AWS Weld Procedure

[Rabbit12]

I've got an issue. It's completely my screw up. I specified a B-L1a WP from Table 8-2 in AISC 360. However, my plate thicknesses are 5/8" which exceed the maximum base metal thickness.

This was discovered by the weld inspector in the field. We could easily change to a B-U4a and bevel the plates but this would be field work and owner is saying they will back charge us. We can't use B-L1b because we don't meet the root opening requirements.

However, section 5.22.4.3 in AWS D1.1 says we can correct that by welding to the sides of plate at the opening to reduce the root opening to the tolerances of B-L1b? Can someone confirm that I am interpreting that section correctly?

Also, I had someone mention we could but WP. I'd never heard of that. My impression was that WP were tested to verify adequacy. Changing any parameter would void the test results.

 

[JStephen]

Limited input due to limited knowledge here- specifically with those procedures-
You're saying you can either bevel the plates in the field OR possibly build up the edges with weld metal? Seems like field bevel would be cheaper there?
If you can talk to some of those field guys and say "What's the easiest/quickest way to fix this", then come up with the procedure to match, you may be ahead there.
"We could but WP"- is that "buy" or what? Yes, you can get prequalified weld procedures.
"Changing any parameter"- Those parameters can all be changed to the limits specified in the welding code. That may be zero variation for something like "weld process" or may be unlimited variation for some other variables- refer to the welding code for the process in question. That would apply to pre-qualified processes and to processes you develop yourself.

 

[wannabeSE]

B-L1a, B-u4a, etcetera are prequalified joints and can be used to create Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) without testing. AWS D1.1 does not require WPS's be based on prequalified joint details. Testing can be performed and a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) written. Then, a WPS can be created based on the PQR.

I don't think the root opening is the only problem the weld inspector has with the square groove welds. The base metal thickness exceeds the limits for the prequalified square groove welds. I don't know enough about welding to speculate whether or not a square groove weld in 5/8" plate will pass the testing required.

 

[wannabeSE]

One more thing. The folks in the Welding, Bonding & Fastener forum know AWS D1.1 and welding. It is a good place to asks detailed questions about welding and AWS D1.1 (it also has more traffic than the AWS Code Issues forum).

 

[sandman21]

Changes to the prequalified joints requires a WPS with a PQR for the new variables. Section 5.22.4.3 allows for the correction of root opening, your interpretation is correct. A way to close the gap is to add a buttering weld to the beveled side of the joint. Depending on the purpose that may be an acceptable means of correcting the plate

 

[racookpe1978]

No drawing and no dimensions and no application = No statement.

Too many important unknowns.