Requirements for Impact testing A36 or A992 at -40¦C ?

[MrStohler]

In the area near Edmonton Alberta:
* We are designing a non-building steel structure that could be exposed to temperatures as low as -40°C.
* It is not subject to dynamic loading (fatigue is not a design concern)
* It is not in a high seismic region.

The materials:
* A992 for the wide flange shapes
* A36 for angle braces (it is braced frame),
* A36 for plates and other connection material.

There appears to be no specific requirement to perform notch toughness tests on the material, since it is specified to meet ASTM A36 or A992 not type W and not type WT.

The draft version of the material purchasing specification we have written does not require notch toughness tests.

Is there a code requirement to conduct the test under these conditions that we have missed?

The more interesting question that has been presented regarding the specification is: "What is the reasoning behind NOT requiring the tests? Please elaborate why these conditions would not require this type of test"

 

[dimjim]

I would hope that there would be some code governing the type of structure that you are erecting. I am surprised that there is not some requirement to use some type of
nickel in the material for cold temperature operation and better ductility. Aren't there codes for North Sea structure codes that would apply? The -40degrees C requirement certainly sounds like a cold temperature application requirement.

 

[MrStohler]

The Alberta Building Code and the Handbook of Steel Construction CAN/CSA-S16-01 by CISA/ICCA are the governing design codes.

Both of these appear to be silent with respect to the issue above. This is not to say they are silent on notch toughness, it is required for Type WT, Type AT and Type QT steel (pg 6-3 of CAN-S16) BUT A992 and A36 do not appear to fit these conditions.