TM 9-3990-260-14&P
10-6.
ADDITIONAL INSPECTION CRITERIA (CONT).
(3)
Acceptable Splicing. A splice is any repair of a primary structural member that replaces
material without complete replacement of the member. Areas repaired by straightening and
bead welding are not to be construed as splices. Gussets, backup plates or other reinforce-
ment (protector) plates are not to be construed as splices. An acceptable splice is a minimum
of 6 in. (15 cm) long and is a butt-welded insert. If a splice would end within 12 in. (30 cm)
of another weld, it must be extended to that weld. An acceptable splice is flush fitting and
restores the original size and cross-sectional profile of the repaired component. Backup
plates installed on the backside of a splice are permissible if the backup plate extends a min-
imum of 6 in. (15 cm) beyond each end of the splice.
(4)
A-frame Assembly. The A-frame assembly front and rear threaded pins must not be seized,
twisted, broken, missing, or otherwise inoperable. Any twist, dent, or bend to any of the pins
that renders the A-frame assembly inoperable is cause for rejection. The A-frame assembly
must not be bent or twisted in such a manner that it renders the A-frame assembly inopera-
ble.
(5)
Tiedown and Multipurpose Provision Rings. Provisions used for attachment of web straps or
other cargo restraint devices must be in working order. Tiedown bars and securing weld
points and multipurpose provision rings that are deformed or broken a cause for rejection.
(6)
Cargo Deck. An M3A1 CROP is unacceptable if the flooring has any of the following defi-
ciencies:
(a) Any protrusion above the top surface of the deck;
(b)
Any loose or missing deck plate;
(c) Deck not free of debris or residue from a previous cargo;
(d) Deck or area of deck covered with hazardous or flammable fluid.
e.
Damage and Repair.
(1)
Patch. Any repair of a deck panel that adds or replaces material without complete replace-
ment of the panel. An acceptable patch is of permanent design, of similar material and con-
figuration and weather-proof. Patch is a generic term which, for the purposes of this
inspection criteria, is reserved exclusively for repairs of nonprimary components such as
deck panels.
(2)
Splice. Any repair of a primary (main) structural component (member) that replaces material
without complete replacement of the member. Gussets, backup plates or other reinforcement
(protector) plates are not to be construed as splices. Splice is a regulatory repair term which,
for the purposes of this inspection criteria, is reserved exclusively for repairs on components
of the primary structure.
(3)
Gusset. Reinforcement plate, usually triangular in shape, welded between adjacent compo-
nents to reinforce the structure and provide added resistance to handling damage.
(4)
Backup Plate. A reinforcement (doubler) plate installed on the backside of a structural com-
ponent and not on the exterior of the component's profile. The backup plate serves to stiffen
and strengthen the component.
(5)
Insert. A specific type of repair in which replacement material is fitted flush with the original
component and only a partial profile of the component's cross section is replaced.