NeField Welding Headed Studs & Rebar in the Bay Area: A Practical Guide for GCs and Facility Teamsw Post

When Field Welding Makes Sense
Retrofits & additions: Tie new slabs or walls to existing beams/columns without full demolition.
Load transfer fixes: Improve diaphragm collectors and shear paths at roof or mezzanine levels.
Tight schedules: Weekend/night shifts keep tenants operating while structural work proceeds.
Core Scope We Deliver
Site verification: Steel grade, thickness, coatings, clearances, and fire watch requirements.
Submittals: Stud/rebar sizes, weld procedures (WPS), anchor details, and inspection plan.
Execution: Certified AWS D1.1/D1.4 welders, spark/heat protection, coordinated shutdowns.
Closeout: Weld maps, photos, daily logs, and touch-up coatings.
Headed Studs: Key Specs to Nail Down
Diameter & length: Sized for embed and concrete cover—common 3/8"–7/8".
Base metal prep: Grind to bright metal; remove mill scale, galvanizing at weld zone.
Positioning: Maintain spacing/edge distances; use templates/jigs for speed and accuracy.
Power & leads: Ensure dedicated circuits; avoid voltage drops on long runs.
Welding Rebar to Structural Steel
Rebar grade & type: Use weldable rebar (e.g., ASTM A706); avoid welding A615 unless engineer approves.
Preheat & interpass: Follow WPS per bar size/steel thickness to control hydrogen cracking.
Detailing: Lap lengths, hooks, and gussets per engineer to ensure force transfer.
Inspection: Coordinate hold points for visual & NDT as specified.
Safety & Site Readiness Checklist
Hot-work permits, fire watch, and protection for sprinklers/finishes.
Clear lifts/scaffolding paths; mark overhead hazards and live utilities.
Spark curtains, floor protection, and debris containment in occupied spaces.
Ventilation for fume control; confirm alarm shutdown/re-enable windows.
Finish & Corrosion Strategy (Bay Area Conditions)
Interior steel: SSPC prep + compatible primer; field touch-ups at welds.
Exterior/coastal: Spot-blast + zinc-rich primer; consider galvanize repair coatings.
Stainless interfaces: Use isolation pads/fasteners to limit galvanic corrosion.