gtaw,
Do appreciate the comments provided from you. I shall go for a check with the standards for bridge welding.
Hgtx,
I am not in charge of the design yet (hopefull someday soon), but I could fully understand what you mean about the problem and the way to account AWS in real design work...
Many thanks, Gtaw
Yes, you are right, the question is from AWS D1.1 for Structural Welding Code - Steel, chapter 5.17 for the welding access hole.
Regards