TM 9-3990-260-14&P
5-6.
ADDITIONAL INSPECTION CRITERIA (CONT).
(2)
Acceptable Welding Patterns. Welding patterns conforming to the original manufacturer's
design are acceptable. Only abnormal welding patterns due to damage and/or improper
repair are cause for rejection. Inspection should be directed at looking for broken junc-
tures or welded repairs that are not consistent with other similar welds of the M3 CROP.
(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 rein-
forcement (protector) plates are not to be construed as splices. An acceptable splice is a
minimum of 6 inch (15 cm) long and is a butt-welded insert. If a splice would end within
12 inch (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 com-
ponent. Backup plates installed on the backside of a splice are permissible if the backup
plate extends a minimum of 6 inch (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 assem-
bly must not be bent or twisted in such a manner that it renders the A-frame assembly inop-
erable.
(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 are cause for rejec-
tion.
(6)
Cargo Deck. An M3 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 plates.
(c) Deck not free of debris or residue from a previous cargo.
(d) Deck or area of deck covered with hazardous or flammable liquid.
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 non-primary components such as
deck panels.
(2)
Splice. Any repair of a primary (main) structural component (member) that replaces mate-
rial without complete replacement of the member. Gussets, backup plates or other rein-
forcement (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
component and not on the exterior of the component's profile. The backup plate serves to
stiffen and strengthen the component.