Bite me.
I usually take the position that the code delineates the minimum requirements that must be met. The contractor can go the extra mile if he feels it is prudent to do so.
In this case I see little ambiguity regarding how welders are to be qualified when the appropriate clauses of D1.1 are used as the basis of making a determination of what has to be done. The groove details are provided for the grooved tests and the configuration of the T-joint is provided for the Fillet Break Test. I do not see any provisions, i.e., figures depicting a grooved joint where back gouging is involved. Nor do I read in any of the clauses where there are provisions for back gouging the grooved tests coupons in Clause 3 part C, Performance Qualification.
I see no problem with a contractor that determines it is in their best interest to have the welder demonstrate the ability to use a carbon arc gouger to back gouge the root if that is how they are expected to do their production welds. However the test that includes back gouging supplements the testing mandated by the applicable welding standard. In this case at issue is what D1.1 requires. What is required by D1.1 is not the same as what is required by D1.2, D1.5, ASME Section IX, or any other code. What a different code requires is not relevant to D1.1.
I remember taking a test with a contractor when I was still welding. The contractor had the welders weld the test plates in the 6G position and told us that the one position qualified us for all positions. I don't believe there are too many CWIs that would make that mistake in today's environment.
Let me play the devil’s advocate; can you cite the applicable clauses in Part C of Clause 4 that provides direction, i.e., a figure, or text that specifically allows the welder to back gouge the root of the test plate? To this point I haven't seen anyone present a case where they were able to cite a clause or figure allowing back gouging of the test plates.
Let’s not confuse what is permitted in production welding with what is required when qualifying the welder. To that point (paraphrased) I cite Clause 4.19 that states that the welder qualification tests should not be used as a guide for production welding.
Make your case friends.
Best regards – Al