Similar Cases:

Weld Procedure Specification & Flaw Acceptance Criteria for a Brine Pipeline

Analysis of Moment-Resisting Welds After The Northridge Earthquake

Suitability-for-Service Evaluation of Seam Welded Heating Boilers

Cracking in the Welds in Wide Flange Column Connections in Structural Steel

Structural Steel Weld Quality Audit

As the result of concerns expressed by the building's owner, APTECH performed a weld quality audit on the structural steel work. This project addressed two concerns: 1) the quality of the structural steel work; and 2) whether or not the quality concerns had impacted the structural integrity of the steel work. AWS-certified weld inspectors performed a sampling inspection which found, not unexpectedly, numerous deviations and nonconformances from AWS D1.1. (e.g.; cracks, linear indications, lack of fusion, cracked tack welds). APTECH then developed a generic fitness-for-service evaluation to disposition nonconformances which may be present in the structure but not part of the inspection program. These evaluations were based on analyses methods to determine the likelihood of failure under the design loading conditions. While minimizing construction delays and unnecessary repairs, this inspection program and evaluation showed with a high degree of confidence that the structure had sufficient safety margins to tolerate the nonconformances during severe design basis seismic events. APTECH was also retained by counsel for the building owner to facilitate the resolution of construction dispute issues. APTECH's technical support, in collaboration with experts in construction management, lead to the resolution of several key issues via arbitration. APTECH is also providing technical support and expert testimony for additional disputes.

Satish Almaula		Plant failure and root cause analysis; process and design engineering analysis; process technology development and testing; plant engineering, operations, maintenance and safety management; plant and process control system management.

Eric Sullivan, P.E.		Metallurgy, welding, failure analysis, fire and explosion investigations, equipment, piping.

Geoffrey Egan, Ph.D.		Engineering mechanics, welding engineering, stress and fatigue analysis, risk analysis, nondestructive examination, project management.

Michael Cronin, P.E.		Stress analysis, design evaluation, engineering mechanics

Steve Paterson		Metallurgy, welding, boiler pressure part and machinery failure analysis.