Fred-
The welding procedures are coming along. Located a CWI to walk me through it. My FCAW Qual. was lapsed [local juristiction WABO] so tested in FCAW unlimited Fri. results Mon 3/19 then do PQR on fillet using 4.20 detail B as suggested, inspector will do examination macros, write WPS and we should be good to go using new WPS and pre-qualified full pen with backing from D1.1. When that's in place I will likely do another welder qual for GMAW, limited shop cert. 1G with backing per WABO and PQR for GMAW fillet. Important distinction learned that neither local or AWS distinguishes between innershield and outershield. FCAW is FCAW which made qualifying with outershield easier. Your direction here was invaluable and acquiring AWS D1.1 as a source for information is also incredibly helpfull although assimilating it even in small chunks will be a long learning curve.
RE: Materials. You may remember the A513 I had originally proposed. That went away when the distributor brought their original price quote of A500 back to my attention. The RFI requesting material change specification from A53 Grade B to A500 that you looked at has been submitted to contractor for owners approval and as of 3/16 has not been responded to. I'm told it was probably kicked upstairs to Materials Dept. so we're still waiting. Don't know what if any resistance can be anticipated but I've had enough anticipation this month to last me awhile. If it comes to a dispute, I may reach out for further direction, but they have the certs. 100% melted and manufactured [I'm thinking that is the critical issue for them], chemistry and mechanicals that meet or exceed the A53 Grade B. If rational minds don't prevail I'll have some more sleepless nights to anticipate.
Most of my "spare time" [between 4 AM and 7AM before the world begins] alloted to preparing shop drawings for the one job, getting the business re-formed as an LLC, money managment planning and adjusting schedules and priorities to fit other peoples. Once the material issue is settled I'll sleep easier and be able to move that second project forward faster. The next RFI will take up the 3/4" wall thickness falling below 1/8". Have been councelled not to mention it by some, as it would likely go unnoticed but think your advice for the EOR approval is the best course of action. I'm hoping rational minds do prevail. Just keep slugging away at it, head down one step at a time. Didn't want to hound you unnecessaraly anymore untill I had good news to bring. Maybe do that by weeks end. Thanks for asking .