I would be interested in knowing how any of you that are using D1.1 2000 Sec. 4.0 Part C, Performance Qualification, deal with the visual inspection.

Of course 4.30.1 refers to 4.8.1 for acceptance criteria. My question concerns paragraph 3 which states; "The face of the weld shall be flush with the surface of the base metal…. The last sentence in paragraph 3 goes on to state that; "Weld reinforcement shall not exceed 1/8".

Now according to my dictionary there are no less then 20 definitions of the word "flush". Such as "to make level or even", "making an even or unbroken line or surface", "being even or on the same line or plane" and, " in an even manner; so as to be level or in alignment". A.W.S. does not define their use of it anywhere that I can find.

So my question is, how can any weld bead that is not absolutely flat be flush? In other words, how can any reinforcement be allowed at all if the face of the weld is to be flush with the surface of the base metal? Which definition should apply and how would I defend it?

Also in regards to the amount of undercut allowed. Is the 1/32" that is allowed measured in any direction or is it just the depth? Is it just undercut between the weld toe and the base metal or does it include undercut into an adjacent weld also.

In general, I feel this paragraph needs to be more specific, it leaves way to much to individual interpretation. Anyway, like I said, I'd be interested in your comments.