Welding to Vertical Columns

[milkbuild]

What is allowable to field weld to the I-beam When welding mechanical strut supports to a vertical structure, specifically welding to a 20" Ibeam on the outside of the flange. The structure is a T structure with a single line of columns supporting a roof only. 20' tall 18 foot wide with single row of 20" Ibeam columns

 

[JAE]

I'm not sure we could give you a solid answer on that - any time you weld onto an existing column there are things that should be checked.

Over welding across an existing flange can cause collapse if that flange is under stress and is critical to the stability of the structure.

A strut welded onto a column - and then loaded - may cause additional moment in the column that could exceed the capacity of that column.

 

[milkbuild]

What if the strut carries minimal load ( 20 lbs or so just fixing small water lines to the flange) Can I tack weld the strut to the flange

 

[JAE]

"tack" welds won't hurt the column.