OK, I need to vent a little here and also get your opinions.

We got an NCR written against us by the outside third party inspector, who in my opinion doesn't know what he is talking about.

Actual parts are a 2" XX pipe welded to the side wall of a 6" X pipe at 90 degrees coming off the side.  The 2" pipe is bevelled at 45 degrees for a PGP weld prep to the 6" pipe. Because the 2" pipe is XX I have a landing becasue the depth of bevel calls for only 1/4".  Joint designation on shop drawings is BTC-P4-GF.

When he borrowed my code book and looked up pre-qualified joints in section 3.3/3.4 he says that the code shows "plates" fit up in the illustration, and that becasue we are using pipe it is not pre-qualified.

I tried to explain to him that that is just a drawing of the actual preperation of the end of the material; no matter what type of material it was-W-shape, angle,channel, pipe, plate whatever.  His response was he didn't think so and that it was for plate only and will NCR this condition.

My head almost exploded in my attempt to understand this nonsense.  The code allows all kinds of shapes to be welded with those joint designations.

Am I missing something?
Thanks in advance

Hello Eekpod;

Based on D1.1:2010, check clause 2, Design, Part A which covers both nontubular and tubular connections. Clause 2.3.5.4 references clause 3.12 for PJP joints. It in turn references Figure 3.3 which is the prequalified PJP joint details. Also referenced in clause 2.3.5.4 is a reference to clause 3.13 which references Figure 3.4 for CJP joint details. As such, the joint details depicted are applicable for both PJP and CJP nontubular and tubular connections. The rub is defined in Clauses 3.12.4 and 3.13.4.

Clauses 2.3.5.4 seems to be inconsistent with the requirements of clause 3.12.4 which states prequalified joints for T-, Y-, and K- must conform to the details of Figure 3.5. Consider however that the joint geometry changes continuously as one traverse the circumference of the tubular T-, Y-, and K-joint. Figures 3.3 are ill equipped to accommodate the changes required as one works around the circumference unless the joint is a butt joint where the geometry does not change.  Clause 3.12.4 is specifically directed toward the needs of tubular joints of the T-, Y-, and K- type.  Specifically clause 3.12.4 (1) states that the details depicted in Figures 3.3 are not applicable to T-, Y-, or K- type joints, leaving butt joints to use the details shown in Figure 3.3. Further clause 3.12.4(2) directs the reader to Figure 3.5 for T-, Y-, and K- joints in tubular connections. Figure 3.5 states the details are for PJP tubular T-, Y-, and K-joints.   

Clause 3.13.4 addresses the requirements for tubular CJP joints. It states that any butt joint that is welded from one side that use backing or is welded from both sides and is back gouged are prequalified if the detail conforms with Clause 3 (Figure 3.4). CJP butt joints that are made without backing or not back gouged are not prequalified. Prequalified T-Y-and K- joints must conform to Figures 3.6 and 3.6 and Table 3.5. 

It isn't the easiest reading and it should not be done before going to bed unless you are seeking a cure for insomnia.

Best regards – Al