a fatigue initiation site ?

Statically I don't think there's a reason to fill.



another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[jjl317]

I have found that many times over the years that well intentioned people can get pretty worked up if they see open holes, assuming that there should have been a fastener there, and therefore something is under the risk of imminent collapse. In fact. I went round and round with a residential home inspector who noticed that the Simpson joist hangers on a deck didn't have all of the holes filled (even though the Simpson literature specifically allows for different nailing patterns). Ended up being easier just to add the nails.

 

[StrucPEng]

rb,
No corrosion or fatigue issues in my particular case but for sure agree those are considerations to be aware of.

jj,
My thoughts also. It was quite a concern to the client and the contractor that there would be open holes. Both surprised when I told them not to worry about it.

 

[GeorgeTheCivilEngineer]

Other effects fire resistance and a change in buckling behavior (now being cheeseholed but not at a connection). But otherwise agree with not a problem.

 

[rb1957]

if the client would prefer to fill them, then fill them ? no particular reason not to. Filling them isn't "bad", just unnecessary.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[Agent666]

Only would be an issue worth worrying about if other drilled holes were not achieving edge distances due to the abandoned holes or there was so many holes that you were concerned about member strength. For example block shear may be affected or shear/tension strength if there was sufficient number of holes to make net section checks govern.