The butt strap joint is an economical method for connecting two butting pipe ends at closures, post-installation access points, and repair areas. The straps are generally furnished in two halves that are assembled around the butting pipe ends and fillet welded in place. The strap can be fillet welded inside only, outside only, or both inside and outside. In instances where butt straps are to be welded both inside and outside, each half of the strap can be furnished with air test holes to facilitate pneumatic testing of the finished fillet welds. This is especially beneficial at closures completed after the installed pipe has been hydrostatically tested. In addition to the circumferential fillet welds, this configuration requires two longitudinal complete-joint penetration welds where the two strap halves meet.
