One might have a difficult time enforcing a position that isn't supported by the scope of work defined by the Engineer when functioning as a verification inspector. The verification inspector may not be on the project once the steel frame is erected and the erection contractor is long gone. There are a number of contractors on the project that will be welding ancillary attachments to the structural framing such as safety attachments, overhead door brackets, pipe supports, etc.
As CWIs, we don't work in a vacuum, but our authority is limited by the codes, project specifications, and the people we work with.
Don't misconstrue where I'm coming from. I agree with much of what you are saying and I understand your concerns, but if one cannot cite a specific code requirement, one is left standing in the cold winter rain without an umbrella while wearing a thin wet cotton shirt.
I do have one question, "What are you going to do as the verification inspector to prevent the contractor from using an unqualified welder if the work he is performing is not within the scope of work defined by the Engineer?"
I ask the question because there is nothing in AWS D1.1 or the AISC Standard Practice that authorizes the verification inspector to stop work.
I would go so far as to include the situation in my reports to the Owner, Engineer, contractor, and the building official, but I would be very careful about interfering directly with the contractor activities. What is prohibited by one code may have no application when working to a different code. What is required by the Seismic Supplement cannot be enforced that does not invoke the requirements of the supplement.
I cannot find any reference to the "protected zone" in D1.1. OK, I'm being a smart ass, but you do understand what I'm driving at. We, as CWIs, have to back our positions, our decisions, with an applicable code provision, otherwise it is simply our opinion.
Best regards - Al
Brent makes a good point. AISC seismic criteria requires the locations and dimensions of protected zones, which are typically the region at the ends of beams that will be subjected to inelastic strain, to be shown on the structural design drawings and specifications, and clearly indicated on structural drawings. It’s also recommended that protected zones be shown on architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings as well. The importance of avoiding attachments or penetrations within the protected zones should also be discussed during pre construction meetings with the various contractors and subcontractors prior to the beginning of a project. The protected zone typically extends from the column face to one half of the beam depth beyond the plastic hinge point. Section 7.4 of the AISC Seismic Code prohibits discontinuities created by the fabricator or the erector, and any attachments or penetrations within the protected zones, unless otherwise specified in 7.4 below, taken from the AISC Seismic Provisions manual for structural steel buildings. This typically occurs in Special Moment Frames (SMF) and Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF). While the AISC seismic code doesn’t require protected zones for Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF), it’s a good practice to minimize, or limit, whenever possible, attachments within this defined area as well. When we see protected zones on our shop drawings, we add yellow stripes to these areas, and during our pre erection meetings, we discuss what’s required at these striped areas with our erector....
7.4. Protected Zone
Where a protected zone is designated by these Provisions or ANSI/AISC 358, it shall comply with the following:
(1) Within the protected zone, discontinuities created by fabrication or erection operations, such as tack welds, erection aids, air-arc gouging and thermal cutting shall be repaired as required by the engineer of record.
(2) Welded shear studs and decking attachments that penetrate the beam flange shall not be placed on beam flanges within the protected zone. Decking arc spot welds as required to secure decking shall be permitted.
(3) Welded, bolted, screwed or shot-in attachments for perimeter edge angles, exterior facades, partitions, duct work, piping or other construction shall not be placed within the protected zone.
Exception: Welded shear studs and other connections shall be permitted when designated in the Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (ANSI/AISC 358), or as otherwise determined in accordance with a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P, or as determined in a program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S. Outside the protected zone, calculations based upon the expected moment shall be made to demonstrate the adequacy of the member net section when connectors that penetrate the member are used.
Brent makes a good point. AISC seismic criteria requires the locations and dimensions of protected zones, which are typically the region at the ends of beams that will be subjected to inelastic strain, to be shown on the structural design drawings and specifications, and clearly indicated on structural drawings. It’s also recommended that protected zones be shown on architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings as well. The importance of avoiding attachments or penetrations within the protected zones should also be discussed during pre construction meetings with the various contractors and subcontractors prior to the beginning of a project. The protected zone typically extends from the column face to one half of the beam depth beyond the plastic hinge point. Section 7.4 of the AISC Seismic Code prohibits discontinuities created by the fabricator or the erector, and any attachments or penetrations within the protected zones, unless otherwise specified in 7.4 below, taken from the AISC Seismic Provisions manual for structural steel buildings. This typically occurs in Special Moment Frames (SMF) and Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF). While the AISC seismic code doesn’t require protected zones for Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF), it’s a good practice to minimize, or limit, whenever possible, attachments within this defined area as well. When we see protected zones on our shop drawings, we add yellow stripes to these areas, and during our pre erection meetings, we discuss what’s required at these striped areas with our erector....
7.4. Protected Zone
Where a protected zone is designated by these Provisions or ANSI/AISC 358, it shall comply with the following:
(1) Within the protected zone, discontinuities created by fabrication or erection operations, such as tack welds, erection aids, air-arc gouging and thermal cutting shall be repaired as required by the engineer of record.
(2) Welded shear studs and decking attachments that penetrate the beam flange shall not be placed on beam flanges within the protected zone. Decking arc spot welds as required to secure decking shall be permitted.
(3) Welded, bolted, screwed or shot-in attachments for perimeter edge angles, exterior facades, partitions, duct work, piping or other construction shall not be placed within the protected zone.
Exception: Welded shear studs and other connections shall be permitted when designated in the Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (ANSI/AISC 358), or as otherwise determined in accordance with a connection prequalification in accordance with Appendix P, or as determined in a program of qualification testing in accordance with Appendix S. Outside the protected zone, calculations based upon the expected moment shall be made to demonstrate the adequacy of the member net section when connectors that penetrate the member are used.