Structural Steel Inspection (AWS/B30.20)

Structural steel inspection is a broad description for various types of tests and inspections that are performed to evaluate various designs and constructions of steel components that may be used as supports or for various structural functions. As may be expected, and in consideration of all the variations, a number of different codes, practices and procedures may be applied. Some examples are from the American Welding Society (AWS), D1.1/D1.1M, “Structural Welding Code – Steel,” and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), B30.20, “Below the Hook Lifting Devices (BTHLD).” These two codes provide testing and inspection methods for general structural steel constructions (AWS D1.1) and structural steel designs and constructions for a specific application (ASME B30.20).   There are many more. It is the responsibility of an owner/user to determine what code or standard best fits their application. These codes generally employ a number of testing and inspection techniques that include but are not limited to visual testing & inspection (VT), ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT) and dye penetrant testing (PT). The testing and inspection of structural steel includes a number of categories of equipment, from the aforementioned BTHLD to supports for installed equipment such as pipe racks and vessel containment structures, to building wall and roof structures. Inspection procedures generally cover welding, fasteners, components such as I-beams and brackets, plate, and foundation interfaces. Inspection techniques are intended to identify conditions such as rust & corrosion, protective coating failure, loss of material, inadequate thread engagement, missing components, misalignment, poor weld quality, weld failure (cracking), inadequate design for applied load, deformation, and other conditions that may be specific to a given design condition. As with most other inspection categories, the availability of original design documentation, original design drawings and specifications, and/or documented design purpose are important elements in the development of inspection plans for structural steel.

Reliability Inspections, LLC (RI) is qualified to perform structural steel inspection for most applications. We have considerable experience with applicable AWS and ASME standards and are very familiar with the equipment, components and failure modes. We can help you determine which testing method and what types of testing equipment may be best for your application. We are also qualified to evaluate and interpret testing results to applicable design and construction codes. RI employs a number of NDT Level II’s and III’s, AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Crane Inspectors who are trained and qualified to perform the testing, inspection and analysis to specified standards. Our ASNT Level IIIs and CWI’s can write procedures and provide testing, qualification and support for owner/user in-house structural steel inspection programs. Our Level II technicians can perform structural testing & inspection at the owner/user’s facility (ongoing maintenance or repair), at new construction sites where structural steel may be in the process of being installed, or at fabrication shops where structural steel (such as BTHLD) is being constructed or repaired. We can provide structural steel testing and inspection services for most designs and constructions in a cost effective and efficient manner for customers who have equipment for which quality control of structural steel is essential for continued safe and reliable operation.