Plug Weld Classification

[maxxpower]

Hello,

Square tubing welded onto another part of a weldment. The tubing will have end caps welded on and small relief holes drilled in them for heat treatment purposes. The holes will be welded after welment cools. Because of the lack of backing what would you consider this weld as per D1.1. What kind of WPS would be made for this?

Thank you in advance!

 

[gtaw]

That is a good question. It isn't a plug weld if it isn't welded to anything else.

AWS D1.1 addresses the situation as a repair for a mislocated hole. It requires backing to meet the requirements of prequalification or the contractor must qualify the welding procedure to demonstrate the resulting weld is adequate to meet code requirements.

Best regards - Al

 

[maxxpower]

Thanks Al, I was hoping you would weigh in on this. I was not aware that these holes were going to be drilled as I would have recommended that the end caps be left off for heat treating. I may lobby for an engineering deviation since the tubes in question provide limited structural support.

Thanks again!

 

[gtaw]

No problem. Glad to help.


Best regards - Al

 

[phighfill]

Depending upon the use of the tubing as to whether these should be plugged at all. If there is a shift in climate then condensation will build up in the tubes and cause corrosion from the inside. Also there is a consideration for coating, if they are to be galvanized or painted.