CROSS Safety Report
Follow up to Liquid Metal Assisted Cracking (LMAC)
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
A recent case involving cracking around holes in large structural components was detected immediately after galvanising as a result of the team being aware of the need for post galvanising inspection.
Key Learning Outcomes
For design engineers and steel fabricators:
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Be aware that liquid metal assisted cracking can occur if due attention is not paid to the design, fabrication, galvanising and inspection processes of susceptible assemblies
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A reporter says that as a result of CROSS dissemination there is a wider awareness of the risk of liquid metal assisted cracking, and reports are being fed back following post galvanising inspection. CROSS welcomes more reports because the mechanisms that drive LMAC are still poorly understood, and the industry needs to build up a better picture of the risk factors involved.
A recent case involving cracking around holes in large structural components was detected immediately after galvanising as a result of the team being aware of the need for post galvanising inspection (Figure 1). Clearly the project risks are minimised by early detection before steelwork erection, and this should be the norm.
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Expert Panel Comments
An Expert Panel comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-AUS Expert Panel page.
This is another example of the value of passing on lessons that have been learnt. Guidance is available on the subject of LMAC (From the BCSA and Galvanisers’ Association); SCOSS has also issued an alert and has discussed the matter in its 15th Biennial Report. This issue is becoming more prevalent with the increasing size of galvanised components and the importance of post galvanisation inspection should be noted.