Hi schaller mobil,

Not necessarily, because for side bend coupons the entire cross section of the weld is stressed, which is especially useful for exposing defects near the mid-thickness, which may not have otherwise contributed to failure in face or root bend coupons, and are more likely to be exposed during side bending. Since face bend coupons are stressed more at the top of the weld, and root bend coupons are stressed more at the root, the welds on these two coupons are really only moderately stressed during bending, with less stress at the mid-thickness when compared to side bends.

I would agree that there is less cross sectional area for a defect to be found in 1/2" plate but is far from impossible to be able to fail.

Brian J. Maas