I have submitted the following inquiry by hard copy but am curious as to whether any one has any knowledge of the anticipated response.

Subject:  Radiography of Welder Performance Qualification Test Plates
Code Edition:  AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2008
Code Provision:  Paragraph 4.30.3.2; Paragraph 6.12.2; Figure 4.21; and Figure  6.2

Code Inquiry for AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2008

Scope  AWS D1.1-2008; paragraph 6.12.2.

Purpose of the Inquiry:  To clarify the radiographic interpretation of welder performance qualification test welds on plate.

Content of the Inquiry:  Is it the intent of the Code that the radiographic areas denoting the 2.5” interpretable area, on a five (5) inch long welders performance qualification test plate (I.e., Figure 4.21), be considered as a “free edge” or “intersecting weld” for the requirement of minimum clearance per Figure 6.2?
Or
Should the 2.5” radiographic area be considered as having “extension” beyond the radiographic area marker as it actually does?

Proposed Reply:  The 2.5” radiographic area should be interpreted as having “extension” beyond the radiographic area marker.
Or
The area markers denoting the 2.5” radiographic area should be evaluated as representing the “free edge” of the plate or an “intersecting weld” beyond which there is no “extension”.