Welded in Canada, used in USA CWB/AWS

[Korichnevijgigant]

Question for you all with probably way more experience than I.

We are getting a structural frame (steel tube) built for us by a Canadian firm, as it is for occupancy here in the USA we are required to meet US Codes and standards so AWS

Looking at both Codes it seems like CWB has a more rigorous certification process, but AWS has slightly different classification of welds. But they have reciprocity

Can anyone help me out with what to look for in the Canadian company's documentation/certification?

I do not want to get too far down the "road" with them only to later find out I need to perform all sorts of NDE and CWI inspections to get these frames approved for use

I appreciate any input/feedback

 

[dik]

Check with your local authority... likely the CSA Standard is adequate...

Dik

 

This cross-border question arises frequently. This page may have what you're looking for:

https://www.cwbgroup.org/services/documents-forms

and look for this document: "Similarities and Differences: CSA Standards W47.1 & W59 and AWS D1.1" (although do not assume AWS D1.1 is the applicable code)
Ultimately the constructor will have to meet the requirements of the code that is applicable in the jurisdiction where the product ends up.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."

 

[Bagman2524]

AWS D1.1 section 6.1.4.1 allows reciprocity for inspector qualification by CWB standard W178.2. I don't think that there is any reciprocity for welder qualifications.

All I know is P/A and Mc/I

 

[gtaw]

Under the auspices of AWS D1.1, it is the Engineer, representing the Owner, that has the authority to review and approve WPSs and welder qualifications.

Without knowing the position or authority granted to the individual posting the question, it is difficult to say whether he has any say in this matter.

Generally speaking, the Canadian's CWB standards have a more rigorous system qualification than the AWS welding codes.

However, I didn't see in the post whether the project specifications called for the structure to be fabricated to American or Canadian standards. Did this project involve just fabricating to approved drawings or was this a design build project?[tt][/tt]

Best regards - Al

 

[Korichnevijgigant]

The project calls for AWS D1.1, but the fabricator is in Canada and is all CWB/A and the SEOR is super conservative and not wanting to make a decision

 

[pradipgoswami]

There is always scope of reciprocity between the jurisdictions of both the countries.
Hence though located in Canada the fabricator would be able fabricate structures to D-1.1 if facility is certified BY AWS.

Following link showcases AWS certified companies in Canada.

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/cwf-international-list

Similarly these are the list of CWB certified companies in USA:

https://www.cwbgroup.org/services/certified-directory-search/companies

AWS D-1.1 accepts reciprocal qualifiecations of inspectors: under clause 6.1.4 Inspector Qualification Requirements.

Both codes have pros and cons and both acts as choice to fabricators. Hence a discussion with the vendor with the contract documents would be more fruitful,

Thanks.


Pradip Goswami,P.Eng.IWE
Welding & Metallurgical Specialist
Ontario,Canada.
ca.linkedin.com/pub/pradip-goswami/5/985/299