5.2material properties

For evaluations in accordance with this appendix, steel grades other than those listed in Section A3.1 are permitted.

5.2.1 Determination of Required Tests

The EOR shall determine the specific tests that are required from Sections 5.2.2 through 5.2.6 and specify the locations where they are required. The use of applicable project records is permitted to reduce or eliminate the need for testing.

5.2.2 Tensile Properties

Tensile properties of members shall be established for use in evaluation by structural analysis (Section 5.3) or load tests (Section 5.4). Such properties shall include the yield stress, tensile strength, and percentage of elongation. Certified material test reports or certified reports of tests made by the fabricator or a testing laboratory in accordance with ASTM A6/A6M or ASTM A568/A568M, as applicable, are permitted for this purpose. Otherwise, tensile tests shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM A370 from samples taken from components of the structure.

5.2.3 Chemical Composition

Where welding is anticipated for repair or modification of existing structures, the chemical composition of the steel shall be determined for use in preparing a welding procedure specification. Results from certified material test reports or certified reports of tests made by the fabricator or a testing laboratory in accordance with ASTM procedures are permitted for this purpose. Otherwise, analyses shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM A751 from the samples used to determine tensile properties or from samples taken from the same locations.

5.2.4 Base Metal Notch Toughness

Where welded tension splices in heavy shapes and plates as defined in Section A3.1e are critical to the performance of the structure, the Charpy V-notch toughness shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section A3.1e. If the notch toughness so determined does not meet the provisions of Section A3.1e, the EOR shall determine if remedial actions are required.

5.2.5 Weld Metal

Where structural performance is dependent on existing welded connections, representative samples of weld metal shall be obtained. Chemical analysis and mechanical tests shall be made to characterize the weld metal. A determination shall be made of the magnitude and consequences of imperfections. If the requirements of Structural Welding Code—Steel, AWS D1.1/D1.1M, are not met, the EOR shall determine if remedial actions are required.

5.2.6 Bolts and Rivets

Representative samples of bolts shall be visually inspected to determine markings and classifications. Where it is not possible to classify bolts by visual inspection, representative samples shall be taken and tested to determine tensile strength in accordance with ASTM F606/F606M and the bolt classified accordingly. Alternatively, the assumption that the bolts are ASTM A307 is permitted. Rivets shall be assumed to be ASTM A502, Grade 1, unless a higher grade is established through documentation or testing.