Welded Splices of Steel Pipe Piles?

[abusementpark]

For ERW steel pipe piles used in stardard building foundation applications, are there any special concerns regarding welded splices? I believe all ASTM A252 says is that the weld must provide the required strength during driving and service, nothing too specific.

Is a full-penetration weld using an AWS approved procedure summarily acceptable? Or are there other things to consider?

 

[Ron]

You probably won't get a full pen weld for pile splices unless a backing ring is used. If the pile is less than 24 inches in diameter (which I would bet that it is!), then a welder qualified for pipe welding would be necessary.

A partial pen weld should be sufficient. Also, the joint prep will leave a lot to be desired. A single bevel would be the easier profile to get, but it will likely be done with a torch in the field.

I would suggest guide tabs for alignment or a splice ring designed for such.

 

[abusementpark]

You probably won't get a full pen weld for pile splices unless a backing ring is used. If the pile is less than 24 inches in diameter (which I would bet that it is!), then a welder qualified for pipe welding would be necessary.

Why wouldn't you get a full pen weld from a welder qualified for pipe welding? For example, if I call for a 50' long pipe pile, they aren't going to automatically provide me a full pen weld wherever they place the splice?

A partial pen weld should be sufficient. Also, the joint prep will leave a lot to be desired. A single bevel would be the easier profile to get, but it will likely be done with a torch in the field.

Why wouldn't this be done in the shop?

 

[Ron]

abp...most pipe piles don't come through a "shop". They come from a supplier and those suppliers don't have a means to prepare the ends of the pipe for welding.

No..it is almost never understood that a full pen weld will be provided for splices in pipe piles. Most often it is a "seal weld" with little or no preparation.

Yes, a qualified pipe welder could get a full penetration weld on a properly prepared joint in the field; however, you are not likely to get a pressure piping welder on the job...more likely a general field welder so be aware of the quality variation you might get.

 

[PEinc]

You can also buy splice rings (chill rings) for splicing pipe piles. They require fillet welds. They are most suitable for piles with just axial compression.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[PEinc]

Here is a link for a chill (backer) ring to butt splice pipe piles.

http://www.associatedpile.com/S-40000.aspx

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[PEinc]

Here is a link to a drive-on splicer.

http://www.piletips.com/Cast_Steel_Pipe_Splicers.htm

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[abusementpark]

Ron - Basically, I have a situation where I specified 50' long A252 steel pipe piles. I received a submittal which indicated that the mill is sending the supplier 40' long piles and the supplier is welding 10' long pile segment to make a 50' pile. They submitted a pre-qualified weld procedure which indicated a full-pen weld. Is this how it would normally occur? Why wouldn't the mill send them a 50' pile?

PEinc - Thanks for the links!

 

[Zambo]

Ah.. but what if the pile has to be 80' long and your piling rig can only handle a 40' pile. Then you could order 2 x 40' piles and weld the joint after one has been driven into the ground.

 

[hokie66]

abusementpark,
Probably due to transport restrictions. 40' may be the longest that can be transported without a long load escort?