AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsWelding SymbolsMedium
A CWI is inspecting a pressure vessel drawing. The welding symbol for a critical joint includes a circle at the junction of the reference line and the arrow. What does this supplementary symbol indicate regarding the weld location?
- AThe weld is to be made all around the joint.
- BThe weld must be visually inspected.
- CThe weld requires a backing strip.
- DThe weld is to be performed in the field.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The weld is to be made all around the joint.
A circle at the junction of the reference line and the arrow is the 'weld all around' supplementary symbol, meaning the weld extends completely around the joint.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Visual inspection is an NDE method, not indicated by a circle at this location.
- C. A backing strip is indicated by a specific supplementary symbol within the groove weld symbol or on the other side of the reference line.
- D. A field weld is indicated by a flag at the junction of the reference line and the arrow.
'Weld All Around' Symbol
A circle at the junction of the reference line and the arrow indicates that the weld is to extend completely around the joint.
- Always a circle.
- Located at arrow/reference line junction.
- Applies to entire joint perimeter.
Memory trick: Circle means 'complete circuit', flag means 'far field'.