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K Area

The document discusses cracking that can occur in the "k-area" of hot-rolled steel beams due to strain hardening from the manufacturing process. This reduces toughness in the k-area, which is the region extending 1-1/2 inches into the web from the flange-web junction. Cracking can result from welding or other fabrication activities in this low-toughness region. The document recommends techniques to minimize cracking risks, such as preheating, reducing weld volumes, and clipping continuity plate corners beyond the k-area.

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Mohammed Shamil
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771 views7 pages

K Area

The document discusses cracking that can occur in the "k-area" of hot-rolled steel beams due to strain hardening from the manufacturing process. This reduces toughness in the k-area, which is the region extending 1-1/2 inches into the web from the flange-web junction. Cracking can result from welding or other fabrication activities in this low-toughness region. The document recommends techniques to minimize cracking risks, such as preheating, reducing weld volumes, and clipping continuity plate corners beyond the k-area.

Uploaded by

Mohammed Shamil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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K-Area

 K-Area:
 The region of the web that extends from the
tangent point of the web and the flange-web
fillet (AISC k dimension) a distance 1-1/2 in
Definition
[40 mm] into the web beyond the k detail
dimension.
Cause of Cracks in K-Area
 Hot-rolled products such as beams are usually subject to rotary straightening
as a last step in the manufacturing process. This operation may change the
properties of the plastically deformed area by strain hardening.
 The affected regions of the beam are referred to as the “k-area”, as shown in
Figure 1.
 Strain hardening reduces the ductility and notch toughness of the steel and
can potentially lead to cracking in the k-area when welding is carried out in
restrained conditions Example: addition of stiffeners by welding. 
 In some instances, CVN toughness has been recorded to be less than 2 ft-lbf
at 70°F [3 J at 20°C].
 Fractures have been found to extend from cuts, punches, and welds in and on
these shapes in the areas of reduced notch toughness. This provision is
intended to minimize the potential for such cracking during fabrication.
Weld Hold Back

 When fillet welds are used, the length of the fillet weld may be held back one to two
weld sizes.
 For groove welds, weld tabs should not be used in the k-area.
 To minimize the potential for k-area cracking, it is recommended, where practical, that
welding into the k-area should not be performed. Where k-area welding cannot be
practically avoided, the reduction of residual stresses by increased preheat, proper weld
sequencing, and minimization of weld volume is strongly suggested. The condition of
beam copes and weld access holes flame cut surfaces can be improved by grinding to a
smooth surface.
Corner Clips of Continuity Plates and
Stiffeners
 4.1 Corner Clips of Continuity Plates and Stiffeners
Corners of continuity plates and stiffeners shall be clipped as follows (see Figures C-4.1 and C-
4.2):
4.1.1 Along the Web. The corner clip along the web shall be detailed so that the clip extends a
distance of at least 1-1/2 in [40 mm] beyond the published k detail dimension for the rolled
shape.2.
 4.1.2 Along the Flange. The corner clip along the flange shall be detailed so that the clip does
not exceed a distance of 1/2 in [12 mm] beyond the published k1 dimension.3.
 4.1.3 Facilitating Suitable Weld Terminations. The corner clip shall be detailed to facilitate
suitable weld terminations of both the flange weld and the web weld.
 4.1.4 Curved Corner Clips. Curved corner clips, if used, shall have a minimum radius of 1/2
in [12 mm].

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