7 Tests That You Need On The Steel Structure

7 Tests That You Need On The Steel
Structure
By Noel Mades
6-8 menit
It is common knowledge that a structure needs to be inspected and certain tests on steel structure
are needed to be performed in order to ensure its safety. This is true to all vertical and horizontal
projects which include steel structures. And therefore you need the seven (7) test on the steel
structure.
The members of the steel structure are composed of structural steel such as wide flange or I-
Beams, W-Shapes, C-Channel, Purlins, Angle, etc.
Checking a steel structure through various methods of welding tests is necessary. Although
merely inspecting or visually evaluating the weldment will do the job, it is still important to try
other methods. In this post, we are going to introduce to you seven testing methods that can be
performed to check the stability of a steel structure.
Do you want to know what these are?
Apparently yes since you are on this page. Since the proper inspection of a structure is very
important, having accurate knowledge of what techniques are available is a prerequisite. Without
performing tests on steel structure, the expected life of a structure will be reduced and more
money will be spent on its maintenance and repair.
So, what are the tests needed for steel structures? I will present them to you and give you a brief
overview of each one.
1. Bend testing on shear stud

This is a simple bend test which is used for checking a particular welding data. In this test, the
weld is subjected to bending in a way that the area for examination is the tension zone. A
bending moment of 60° or 30° is applied to a stressed area below its elastic limit. This test
evaluates the ductility, brittleness, and soundness of welds.
2. Bolt tightening or torque test (one of the important tests

on steel structure)
Torque refers to the angular force that is needed for rotating something. It creates tension for
threaded fasteners like bolt and nut. This kind of test is also known as fastener testing. Although
high strength bolts are used as connectors in steel structures, it is still important these are tested
to ensure that it can carry a particular load. There is no standard torque value for tensioning bolts
but some engineers developed their own formulas which serve as their rule-of-thumb for the
torque test.
3. Magnetic particle inspection test for welding (this is also

one of the common tests on steel structure)
This welding test is a non-destructive technique (NDT) that will help detect the defects and
discontinuities on the surface of a ferromagnetic metal like iron and steel. This is primarily used
to test pipelines as well as other metal machinery components in order to avoid accidents and
failures. In this test, the metal object is magnetized surrounding it with an invisible magnetic
field. The magnetic particle testing will make it easier to identify defects through a disruption.
4. Ultrasonic testing for welding

This one is based on the ability of high-frequency oscillations, which is about 20,000 Hz. It will
propagate into the metal and it will be reflected from the voids, surface scratches, and other
discontinuities. The diagnostic wave enters into the material. Graphical and parametric readings
will show the nature of the defect that is recognized by the test.
5. Visual test for welding (this is one of the initial tests on

steel structure)
Of all the welding tests, visual inspection is one of the simplest tests on steel structure. But it is
also the most underrated and underestimated because you do not need to use any equipment.
Because of that, it is inexpensive and quick to perform. This non-destructive testing (NDT) is a
method used to inspect completed welds aiming to avoid any problems in welding. The
inspection can be done before, during and after the welding process.
6. Dye penetrant
This one is also a non-destructive testing technique. In this test, low viscosity liquids will be
penetrated in the surface openings. After penetration, the liquid will be extracted again through
of some developers. Since it used liquids, it is also called as liquid penetrant inspection (LPI).
This method is used to locate surface-breaking flaws and discontinuities like cracks, laps,
porosity, and seams. This can be applied to ferrous, non-ferrous, and all non-porous materials.
7. Radiographic
This test makes use of X-rays from an X-ray tube or gamma rays from a radioactive isotope.
Radiation, which penetrates the material, is passed through a solid object that results in an image
of the object’s internal structure. This will then be reflected in the film similar to what we can
see in medical X-rays. Cracks and low-density areas like slag will be shown as dark outlines in
the film while high-density areas like tungsten are light areas. Discontinuities are determined by
the shape and variation of density in the film.
Isn’t it good to know that you have a variety of choices when it comes to testing steel structures?
However, you need to study each one well so that you will know which method to use. You need
to bear in mind that not all tests on steel structures are advisable for all steel projects.
Related Article:
1. Method Statement for Water Leakage Test for Installed Curtain Walls
2. A Quality Engineers Guide to Concrete Cube Testing
3. 4 Steel Bar Reinforcement Tests That You Should Know
Also, take note that it is better to perform more than two tests in order to make sure that you will
arrive at an accurate result. Although visual inspection is the easiest method for welding tests, it
may still be needed to proceed with other testing methods that use certain equipment. This way,
you will get satisfying results. Now, I would like to hear your thoughts about this.

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7 Tests That You Need On The Steel

Do you want to know what these are?

1. Bend testing on shear stud

2. Bolt tightening or torque test (one of the important tests

3. Magnetic particle inspection test for welding (this is also

4. Ultrasonic testing for welding

5. Visual test for welding (this is one of the initial tests on

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