Welder Access to Crotch Plates

Crotch plates are used to reinforce wyes and outlets on welded steel pipe; however, they represent a challenge, since complex geometry may be unfavorable to welder access. Inadequate welder access can have a negative effect on weld quality and compromise the strength and serviceability of these important components of water conveyance systems. This paper examines welder access given the complex geometry of crotch plates, welding details, welding processes, welding position, and limitations imposed by welding codes and provides guidance to designers and fabricators of crotch plates. Example problems are presented with assistance from a contour chart and table that circumvent rigorous calculations to simply understanding of welder access to crotch plates.