steel beam top flange bracing 3

[sam001]

I have a concrete slab supported on a steel beam; the metal deck is attached to a steel beam by 3/4" dia. Puddle weld at 12" O.C.. Can I consider the beam top flange is Continuously braced? Any one knows the answer. Thanks

 

[DaveAtkins]

Your beam is braced.

DaveAtkins

 

[JAE]

Agree

 

[Lutfi]

I agree with the above resposnes as well. Your beam is braced.

 

[Ron]

I agree that it is braced (if your welding is correct)....is your weld attachment an assumption or do you know this? You might want to check it physically if you are making an assumption.

Minimum check should be to look at and verify a "burn" pattern on the bottom of the flange. Check for blow-out or burn-through on the deck material.

Field radiography is a better approach, but expensive and a logistics problem if the building is occupied.

A 3/4" dia. puddle weld is difficult to consistently put in place to comply with code (AWS D1.1). Most deck welders have trouble getting a weld that large in without a lot of burn-through, insufficient fusion at the perimeter, and inadequate reinforcement (yes, deck welds are REQUIRED to have reinforcement of at least 1/32" above the deck surface profile....in other structural welding, reinforcement is discounted).

 

[Ron]

OOPS! That should be AWS D1.3 (in concert with D1.1)

 

[haynewp]

Not trying to be anal, but this isn't like a walkway that is supported on only 2 beams is it?