So, to summarize, I am hearing that MT is not the best choice for checking flanges. This is a timely post for me. I called for UT on column flanges exibiting open "seams" on the outside edges of the flanges just last week. These columns were all moment frame columns with open or visible defects. Our UTII guy had already shop inspected the columns and continuity plates after welding of the plates.
He felt I was over riding his UT on the continuity plates. I said no, I am simply calling a defect I see. We both UTed the flanges at the locations exibiting the worst examples of "seams" which were visible. To make a long story short, no laminations were discovered existing further than 1/32nd" or 1/16th" from the outside of the flange edge. It seems, the seams are a fairly common occurance as far as I have seen. No problem...