AWS D1.8 Seismic Welding Requirements: What You Should Know
Did you know that when Demand Critical Welds (moment connection beam-to-column welds, doubler plates, and continuity plates) in Seismic Force Resisting System applications are required to be made in accordance with AWS D1.8 Seismic Welding Requirements, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs) must include the filler metal / weld metal deposition rate?
This requirement exists because welder performance qualification is limited by the maximum deposition rate used during the qualification test. The testing official must ensure this information is included in the WPS used during Welder Performance Qualification testing and documented in the Welder Qualification Test Record.
Following qualification, shop and field welding inspectors must ensure that production WPSs are followed during fabrication and erection. Inspectors must also verify that welders do not exceed the deposition rate for which they were qualified.
Welder Certification Validity
Unlike AWS D1.1, the welder qualification period of effectiveness under AWS D1.8 is limited to three years, provided welding continuity is maintained. If continuity is not maintained, the qualification remains valid for only six months, as defined in AWS D1.1.
AWS D1.8 WPS Requirements
Welding Procedure Specifications used under AWS D1.8 must include the following information:
- Filler metal manufacturer and brand
- Specification sheets for filler metals available with the WPS
- Production Lot Control testing as defined in AWS A5.01/A5.01M
- Charpy V-Notch (CVN) fracture toughness test results listed in the specification sheet
Production Lot Control testing may be performed by:
- The filler metal manufacturer
- The contractor
- A third party acceptable to the engineer
WPS Qualification Requirements
Welding in accordance with AWS D1.8 may be performed using a prequalified WPS written in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M Clause 5 (Prequalification of WPSs).
However, when FCAW-S (self-shielded flux core / inner shield) is used in combination with other welding processes, the WPS must be qualified by testing in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M Clause 6 Qualification Part B.
In these cases, WPS qualification testing must also include CVN testing as required by Part D.
Conclusion
Testing welders and inspecting welds in accordance with AWS D1.8 is more complex than many people realize.
If you are producing welds that must comply with AWS D1.8, it is essential to have a copy of the standard available and understand its requirements.
For more information about Welder Performance Qualification Testing at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF), visit:
https://socalwelding.com/learning/certification-testing/
For technical assistance, call (951) 536-3809. Welding experts are available to answer your questions.
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