Steel Economics — Shop vs Field Weld Decision
Shop-weld vs field-weld cost comparison for a splice decision.
The same kilogram of weld metal costs 3–5× deposited in the air versus on the bench — positioners, flux-core and no wind. Splices exist to move welding INTO the shop; this comparison is the whole argument in dollars.
Formula
Note: Erection-planning estimate only. Member weights, connection capacities and tolerances for execution must come from the issued drawings, the EOR and the erection engineer — never from a generic calculator.
Disclaimer: This tool is for general informational and estimation purposes only and is not professional financial, tax, accounting or legal advice. All figures are estimates — verify with a qualified professional before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.
Shop-weld vs field-weld cost comparison for a splice decision. A free structural steel delivery & erection tool — no sign-up, no upload, instant results in your browser.
About Steel Economics — Shop vs Field Weld Decision
Steel Economics — Shop vs Field Weld Decision computes the governing relationship saving = kg × ($field − $shop) − freight penalty live as you type. The same kilogram of weld metal costs 3–5× deposited in the air versus on the bench — positioners, flux-core and no wind. Splices exist to move welding INTO the shop; this comparison is the whole argument in dollars. Defaults are pre-filled with realistic values for this exact scenario, and the worked example substitutes your numbers step by step so the math is never a black box.
How to use Steel Economics — Shop vs Field Weld Decision
- 1Enter your values — Weld metal in the joint, Shop deposited cost, Field deposited cost, Extra freight if shop-spliced (sensible defaults are pre-filled).
- 2Read the live results: Saving by shop welding.
- 3Check the "with your numbers" line to see saving = kg × ($field − $shop) − freight penalty substituted step by step.
- 4Adjust inputs until the scenario matches yours, then copy or share the result.
Why use Steel Economics — Shop vs Field Weld Decision?
- ✓Instant, free and private — every calculation runs client-side in your browser; nothing is uploaded
- ✓Built on the stated formula saving = kg × ($field − $shop) − freight penalty with authoritative sources cited on the page (AISC 303 — Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings)
- ✓The same kilogram of weld metal costs 3–5× deposited in the air versus on the bench — positioners, flux-core and no wind.
- ✓Niche-specific defaults give a meaningful worked answer the moment the page loads
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the steel economics — shop vs field weld decision use?+
It evaluates saving = kg × ($field − $shop) − freight penalty, exactly as published. Sources: AISC 303 — Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings. The substituted worked example on the page lets you verify every step against the textbook.
How should I read the result — and how far can I trust it?+
The same kilogram of weld metal costs 3–5× deposited in the air versus on the bench — positioners, flux-core and no wind. Erection-planning estimate only. Member weights, connection capacities and tolerances for execution must come from the issued drawings, the EOR and the erection engineer — never from a generic calculator.
When is this calculator the right tool for the job?+
Shop-weld vs field-weld cost comparison for a splice decision. A free structural steel delivery & erection tool. Splices exist to move welding INTO the shop; this comparison is the whole argument in dollars. For neighbouring scenarios, the related tools below cover the same engine with different presets.
Do I need to install anything or create an account?+
No. The tool is pure client-side JavaScript: open the page and it works, offline once loaded, with no account, no quota and no data leaving your device.
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