High Integrity Blocks

The types of connections that use HIBs are highly constrained with a complex stress fields. The resulting stresses are highly tri-axial, with an increased likely hood of brittle and ductile fracture for both fabricated or HIB solutions. Cast Connex will conduct on non-linear finite element analysis on the block that includes the connected members. The analysis will include advanced fracture models that account for brittle and ductile fracture that result from high tri- axial stress states.

Cast Connex can offer a sample specification. It’s important to use this specification, because it sets the performance requirements for the material and also delegates engineering of the block to the block supplier. Engineering design of the block connection is critically important to avoid a premature failure do to the confined nature of the connection.

Induction pads are used to heat the block to ensure proper fusion of welds.

Yes, the HIB material is proprietary and thus is not a standard grade listed in AWS D1.1. We can provide material for use in qualifying a welding procedure.

Since we must first cast the ingot, then forge and machine, the lead-time for blocks is approximately 10 weeks.