Lack of Weld Access Holes in Skids

[dozer]

I just tested a theory of mine that equipment skid manufactures don't use weld access holes when joining beams together. I can't remember ever seeing any. I googled "equipment skids" and looked at photos of several skids. I didn't see any access holes. You may argue that they fill them in. That may be. If they do, they do an awful good job.

If they don't in fact use weld access holes is there any justification for this? Do residual stresses in welds that cross each other take a holiday for skids? From a strength perspective I can see not getting full penetration in the flange over the web probably isn't a big deal because there's usually not much bending in a skid except perhaps when you lift it.

Would appreciate thoughts on the subject. We're about to add skids to our repertoire and if we can skip the weld access holes that would speed up the fabrication time and time is money.

 

[dozer]

Since they don't like cross posting. Does anyone know how to move this thread to another forum?

 

[DekDee]

Weld access holes can be a lazy way of doing things.
It can also be a quicker and easier way of doing things.
Sometimes if the assembly methodology is good there is no need.
Other times they are unavoidable.
If an access hole is done properly it will be filled in with 100% weld metal, or an insert put in with CJP welding - then ground flush.
That is the whole idea - when it is painted you can't see whether or not there was an access hole there,
Cheers,
DD

 

[dozer]

DekDee, according to AISC 14th edition, page 8-18, last sentence in paragraph with heading "Beam Copes and Weld Access Holes", "Weld access holes should not be filled with weld metal because doing so may result in a state of triaxial stress under loading."

This subject does not seem to be getting any traction here so I'm going to repost. Mr. Moderator, feel free to delete this thread. Don't mean to break the rules but couldn't find a way to move it or get in contact with you to find out what to do. Thanks.