Pre-Welding Preparations

TB9-2510-242-40

4.1.2 Pre-Welding Preparations. Although 6061 aluminum is highly weldable, proper welding procedure and cautions

must be followed.

a. Check work area conditions.

(1)

Check ambient air temperature in work area. Welding should not be done in temperatures below 50

degrees F. If ambient air temperature is below 50 degrees F, a shelter or heated structure should be

provided to maintain the air temperature at 50 degrees F or higher. Welding shall not be done when the

weld surfaces are wet or exposed to rain, sleet, frost or excessive wind or when welders, welding operators

or tack welders are exposed to inclement conditions.

(2)

Check draft conditions. Gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc welding shall not be done where draft

conditions exist and wind velocity exceeds 5 miles per hour. If such conditions exist, a shelter or

windbreak of appropriate material and shape must be erected to reduce the velocity of the wind in the work

area.

b. Secure damaged ramp frame members and joints prior to assessing cracks and welding.

(1)

Remove structural load from the joint(s). Use jack stands or other cribbing to safely support both sides

of the damaged area(s). Place other supports as required to prevent ramp frame movement during

inspection and welding preparation.

(2)

Align members of damaged join(s). Ensure that broken or replacement piece s of the segment touch

each other.

c. Measure type, size and extent of each damaged weld. NOTE: Repair welds should be of the same size and type

as the original weld joint

d. Inspect joints and base metal. The extent of each crack shall be ascertained by use of dye penetrant, x-ray

examination or other non-destructive means.

4.1.3

Preparation of Cracked Areas.

a. Remove defective weld metal or cracked base metal by mechanical means. Remove material beyond the

ends of the crack for a distance equal

E-14