Repair Procedure for WT Section

[UBGrad]

I have a WT section that has a tear starting from a bolt hole and extending into the web (it looks like it was caused by impact damage). What would be a typical repair procedure for something like this? I have attached a photo for reference. The structure in the photo is a pieprack bridge over a road within an industrial facility.

Thanks for your help in advance.

-UBGrad

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I'd check to see if you can safely remove the brace under load. If you can, remove the bolted brace and weld double angles to both sides of the WT web. You'll probably have to modify the brace connection to accommodate this. Verify the new braced connection is sufficient and does not induce any eccentricity in the truss. For welding the angles to the WT I wouldn't bother to size a stitch weld, just do a conservative continuous weld. The industrial welders will probably ignore your welding detail anyway...

The other option is shoring up the pipe bridge (or providing another beam above the WT) and cut the WT out and replace with a new WT section with groove welds at the ends.

Lastly, there is the potential this is okay as is (but good luck proving it). Assuming the bent WT still was acceptable as the tension member of the truss you could drill the crack and weld it shut. Maybe this would work but I doubt it and wouldn't do it if I was working on this.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com

 

[KootK]

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[KootK]

Just realized that the webs are double angle and there's a post thingy above the joint. The post complicates mattes some but should be resolvable.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

UBGrad - That tear is certainly large. Distortion of the member in that area may complicate a straight forward repair. I suggest you determine that member's structural "purpose" in the pipe bridge, how it is supported, and what loads it is subjected to (Reverse Engineering). A better judgment of needed repairs or replacement can then be made.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net