Conditions for welder qualifications as per AWS D1.8

By rakeshka Date 08-07-2016 06:50 Edited 08-07-2016 08:40

Dear Sirs,

AS per AWS D1.8, supplementary qualification for welder is needed only if he is to weld a joint which meets all the 3 points mentioned which are 1) a DCW joint, 2) thru access hole and for 3) column to bottom beam flange connection. Can anybody please tell me why is it needed only for bottom beam flange whereas the top flange will be more difficult to weld thru access hole since it will be in overhead position during erection.

Thanks in advance for your time.

By welderbrent (*****)

Date 08-08-2016 13:49

Common sense would tell you that the top is not welded overhead, the backing bar goes in through the access hole and you weld in the downhand/flat position.

Why, pray tell, would you even consider doing that joint overhead? And, very seldom is the backing bar requested to be removed on that joint whereas the bottom on occasion must be removed and backwelded with a 5/16" fillet weld.

Thus, not only was it accomplished through the weld access hole but then had a weld done in the overhead position.

Also, more details are available about the research supporting this in the Commentary for that Clause of D1.8.

Your training on these joints is apparently lacking somewhere along the line.

Brent