grinding welds before VT inspection

[moe27]

Structural welding only (not pressure containing welds)
No NDE inspection requirements called for other than 100% visual inspection.

Question,
Is it OK with AWS D1.1 standards for visual inspection to grind on a weld before VT inspection.
I have been told that grinding will smear the metal and could hide discontinuities that could otherwise been seen at time of VT inspection.

Thank you,

 

[gtaw]

There is nothing in the structural code prohibiting grinding the welds before VT.

Per the structural welding code, VT must be performed before the welds are coated, i.e., painted or HDG.

Carbon and high strength low alloy steels are not smeared by grinding. Softer, more ductile materials such as copper alloys, aluminum alloys, etc. are a different story. The issue of smearing is a concern when performing penetrant examinations. It is not an issue when performing other NDE such as UT, RT, or MT.

Best regards - Al