Inspectors, Regarding Welder Qualification

D1.8 Seismic Supplement Welding Manual

Inspectors.

The Inspector’s role with respect to D1.8 is no different than the role as defined by AWS D1.1, namely to ensure that materials and workmanship meet the requirements of the code and contract documents. This is done by performing inspection as necessary prior to assembly, during assembly, during welding, and after welding. All welds are subject to visual inspection, and depending on contract documents, nondestructive testing may also be required. For work done under the control of D1.8, details of required inspections will typically be specified in the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).

The Inspector has neither the responsibility nor the authority to determine when and where D1.8 is to be applied. This task is assigned to the Engineer who is to identify such requirements in the contract documents.

Compliance with all applicable provisions of D1.1 and D1.8 is required when D1.8 is specified, and the Inspector should perform all the necessary inspections to ensure such compliance. D1.8 has brought about some new requirements, however, that justify specific attention on the part of the Inspector, as follows:

Regarding Welder Qualification

Ensure that the welder has been qualified in accordance with the Annex D Supplemental Welder Qualification for Restricted Access Welding when such qualification is required. See D1.8, clause 5.1.1.

Ensure that the weld backing type (steel, ceramic, copper, or none) is consistent with the type of backing for which the welder has been qualified. See D1.8, clause 5.1.3.

Ensure that the production WPSs used by the welder are at a deposit rate at or below the value used for qualification of the welder when applicable. See D1.8, clause 5.1.2.

Regarding Filler Metals

Ensure that the filler metals used for Demand Critical welds have been tested in accordance with the Annex A WPS Heat Input Envelope Testing, or carry the “-D” designator, or are exempt from such testing. See D1.8, clause 6.3.5.

Ensure that the WPSs show combinations of welding variables that are within the range of permissible heat input values, when applicable. See D1.8, clause 6.1(2).

Regarding Production Welding

Ensure that the values prescribed on the WPS are employed in production.

Ensure that the required layering sequence for welding beam bottom flange to column flange connections is followed. See D1.8, clause 6.14.