My name is Borja and I´m from Spain; actually I´m working on a company who manufactured pressure vessels; most of these according to ASME Code.
On the new edition of the code ASME VIII Div.I Ed.2013, new locations of impact test has been added (Table UG-84.6) for the heat affected zone; for example:
For thickness >19mm two sets of impact tests shall be removed from a depth of between 1/4t and 1/2t from the weld surface, and a second specimen set shall be removed from a depth of between 1/4t and 1/2t from theroot surface.
But, if you have a coupon of 19mm thickness for example; it´s imposible remove a full impact test specimen (10x10) because between 1/4t and 1/2t you only have 5 mm!
Perhaps ASME is referring to the axis of the specimen?
Do you know any interpretations or point on the code refer to this topic?
I do not know of an interpretation however, there is concurring language in other codes and standards, it has been industry standard for as long as I've been around, and as you say, its impossible if you don't think of it this way. If you need greater comfort, since you are working to Section VIII, ask your AI.
You wrote: "It's strange, because ASME is a code that leaves nothing to interpretation, normally it´s all very well explained"
I respectfully disagree! Although, I will defer from debating this and will defer to Al, or anyone else so they can explain in much greater detail than I could... Btw, "Weldcome" to the World's Greatest Welding Forum of the AWS! BorjaSpain! Felicidades y mucho gusto caballero! Translation: Good to meet you cowboy, or horseman...
I would have to agree with Henry in a sense. ASME tries very hard to write in rules that need little interpretation or clarification. It doesn't always work. That's why they get together for interpretations four times a year. But also keep in mind that ASME leaves a lot out, on purpose. ASME Codes are designed to allow engineering flexibility. The committees are very conscious of providing safety minimums and little else. If they did not do this the Codes would be 10" thick or more.