Steel Structure Test
Steel Structure Test
-Dye penetrant
This test makes use of X-rays from an X-ray tube or gamma rays
from a radioactive isotope. Radiation, which penetrates the
material, is passed through a solid object that results in an image
of the object’s internal structure. This will then be reflected in
the film similar to what we can see in medical X-rays. Cracks and
low-density areas like slag will be shown as dark outlines in the
film while high-density areas like tungsten are light areas.
Discontinuities are determined by the shape and variation of
density in the film
-Ultrasonic
The most commonly used NDE method in structural steel fabrication is visual (VT).
Other examination methods are also used: dye penetrant (DT), magnetic particle (MT),
radiographic (RT), and ultrasonic (UT). The method to be used is established after
consideration of the importance of the weld as well as the defect identification capability
and relative cost of each method. When NDE is required, the process, extent,
techniques and standards of acceptance must be clearly defined in the contract
documents.
The Structural Engineer of Record [SER] should identify members and connections that
must be inspected and specify how they should be inspected. Inspection requirements
can be specified, if desired, by the SER as some percentage, with subsequent testing
requirements identified if a significant defect rate is discovered. For example, 15 percent
initial inspection might be deemed acceptable for an AISC Quality Certified fabricator,
with no further testing required if all inspected joints are found to be compliant; if a
significant defect rate were found, the inspection of an additional 15 percent might be
required.
When specified by the Structural Engineer of Record [SER], visual [VT], magnetic
particle [MT] and dye penetrant [DT] inspection imply that internal soundness adequate
for the service conditions will be provided by adherence to the requirements of AWS
D1.1. Rework required to correct profile, size, undercut or overlap, and/or excessive pin
holes or cracks is considered to be part of the contract requirements. However, because
these are essentially surface or near-surface inspection methods that do not describe
the internal condition, rework required by the owner to correct internal discontinuities, if
found by other means, is considered to be a change in contract requirements.
When specified by the SER, radiographic [RT] and ultrasonic [UT] inspection imply that
the total internal soundness of the weld is important to the structural integrity and must
meet the established standard of acceptance. Any rework required to meet this standard
of acceptance is considered to be part of the contract requirement. It should be
understood that there are practical limitations to the effectiveness of RT and UT, such as
geometry and thickness of the joined pieces.
Occasionally, severe service conditions may necessitate non-destructive examination
[NDE] to verify a high degree of soundness of the parent material. While ultrasonic [UT]
techniques are suitable for such investigation, standard acceptance criteria do not exist.
From the 2005 AISC Specification Section M5.3, both a clear set of acceptance criteria
and a definition of the areas to be tested should be specified in the contract. The
acceptance criteria in ASTM A435/A435M Straight Beam UT Exam for plates or ASTM
A898/A898M Straight Beam UT Exam for shapes may be appropriate.
Parent metal sometimes contains discontinuities that are within the acceptance criteria,
but prevent a full examination of a weld under UT inspection. In such cases, the
alternate scanning procedures of AWS D1.1:2004 Section 6.26.5.2 should be used.
When such procedures still do not allow full examination of the weld, the condition
should be reported to the Structural Engineer of Record [SER] for resolution