Welding of already fabricated beam connection angles that were intended to be bolted

[jechols]

I have a project where beam to column web connection angle have been fabricated (bolted-bolted) but are on 4" C/C and will be impossible to install. Is it acceptable to change to bolted-welded using the already fabricated angles that have holes in both legs. The angles will be shop welded to the beam and field bolted to column webs. Trying to avoid fabricating new angles with solid leg and if already fabricated angles can be used, want to avoid field welding or adding field bolts in the open holes.

 

[WARose]

Sounds ok to me. Just be aware of the reduced area in your angles (i.e. its impact on capacity; the weld strength (or prying) will probably wind up controlling anyway).

 

[jechols]

Thanks WARose, Just discovered other issue so the angles will all have to be refabricated anyway.