I have a question

[texas-jay07]

I am adding steel to an existing hi-rise building that was erected in 1927. A similar project is being done right next to this one built around the same time. I was told by the other contractor that you can not weld to the existing steel structure due how or what was added to the steel at the time it was milled, around 1920. Has anybody had this problem or know of this problem. I have done alot of additions to older buildings and never heard of this. And he was not pulling my leg. I have the same project manager as the other contractor. Any feedback would be great.

[Dustyhaze75]

old metal

I dont know if this is true or not but this is what I hear. I've herd that the process has changed alot these days but the metal has changed very little. I have no experience with this, so this is just "hear say". some of the vets. on here should be able to help you out. hope I've at least started some conversation. good luck!

[MAC702]

With that kind of liability, don't touch that job without an engineer's stamped approval.

[tacmig]

Same steel?

Due to advances in our metallurgy, today's steel (raw) can be produced with a more accurate if not perfect carbon and cross mineral content count giving us the ability to code and produce steel in "type". The heating and form process is almost the same with the exception of automation but more recycled material is also being introduced as well but with an accurate "type" count. I have worked with existing steel structures over 100 years old and found the steel to be more maluable "soft". This posed little problem. However, this was not a structural member. I would contact a structural engineer and/or a metallurgist to determine your best route!

Good luck
TacMig

[walker]

Carefull, that was the same era of steel for the Titanic!!!

[Anti-GMAW]

In my area you can bring samples of metal to one of the major steel supliers and they'l stick it in a masspectrometer to get the exact chemical composition. I always just bring stuff to work and have one of the QC guys test it when they have a minute but I'm sure that theres probably some one near you who could test the steel for you.

[MAC702]

...a masspectrometer ...

I was thinking about one of those, too, but haven't gotten to use one. How big of a "sample" does it take from the alloy? Would it really help if the problem is one of homogenization?

[Jolly Roger]

If you want a real answer to this question go to lincolns web site and ask the experts. They probably know more about this kind of stuff than anyone in the world.