NDT on a column Splice 2

[CardsFan1]

I am splicing 2'-0" onto the bottom of a 20' tall HSS 12x12x5/8 column. Bottom is idealized pin and top is a moment connection.

Our plan is to use a CJP weld to splice the column.
Application is moderate seismic.

Is any NDT required on the weld?

Ive been reading AISC and AWS, and i can't find anywhere in either document where it tells me WHEN NDT is required.

 

[dauwerda]

NDT requirements are typically specified in contract documents (project specific specifications).

AWS D1.1-2020 does state in Section 4.19 that:
"Fatigue categories B and C require that the Engineer ensure that CJP groove welds subject to cyclic transverse applied stress into the tensile range be inspected using radiographic testing (RT) or ultrasonic testing (UT)."

Section N5.5b of AISC states:
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.

and 5c. states:
Welded Joints Subjected to Fatigue
When required by Appendix 3, Table A-3.1, welded joints requiring weld soundness
to be established by radiographic or ultrasonic inspection shall be tested by QA as
prescribed. Reduction in the rate of UT is prohibited.

 

[SandwichEngine]

If you're in seismic design category D or above, NDT is required on all CJP welds per AWS D1.8. The person responsible for doing the NDT is an inspector hired by the owner (QA). One caveat is that NDT is not required for CJP welds when done in a shop that's got a standard process that they've had tested to confirm that their standard method creates good CJP welds. Those are known as approved fabricators.

 

[CardsFan1]

SandwichEngine, thank you for the information.
I do not have a copy of D1.8, but will order one.

Does the shop have to be "AISC Certified"? Or what constitutes an Approved Fabricator?

 

[SandwichEngine]

Looking back at my notes...

The requirements I'm seeing aren't in D1.8, they're in the AISC steel specification section N, The AISC Seismic manual and possibly the IBC code. D1.8 mostly only has procedures for how to make sure CJP welds meet certain material strength and brittleness requirements.

The AISC Steel code section N says that the fabrication shop has to be considered to be an approved fabricator by the authority having jurisdiction, whatever that means. In practice, I think being AISC or IAS certified shop checks that box for typical smaller jobs. I don't have experience on jobs more than about 3 stories though. I believe this is also repeated in the IBC, if memory serves.

Also, re-reading my notes, not every complete joint penetration weld has to be inspected. Below is from AISC 341-10 so it only applies to seismic design category D and higher jobs.

I also think Section N from the Steel code will tell you what you need to know about when NDT is required.