AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsInspector Duties and ResponsibilitiesEasy
A CWI is inspecting a set of completed structural steel welds where the WPS specified a maximum reinforcement height of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm). The CWI measures some welds with a reinforcement height of 3/16 inch (4.8 mm). The governing code is AWS D1.1. According to AWS D1.1, what is the disposition of these welds regarding reinforcement height?
- AUnacceptable, and the welder must be re-qualified for poor technique.
- BAcceptable, as minor excess reinforcement is generally not detrimental to strength.
- CUnacceptable, as the reinforcement exceeds the specified maximum and must be reduced.
- DAcceptable, provided the reinforcement blends smoothly with the base metal.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Unacceptable, as the reinforcement exceeds the specified maximum and must be reduced.
Excessive weld reinforcement, even if it blends smoothly, creates stress risers and can be a non-conformance. The WPS specifies a maximum of 1/8 inch, and 3/16 inch clearly exceeds this. According to AWS D1.1, reinforcement must be within specified limits. Thus, these welds are unacceptable and require grinding down to the specified limits.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While poor technique might be indicated, the immediate disposition is about the weld itself, not necessarily re-qualification.
- B. Excess reinforcement can be detrimental, especially under fatigue or dynamic loading, and is a non-conformance if it exceeds limits.
- D. Smooth blending is good practice, but it doesn't override the dimensional limit for reinforcement height.
Weld Reinforcement Limits
The specified maximum height above the base metal surface allowed for a groove weld's reinforcement, crucial for preventing stress concentrations and ensuring proper fit-up for subsequent operations.
- Excessive reinforcement can act as a stress riser.
- Limits are specified in WPS and governing codes (e.g., AWS D1.1).
- Must be ground down if exceeding specified maximums.
Memory trick: Too Tall Reinforcement Must Fall.