Is 100% UT or RT required to full penetration weld? 2

[tmgczb]

It is mentioned in our project specification that all full penetration weld used in shop splice connection shall be inspected by 100% UT or RT.But I didn't find any support provisions in AWS D1.1.

 

[DVWE]

Is the project specification also your customer's specification?

The devil is in the details; she also wears prada.

 

[dauwerda]

Section 8.15 Extent of Testing
Information furnished to the bidders shall clearly identify the extent of NDT (types, categories, or location) of welds to
be tested.
8.15.1 Full Testing. Weld joints requiring testing by contract specification shall be tested for their full length, unless
partial or spot testing is specified.

As you stated, the project specification is specifying which welds need to be inspected, just like D1.1 indicates it should do.

 

[david339933]

Doesn't matter what D1.1 says....if the person paying wants it, they get it.

 

[weldstan]

Many owners/engineers specify additional requirements above and beyond Codes. It is their prerogative. They may be taking in account past experience and service conditions which mandate them.

 

[gtaw]

He who holds the gold makes the rules.

To paraphrase AWS D1.1: If NDE, other than VT, is required by the Engineer, it has to be included in the project specifications and must indicated what is to be subjected to volumetric NDE. If the Engineer requests NDE other than VT once the contract is signed, the contractor is entitled to compensation at an agreed to rate that would include preparation, handling, and the repair of any defects detected.

Al

Best regards - Al

 

[tmgczb]

Thank you. But are there any recommended requirements in codes and manuals?

 

[kingnero]

There are many similar requirements in ISO codes.
Here's a very commonly applied table in Europe.

EXC stands for execution class (1 => 4), the higher the number the more stringent the requirements.

 

[dauwerda]

Section N5.5 of AISC 360 (Steel Construction Manual) has the following requirements:

5. Nondestructive Testing of Welded Joints

5a. Procedures
Ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT), penetrant testing (PT), and
radiographic testing (RT), where required, shall be performed by QA in accordance
with AWS D1.1/D1.1M.

5b. CJP Groove Weld NDT
For structures in risk category III or IV, UT shall be performed by QA on all complete-
joint-penetration (CJP) groove welds subject to transversely applied tension
loading in butt, T- and corner joints, in material 5/16 in. (8 mm) thick or greater. For
structures in risk category II, UT shall be performed by QA on 10% of CJP groove
welds in butt, T- and corner joints subject to transversely applied tension loading, in
materials 5/16 in. (8 mm) thick or greater.


If you are getting into seismic requirements, then AISC 341 would also apply which has the following requirements:

2. NDT of Welded Joints
In addition to the requirements of Specification Section N5.5, nondestructive testing
of welded joints shall be as required in this section.
2a. CJP Groove Weld NDT
Ultrasonic testing (UT) shall be performed on 100% of complete-joint-penetration
(CJP) groove welds in materials c in. (8 mm) thick or greater. UT in materials less
than c in. (8 mm) thick is not required. Weld discontinuities shall be accepted or
rejected on the basis of AWS D1.1/D1.1M Table 6.2. Magnetic particle testing (MT)
shall be performed on 25% of all beam-to-column CJP groove welds. The rate of
UT and MT is permitted to be reduced in accordance with Sections J6.2g and J6.2h,
respectively.
Exception: For ordinary moment frames in structures in risk categories I or II, UT and
MT of CJP groove welds are required only for demand critical welds.

 

[tmgczb]

Your reply is extremely helpful. I want to further inquire, if UT OR RT is applicable to T-joint.

 

[tmgczb]

Where is section 2 located?

 

[dauwerda]

Where is section 2 located?

That is part of Chapter J6 in AISC 341, available here:

https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/aisc/publications/standards/aisc-341-16_january-2020.pdf

 

[tmgczb]

Is UT applicable to T joint weld as the above picture？It is said that PT is widely used in T joint weld between column flange and base plate.

 

[weldstan]

RT cannot be done with any useful information obtained on the corner joint shown.

 

[tmgczb]

Corner joint and T joint shall be 2 types of groove welds.

 

[kingnero]

Are those welds really spec'ced as groove welds?

 

[weldstan]

I might add that while UT can be performed, you may not obtain useful information unless it is performed by a truly competent and experienced examiner using the proper methods of UT.

 

[tmgczb]

100% sure.

 

[tmgczb]

But it is clearly specified in AISC 360-2016 N5.5b that UT is applicable to T joint weld. Here weld between column flange and base plate is T joint groove weld.

 

[kingnero]

Weldstan is correct. UT is doable, but is isn't clear cut. You'll need a decent, approved procedure and an experienced UT operator.