Full penetration welds 3

If you're writing the spec (or the dwg, or the building contract) - put it in that the weld be tested - RT? (X-ray) or mag particle is the only realistic way to "test" all the way through the a weld without destroying it.

International Building Code has an opinion on testing and observation of welding procedures for full penetration welds.

I my experience all complete pentration welds require non-destructive testing beyond visual. Inclusions will greatly decease the weld strength. These discontinuities can not be identified with visual inspection. I will review D1.1 for the specific information.

WHERE IN THE WELDING CODE, DOSE IT SPECIFICALLY STATE A "FULL PENETRATION WELD" IS REQUIRED TO BE NON- DESTRUCTIVE TESTED. I BELIEVE THIS IS'NT A MATTER OF OPTION , ITS A MATTER OF FACT. IF I'M WRONG, WOULD SOMEBODY GUIDE ME OTHERWISE. THANK YOU.

Is it a code requirement in some jurisdictions... I usually locate weldments to eliminate CJP welds or design members to provide for the surplus capacity.

Dik

NDT for all "full penetration welds" (CJP) is not a D1.1 requirement. Unless the welds are subject to cyclic loading. Typically the percentage of welds to be tested is given in the project specifications. Also many fabricators test 100% of CJP welds within their own QA/QC requirements.

More recommendations will be given in the new Chapter N of the AISC 2010 Spec. And, I believe 100% testing will be required of tension loaded welds.

The attached article was in this months Modern Steel Construction.