By invoking AWS D1.1/D1.1M - 2010 Structural Welding Code/Steel or any other AWS D1.X structural welding code, the Owner is invoking all clauses of the code that are not specifically excluded by the project specifications. As such, the minimum level of inspection is visual examination of all welds. Clause 6 of the structural welding code is specific regarding the responsibility of the contractor's inspector and the responsibilities of the verification inspector. Clause 2 includes a requirement for the use of volumetric examination of connections subject tension that are cyclic and subject to fatigue.

The relevant pages and clauses are:
page 221, clause 6.9: VT of all welds
page 15, clause 2.19: volumetric examination of connections loaded in tension subject to fatigue
page 2, clause 1.4.2: contractor's responsibilities
page 2, clause 1.4.3: inspector's responsibility
page 219, clause 6 - all clauses as applicable

This should serve as a basis of determining was inspections as required.

Visual inspection is a "given" when working to any of the AWS structural welding codes. A reference to the structural welding code in the project specification or on the drawing, in the general notes, etc. is sufficient to invoke the inspection requirements of the code. The Owner/Engineer may specify any additional NDT, such as MT, UT, etc., as a NDT symbol that is stand alone or incorporated into the welding symbol, as a general note stating the type of connection, e.g. all CJP groove welds, or in the project specification. When the inspection requirements are imbedded in the project specification or general notes, it is the contractor's responsibility to ensure those requirements are communicated to the workers and quality control personnel.

Best regards - Al