Joey,
Look at the first part of this Technical Interpretation. If you use a detail that is pre-qualified and it calls for backgouging and backweld/fillet weld, the use of ceramic backing IS Pre-Qualified. This Interpretation is not that old. Still appears to be applicable.
BUT, if the steel backing is detailed to remain with or without fillet welds to the member then ceramic is not a pre-approved replacement for steel. But, you could get an RFI to change the original detail so that a WPS with ceramic would be pre-qualified and ready to go.
AWS D1.1 Interpretation
Subject: Ceramic Backing and Welder Qualification
Code Edition: D1.1:2006
Code Provision: Clause 4
AWS Log: D1.1-06-I10b
Inquiry: (1) If the WPS clearly states that the ceramic backing to be used will be removed, with back
gouging to follow and a back weld then could this WPS then be deemed as prequalified?
(2) Regarding welder qualifications, if a welder is qualified in FCAW-S process using a E70 series
electrode (example E71T-11), is he/she qualified to use other E70 (FCAW) series electrodes
(example E71T-8)?
(3) Is that same welder also qualified to use FCAW-G (example E71T-1)?
Response: (1) Yes, provided all conditions for a prequalified weld are met. Backing other than steel is not a
prequalified substitute where steel backing is required.
(2) Yes.
(3) Yes.
Have a Great Day, Brent