s1600 Structural Access Cuts.pdf

August, 1994

NOAA Standard Specification - S1600

STRUCTURAL ACCESS CUTS

1. INTENT

1.1 The intent of this item is to provide guidelines for making temporary access cuts in structural members.

2. REFERENCES

2.1 None

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL

3.1 None

4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Openings cut temporarily in structural members for the

purpose of providing access will be allowed only with prior approval of the COTR. Such cuts will generally be considered only where essential for access to otherwise inaccessible areas or where necessary for the removal or installation of equipment.

However, the following guidance is applicable regardless of the circumstances.

4.2 The Contractor must provide the COTR with documentation of the proposed structural opening in the form of a sketch, dimensioned and to scale, of the proposed access cut, adjacent framing members, nearby penetrations in existence, and scantlings of affected structure. It shall also provide a description of the eventual restoration of the structure to its original configuration, including materials and welding details. A narrative justification for cutting the opening shall also appear on the sketch. (Note that a mere submittal of this sketch does not assure that approval of the cut will be forthcoming. The COTR's return to the Contractor of a signed copy of the sketch constitutes approval of the proposal.)

4.3 All access cuts shall be smooth-edged (such as achieved by flame-cutting with a template), with corner radii no less than one-eighth of the transverse dimension of the opening (cuts in vertical fore-and-aft structure shall have corner radii no less than one-eight of the vertical dimension). Restoration of structure shall utilize full-penetration welding from both sides.

One-side, full penetration welding using backing bars is acceptable where access to both sides of the weld is not possible.

Structural Access Cuts S1600

5. TESTS/REPORTS/INSPECTIONS

5.1 Welds in principal structure (defined as all water-tight

structure, all structural decks and bulkheads, and framing of all these) at or below the "E" deck level shall be dye-penetrant inspected for surface cracks and the test witnessed by the COTR.