10.010  What Variations Can Be Developed From A WPS?

Does a PQR for a butt joint qualify a WPS for a T or corner joint with the same weld size?

Also, does a PQR for a groove weld qualify a WPS for a fillet weld of the same size?

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6/16/06 - Response prepared by Dan Watanabe, Metallurgical Laboratory Mansger, Testing Engineers, Inc., San Leandro

Yes, WPS qualification of a complete joint penetration (CJP) groove weld (butt joint) qualifies tee and corner (CJP and PJP) joints within the limits of the qualified WPS. It also qualifies fillet welds within the limits of AWS D1.1 Table 4.1 and 4.2 Note 4. Most fillet welds are afforded pre-qualified status per AWS D1.1 Section 3.9.

6/16/06 - Response prepared by Dave Palfini, Principal, ASNT Level III, and AWS SCWI, Testing Engineers, Inc., San Leandro

When responding to frequently asked questions, the apparent code answer is not always what the inquirer may be seeking. When reviewing and approving welding procedure specifications, the Engineer has the authority to "relax" code requirements or enforce more stringent requirements. In this case, it is possible that the project team was looking for a more comprehensive analysis due to a critical connection required by their design. Following is an interpretation of the code with that thought in mind.

1. For a complete joint penetration (CJP) groove weld, at first glance, yes. AWS D1.1-06, Section 4.9.1.1 Corner or T-Joints states "Test specimens for groove welds in corner or T-joints shall be butt joints having the same groove configuration as the corner or T-joint to be used on construction...."

However, AWS D1.1-06, Table 4.3, Note 2. states "If a PJP bevel- or J-groove weld is to be used for T-joints or double-bevel- or double-J-groove weld is to be used for corner joints, the butt joint shall have a temporary restrictive plate in the plane of the square face to simulate a T-joint configuration."

Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs) requiring qualification by test, resulting in Performance Qualification Test Records (PQR), are typically done to qualify an unproven joint configuration, base metal, weld metal combination. The ability of a/any welder to accomplish a sound weld during construction using this type of WPS is very important

It is recommended that WPSs that are not pre-qualified for T-joints and/or corner joints with J-grooves or double-bevel groove or double-J-groove, whether CJP or PJP, be qualified using a temporary restrictive plate, prior to approval by the Engineer.

2. Yes. AWS D1.1-06, Table 4.2, Note 4. states "CJP groove weld qualification on any thickness or diameter shall qualify any size fillet or PJP groove weld for any thickness."