AISC Live Webinar Field Fixes and Solutions

March 14, 2019

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Field Fixes and Solutions

Marc 14, 2019

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AISC Live Webinar Field Fixes and Solutions
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AISC Live Webinars AISC Live Webinars

Copyright Materials Course Description
This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display Field Fixes and Solutions
and use of the presentation without written permission of AISC is prohibited.
March 14, 2019
© The American Institute of Steel Construction 2019 What do you do when an anchor rod hole is misplaced? Or the columns aren't plumb? More importantly,
what can you do to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place? This session covers a wide
The information presented herein is based on recognized engineering principles and is for general range of topics and provides the tools and knowledge to not only fix, but also to potentially prevent these
information only. While it is believed to be accurate, this information should not be applied to any specific field problems. Unlike other webinars or seminars this one is more philosophical than technical in nature
application without competent professional examination and verification by a licensed professional based upon many years of practical experience. Topics include:
engineer. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.
• What to do when notified about a field problem
• Anchor rods
• Columns and beams
• Reinforcing members and connections
• Fit-up problems
• Member selection guidelines

AISC Live Webinars

Learning Objectives
• List tasks to accomplish after being notified of a field problem.
Field Fixes and Solutions
• Describe safe and efficient field fixes to misplaced anchor rods. James Fisher, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Estero, Florida
• Describe cost effective reinforcing solutions as a field fix for steel members and
connections.

• List solutions to addressing steel member fit-up problems in the field.

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Topics What to do when notified about a field problem

• What to do when notified about a field problem. • Make sure you have accurate information.
• Anchor Rods. • Act immediately to avoid delay charges.
• Columns and Beams. • Determine the cause of the problem.
• Reinforcing Members and Connections. • Is a fix required? (If no money is spent on a fix then there
will be no argument as to who pays).
• Fit-up Problems.
• Think about labor costs in fixes, material is cheap.
• Member Selection Guidelines.
• Discuss required paperwork to satisfy all parties.
• Discuss your fee and how it will be paid.

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General Comment Anchor Rod Problems

• Often the field work details are proposed by the steel

fabricator or the erector.
• The proposal may be one that was used in the past by the
fabricator/erector, but may not be adequate for the conditions
on your project.

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Anchor Rod Installation Problem Due to Anchor rods too strong

Construction Sequence

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Anchor rods too short Anchor rods too short

Solutions:
1. Extend by welding a threaded rod.
2. Use a coupling nut.
3. Cut and use epoxy anchors.
4. Weld base plate to rods (not high strength rods).
5. Perform analysis for nut using the threads engaged.

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Anchor rods too short Anchor Rod Splice Groove Weld

Prevention:
1. Provide a design with ample length and ample
thread length.
2. Standardize elevations and flag specials.
3. Do not use high strength steel anchor rods (ASTM Chisel point

1554-55 ksi or 105 ksi), use larger diameter rods (36

ksi) instead.

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Anchor Rod Splice Flare Groove Weld Anchor Rod Splice Coupling Nut

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Anchor rods too short – Coupling Nut Fix Anchor rods too short – Coupling Nut Fix

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Google Search: Coupling Nuts Anchor rods too long

G=1.0” & C= 1½“ for ¾

Rod
Photo of Elocone Nut by Canam
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Anchor rods too long Anchor rod detail

Solutions:
1. Provide washers. STL Column
Heavy Hex Nut and Washer
2. Weld rods to base plate if insufficient thread length exists. Use plate washer

Embedment Projection
Base Plate
for large hole. 2"
Non-Shrink Grout
Top of Pier
3. Thread in place. Heavy Hex Leveling Nut
And Washer

Prevention: Anchor Rod

Heavy Hex Nut

Provide plenty of extra threads.

Comment:
Since the rod(s) are too long, check for proper embed distance.
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Anchor rods bent or not plumb Anchor rods bent or not plumb
Solutions:
1. Cold bend - Gr 36 only.
2. Heat and straighten.
3. If high strength anchor rods - replace.

Prevention:
1. Don’t use high strength rods.
2. Provide protection for rods during construction.

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Anchor rod pattern rotated 90 degrees Anchor rods in wrong position

Solutions:
Solutions similar to all of the previous solutions.

Prevention:
1.Design the same pattern both directions where
possible.
2.Require special inspection for critical settings.

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Anchor rods in wrong position Anchor rods in wrong position

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Anchor rods in wrong position Anchor rods in wrong position

Solutions: Prevention:
1. Evaluate the need for the anchor rods. 1. Use a qualified field engineer to layout the anchor rods.
2. Cut rods and use epoxy anchors. 2. Survey before column fabrication.
3. Cut base plate and use plate washers. 3. Use AISC recommended hole sizes.
4. Fabricate new base plate. 4. Use symmetric patterns for the anchor rods.
5. Relocate column on base plate. 5. Use wood or steel templates firmly fastened to the
6. Modify column web or flange as required. footing or pier forms.
7. Bend rods into position, may require chipping of concrete.

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Base Plate Punches Through Leveling Nuts What is the proper specification for anchor
rods?
Solution:
Jack column and grout. ASTM F1554
Prevention: Two items of particular interest in 1554 relate to:
1. Use large thick washers when using leveling nuts.
Classification, and
2. Specify proper grouting time in specifications.
3. Use shim stock or setting plates instead of leveling nuts Product Marking (color coded).
for large loads.

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ASTM 1554 - Classifications Recommended Anchor Rod Hole and Washer Size
(Table 14-2 AISC Manual 15th Ed.)
• Anchor rods furnished to the ASTM 1554 can be obtained
Anchor Rod Hole Diameter, Min. Washer Min. Washer
in three grades which denote three steel yield strengths, Diameter, in. in. Dimension, in. Thickness, in.
they are to be color coded as shown:
¾ 1-5/16 2 1/4
• 36 ksi - Blue 7/8 1-9/16 2-1/2 5/16
• 55 ksi – Yellow * 1 1-7/8 3 3/8
• 105 ksi - Red 1-1/4 2-1/8 3-1/2 1/2
The 36 ksi rods, and the 55 ksi rods, can be 1-1/2 2-3/8 4 1/2

obtained in diameters up to 4 in. The 105 1-3/4 2-7/8 4-1/2 5/8

ksi rods can be obtained up to 3 in. 2 3-1/4 5 3/4

2-1/2 3-3/4 5-1/2 7/8
diameters.
*Supplement S1 for weldable material.
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Anchor Rod Details Anchor Rod Details

• Use F1554 Gr 36 rods where possible and use larger rods • Provide adequate grout thickness – 2”.
rather than high strength rods • Use setting nuts for lightly loaded columns.
• Use symmetrical patterns if possible.
• Use steel shims for heavy loaded columns.
• Use heavy hex nuts top and bottom.
• Consider setting plates where grouting may be difficult
• Coordinate anchor rods and reinforcing steel locations
(especially in piers & cols.). after setting the column.
• Do not use piers too short to develop anchor rods. • Consider epoxy anchors for fast track jobs and complex
layouts.
• Consider construction sequencing when laying out
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Anchor Rod Erection Requirements Per OSHA Columns and Beams

1926.755
• Minimum of 4 anchor rods.
• Designed for a minimum load of 300 lbs at
18-inches eccentric from any column face
• Anchor rods shall not be repaired or replaced or field modified
without the approval of SEOR.
• Approval must state if repair/modification shall require guying or
bracing of the column.
• Contractor shall provide written notification to erector of any
repair or modification.
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Column not plumb per AISC COSP tolerances After erection, beam line is too short
(welded connections)
Find out why it is out of plumb.
Weld shrinkage can cause shortening of approximately 1/8-inch in CJP
Solutions: welds.
1. Remove or adjust beam connections.
2. Cut anchor rods, move column and replace anchor rods with epoxy
Solution:
rods. Cut loose several connections and correct by weld build out per AWS
D1.1 requirements.
3. Leave as is and brace the column.
Prevention:
Prevention: Provide adjustable erection connections and plan welding to
1. Erector should check anchor rods and plumb in a timely manner. compensate for shrinkage effects.
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After erection, beam line is too short or too long Camber

(moment end plate connections)
Solution:
1. Too long - Remove beam and re-fabricate.
2. Too short - Provide finger shims as required.
Prevention:
Detail end plates short, approximately 1/8-in. each end, to
allow for A6 and fabrication tolerances.

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Members to camber Members not to camber

• Filler Beams • Spandrel beams (those supporting facia materials).

• Girder Beams • Continuous beams with cantilevers.
• Composite floor beams • Beams with moment connections or bracing connections.
• Trusses • Members of non-uniform cross section.
• Beams with significant non-symmetrical loading.

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Members not to camber Too much camber

• Beams subject to torsional loads. Solutions:

1. Place concrete to constant elevation (Provide min. thickness / structural &
• Beams less than 25 ft. in length. fire rating?).
• Beams with web ¼ in. or less. 2. Remove camber (easy in the shop).
3. Replace the beam.
• Beams which require less than 3/4 in. of camber.
Prevention:
• Crane runway girders. 1. Check camber in the shop.
2. Specify camber based on concrete placement method.
• Under camber for constant elevation.
• Full camber for constant thickness.
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Not enough camber Camber Cautions

Solutions: • Reduce camber for beams at columns lines because of

• Check design for additional concrete required for
added connection restraint.
constant elevation concrete placement. • Be careful of camber differences between beams and joists.
• Provide temporary shore to stop deflection at the • Be careful of cambered beams or joists adjacent to non-
level position for the beam. cambered moment frames braced frames or walls.
Prevention:
• Check camber in shop.
• Design camber properly or use stiffer beams.

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Camber Tolerances Shear Studs

From the AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 6.4.4:
• For beams greater than 50 feet in length, the camber tolerance
is minus zero/plus 1/2 in. with an additional 1/8 in. per each
additional 10 foot of length (or fraction thereof) beyond 50
feet.
• The AISC Code of Standard Practice specifies that camber is
measured in the un-stressed position in the shop.

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Shear studs break off during inspection Studs are too high
Solutions: Solutions:
1. Inspect and replace. 1. Remove studs and replace.
2. Fillet weld studs (only if a few are req’d). 2. Use additional concrete thickness.
Prevention: 3. Reduce beam camber by heat straightening.
1. Install studs properly. Prevention:
2. See AWS Section 7.6 for Qualification Requirements. 1. Specify camber properly or not at all.
2. Don’t use composite beams.
3. Design with some added capacity.

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Problems with fit-up of weak-axis moment Misalignment between continuity plate and
connections beam flange
• Moment connection to column web with
misalignment between continuity plate and beam
flange. This usually occurs when the continuity
plate is the same thickness as the beam flange.

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Misalignment between continuity plate and Bolted Flange Plate Connections

beam flange – Prevention

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A6 Tolerances Bolted Flange Plate Connections

Solutions:
1. Jack plates against beam by snugging bolts, then tensioning.
2. Use shims.
3. If beam does not fit between plates, remove top plate and re-weld.
Prevention:
1. Provide shim space, check A6 tolerances.
2. Modify weld detail and weld sequence to reduce out of plane
distortion.
3. Heat straighten as required after welding.
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Interference Interference Problems

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Pipe Interference Pipe Interference

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Bracing Interference Connections

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Reinforcing Connections Reinforcing Connections

Solutions: Solutions:
1. Remove and replace the connection with a stronger 1. Add weld to existing riveted or A307 bolted
connection. connections. (see AISC J1.9)
2. Use “X” Type Bolts. 2. Add weld to existing high strength bolted connections.
3. Add weld length or increase weld size. (see AISC J1.8 and J1.9)
4. Remove old rivets or A307 bolts and replace with A325 or 3. Extend the length of framing angles by welding
A490 bolts.
additional length.
5. Ream holes and use larger diameter bolts.
4. Add a second angle to a single angle web framed
6. Add web framing angles to a seated connection.
connection.
7. Add a seat to a web framed connection.
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Fit-up Problems Bolts don’t fit in holes- Shear Connections

• For new design, the AISC Specification in Section J1.8
permits load sharing between welds and bolts when four
conditions are met. See J1.8 for details.
• For welded alterations to structures with existing rivets or
bolts Section J1.9 also permits load sharing when certain
conditions are met. One of which is that the weld available
strength must not be less than 25% of the required
strength of the connection.

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Gusset plate holes in wrong location Bolts don’t fit in holes

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Bolts don’t fit in holes Bolt holes have insufficient edge distance
Solutions: Solutions:
1. Ream holes. 1. Perform an analysis to see if the insufficient edge distance is
2. Field weld. detrimental to the safety of the joint.
3. Fill and drill. 2. Add material to increase the edge distance.
4. Replace the connection material.
Prevention:
Prevention: 1. Do not design connections with minimum edge distances too
1. Proper detailing and fabrication. tight. To keep out of trouble always add an extra 1/8 inch to
2. Design using SC bolts, and oversize holes. edge distances.

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Member Selection Guidelines Member Selection Guidelines

• W12 min. depth for floor framing (use W14 if supporting girder
requires large cope).
• Avoid beams with 4-inch flanges at:
– Spandrel beams with adjustable edge form.
– Beams requiring bolted flange connections.
– Beams with double joist bearing. Locations where joists frame from each
side.
• Composite beams:
– Limit deflection to avoid large cambers.
– Use minimum % of composite to limit studs.
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– Avoid studs on infill beams parallel to deck ribs. 78
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Shear Connection Guidelines Moment Connection Guidelines

• Show Reactions on framing plans. • Provide actual moment envelope.
• Use AISC Standard Details • Design considerations:
– Dbl Angle - bolted/bolted or bolted/welded. – End plates may be limited by bolts or column flange
– Single Angle - for beam to beam. bending capacity.
– Single Plate - for beam to beam & skewed. – CJP welds are a “no brainer” but generally more expensive.
– End Plate - heavy skewed connections. – Top and bottom bolted plates are an option if less than Mp
required.
• Show special connections.
• Size column to avoid reinforcement.

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Cantilever Design Guidelines Bracing Connection Guidelines

• Provide actual moment and shear forces. • Show all forces for complete load path and try to provide
• Indicate if camber is required. equilibrium condition at joint.
• Transfer forces should include all drag strut forces and
• Use end plate connections where possible for erection diaphragm connection details.
ease and safety.
• Consider modifying work points for extreme connection
• Shop weld short cantilevers where possible. geometry.
• Consider making the beam continuous and stacking • Allow oversize holes and field welding where required for
columns on long cantilevers. constructability.

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Classic Overhead Crane Building

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Contributors

• Larry Kloiber, LeJeune Steel

• Tom Ferrell, Ferrell Engineering
• AISC Solutions Center

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AISC | Questions?
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CEU / PDH Certificates CEU / PDH Certificates

• You will receive an email on how to report attendance from: • Reporting site (URL will be provided in the forthcoming email).
[email protected].
• Username: Same as AISC website username.
• Be on the lookout: Check your spam filter! Check your junk folder!
• Password: Same as AISC website password.
• Completely fill out online form. Don’t forget to check the boxes next to each
attendee’s name!

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AISC | Thank you

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