ASME Primary Sections:
I-Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
II-Materials
III-Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components
IV-Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers
V-Nondestructive Examination
VI-Recommended Rules for the Care and Operation of Heating Boilers
VII-Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Power Boilers
VIII-Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
IX-Welding and Brazing Qualifications
X-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
XI-Rules for Inservice Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components
XII-Rules for Construction and Continued Service of Transport Tanks
I've noted the specific form of inspection/examination is not being specified. I am assuming, given the nature of the story, that it's UT.
What you quoted was Section IX, welding and brazing qualifications. I am assuming you go it inverted and intended Section XI.
All Class 1 and 2 Section XI welds are treated as cyclic. They have hoop stresses, thermal stresses, vibration, and Radiation embrittlement to contend with among others.
http://www.ornl.gov/%7Ewebworks/cppr/y2001/pres/119907.pdfThere are some ASME codes that allow cracks, one such particular case is UT in lieu of radiography case #2235. It's terminology is "planar" indications with sizes being determined by length to height ratios and distance from the ID/OD surfaces and or if they are surface breaking.
Insofar as Section XI is concerned, yes they do have some allowance for linears in the primary systems. However; they are monitored for growth closely. Far closer than nearly any bridge program.
Regards,
Gerald