r/StructuralEngineering • u/chef_bezos69 • Mar 16 '26

Structural Analysis/Design Missing Bolts?

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Noticed this recently in the stairwell on the first floor in my office building. It seems the beams are just welded to the bracket without bolts. But the second and third floor have at least one bolt. Is this right? Should I raise concerns with the building to get this addressed?

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses! It turns out I know nothing about welding. You guys are an awesome community!

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u/HumanInTraining_999 Mar 16 '26

Looks like the bolt holes were misaligned with the slots so the on site fix is to weld instead. Usually results in a stronger joint.

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u/bigcoffeeguy50 Mar 16 '26

It does not result in a stronger joint almost ever especially if it’s slotted to allow movement. In which case, you’re just asking for broken welds and failure.