EXPERIENCE WITH USE OF HEAVY W SHAPES IN TENSION.

Abstract

During the last five years, a few cracking and fracture problems have been observed with welded, large rolled jumbo sections. This type of rolled section is classified as a group IV or V shape in the 8th Edition AISC Manual of Steel Construction. They include W12 and W14 rolled steel sections equal or exceeding 210 lbs. /ft. The cracking has been observed in sections equal or exceeding 370 lbs. /ft. They have been observed in sections produced without special metallurgical requirements as well as in sections produced with killed fine grain practice. This paper reviews the characteristics of these steel sections, the conditions that led to the cracking and provides recommendations for splicing and use of these members in tension applications. Suggestions for weld splices in compression are given.