A study initiated and funded by the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) was designed to determine if field applied shear studs meet AWS welding standards.

Fought & Company, Inc. (Tigard, OR) recently completed shear stud, bend and pull tests on simulated field welds to determine if the resultant welds would meet AWS D1.5 requirements. The tests were completed on surfaces that were wet, muddy, and oxidized to simulate outdoor conditions (including mist-coated inorganic zinc). The results showed that the simulated field welds met the requirements. All of the visual inspection and destructive tests, performed by an independent lab, showed the simulated field welded shop studs did not fail at the welds, but rather failed in the base metal at levels above the AWS required tensile level.

IMPACT is developing an official test study report to submit to the AWS, Department of Transportation for all states, AISC, and other organizations to dispel any misconceptions that field welded shear studs on bridge girders and other structures may be inadequate. IMPACT RAB X Labor Co-chair Ron Piksa and Executive Committee member Rex Smith coordinated the test in the presence Washington and Oregon State D.O.T. representatives.

IMPACT also is developing a comprehensive DVD defining test conditions, introducing the parties involved, and profiling the extensive testing performed.

For more information, contact IMPACT Western Regional Director Steve Rank at (srank@impact-net.org)