AWS Weld Procedure
AWS Weld Procedure
(OP)
I've got an issue. It's completely my screw up. I specified a B-L1a WP from Table 8-2 in AISC 360. However, my plate thicknesses are 5/8" which exceed the maximum base metal thickness.
This was discovered by the weld inspector in the field. We could easily change to a B-U4a and bevel the plates but this would be field work and owner is saying they will back charge us. We can't use B-L1b because we don't meet the root opening requirements.
However, section 5.22.4.3 in AWS D1.1 says we can correct that by welding to the sides of plate at the opening to reduce the root opening to the tolerances of B-L1b? Can someone confirm that I am interpreting that section correctly?
Also, I had someone mention we could but WP. I'd never heard of that. My impression was that WP were tested to verify adequacy. Changing any parameter would void the test results.
This was discovered by the weld inspector in the field. We could easily change to a B-U4a and bevel the plates but this would be field work and owner is saying they will back charge us. We can't use B-L1b because we don't meet the root opening requirements.
However, section 5.22.4.3 in AWS D1.1 says we can correct that by welding to the sides of plate at the opening to reduce the root opening to the tolerances of B-L1b? Can someone confirm that I am interpreting that section correctly?
Also, I had someone mention we could but WP. I'd never heard of that. My impression was that WP were tested to verify adequacy. Changing any parameter would void the test results.






RE: AWS Weld Procedure
You're saying you can either bevel the plates in the field OR possibly build up the edges with weld metal? Seems like field bevel would be cheaper there?
If you can talk to some of those field guys and say "What's the easiest/quickest way to fix this", then come up with the procedure to match, you may be ahead there.
"We could but WP"- is that "buy" or what? Yes, you can get prequalified weld procedures.
"Changing any parameter"- Those parameters can all be changed to the limits specified in the welding code. That may be zero variation for something like "weld process" or may be unlimited variation for some other variables- refer to the welding code for the process in question. That would apply to pre-qualified processes and to processes you develop yourself.
RE: AWS Weld Procedure
I don't think the root opening is the only problem the weld inspector has with the square groove welds. The base metal thickness exceeds the limits for the prequalified square groove welds. I don't know enough about welding to speculate whether or not a square groove weld in 5/8" plate will pass the testing required.
RE: AWS Weld Procedure
RE: AWS Weld Procedure
RE: AWS Weld Procedure
Too many important unknowns.