TimGary
Yes they do allow for flame cutting of bolt holes
Please feel free to submit a question/answer to solutions@aisc.org
http://www.modernsteel.com/steelinterchange_details.php?id=93Steel Interchange
Thermal Cutting
Is it now permissible to use plasma or flame cutting methods to make bolt holes?
Question sent to AISC's Steel Solution Center
Answer
Although previous specifications limited the methods that can be used, the 2005 AISC specification, Section M2.5, allows the use of any hole-making method that results in a surface roughness not exceeding 1,000 microinches. Most methods can be used to achieve this, including punching, drilling, and thermal cutting with flame and plasma equipment.
Charlie Carter, S.E., P.E.
American Institute of Steel Construction
ANSI/AISC 360-05
An American National Standard
Specification
for Structural Steel Buildings
March 9, 2005
CHAPTER M
FABRICATION, ERECTION AND
QUALITY CONTROL
M2. FABRICATION
5. Bolted Construction
Parts of bolted members shall be pinned or bolted and rigidly held together during
assembly. Use of a drift pin in bolt holes during assembly shall not distort the
metal or enlarge the holes. Poor matching of holes shall be cause for rejection.
Bolt holes shall comply with the provisions of the RCSC Specification for Structural
Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, Section 3.3 except that thermally cut
holes shall be permitted with a surface roughness profile not exceeding 1,000 in.
(25 m) as defined in ASME B46.1. Gouges shall not exceed a depth of 1/16 in.
(2 mm).
Best Regards
Marshall