Steel Studs Welded to Painted Steel

[mzaitz]

All,

Have a project where the top of the steel beams that are to receive shear connectors (Nelson Studs) were painted. The deck is installed. My understanding is that the issue with the stud gun is that since it is a very short weld time it will not burn thru the paint properly and it will contaminate the weld. Are there any other options for attaching the studs? The only one to come to mind is using a fillet weld all around that is sized for the stud capacity.

 

[humanengr]

Have you considered grinding through the deck and grinding off the paint in the stud weld area?
I'm not sure fillet welding is an acceptable alternative since that would not fuse the full stud cross-section
to the beam. If fillet welding were acceptable, you would have to ensure the proper matching electrode and process
was selected. I suggest contacting the Nelson Stud company and asking for their recommendations or suggestions.

 

[dcarr82775]

I agree with human, call Nelson. You could also install some and do to old hammer test. If they bend over they are good, if they break off they are bad.