| Location: Pennsylvania
WDP conducted an evaluation to assess the structural integrity
of a 42,000 sq.ft. warehouse building located in Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania.
This investigation into the structural integrity of the building was precipitated
by the observed failure of an eccentric beam seat connection. The
investigation included field and analytical components.
The evaluation revealed that the eccentric beam seat connections
(both the beam seat itself and the welding) used principally along two
column lines were grossly deficient. The load on the structure at
the time of failure was consistent with the calculated probable strength
of the weld which failed.
The field inspection and testing of the welds revealed
numerous incidences of weld sizes smaller than that indicated on the project
drawings. Furthermore, ultrasonic testing and visual inspection of
the welds at eccentric beam seat connections revealed a lack of fusion,
particularly of the weld to the tubular columns.
Gross structural deficiencies due to gravity and lateral
(wind and seismic) loads were also found in the 8 in. tubular columns along
one column line and the masonry walls surrounding the high bay of the building.
There was also a high risk of lateral instability of the structural frames
along three column lines in the high bay.
Furthermore, cracking in the masonry and slab-on-grade
were found to be an on-going maintenance problem. The cracking in
the masonry of the high bay was exacerbated by over-stress due to wind.
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Client: Attorney for Contractor
The structural integrity and serviceability of the structure
was restored in a program of repair and strengthening. The cost of
the repair and strengthening was approximately $750,000. The strengthening
included bracing along the masonry walls and structural steel frame lines
for wind and seismic loads. Suspect connections were retrofitted
with independent columns to reduce gravity load stresses and provide enhanced
integrity and ties for lateral loads.
The bolted connection strengths between framing beams
and other members were found to be adequate for seismic consideration with
the welding upgraded and the other repairs implemented.
Services WDP used on this project included:
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