AWS D1.1 Structrual Weld Code - Steel
2020 Edition
What is the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code?
AWS D1.1 contains the requirements for qualification of procedures and welders, fabrication, construction or erection, and inspection of welded steel structures that utilize carbon or low alloy steels.
D1.1 is further defined to only apply to metals 1/8" or thicker, which have a yield strength of 100 ksi (690 MPa) or less.
What is in the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code?
The sections or chapters of AWS D1.1 are referred to as “Clauses”. Currently there are 11 clauses as of the printing of the 2020 edition, which are as follows.
General Requirements
Clause 1
A definition of scope, safety precautions, limitations, responsibilities, mandatory and non-mandatory definitions, with a reference to welding symbols as detailed in AWS A2.4.
Normative References
Clause 2
This is a listing of documents and standards which are referenced within the AWS D1.1 code book.
Terms and Definitions
Clause 3
A glossary of terms and their definitions.
Design of Welded Connections
Clause 4
Requirements for the design of welded connections.
Prequalification of WPSs
Clause 5
Detailed requirements for creating prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS). Prequalfied WPSs written in conformance to the requirements of this clause are exempt from the Qualification requirements in Clause 6.
Qualification
Clause 6
The qualification requirements of the code for PQR/WPS and the performance qualification of welders.
Fabrication
Clause 7
Requirements for the fabrication and erection of welded assemblies and structures, as well as materials, weld quality, and dimensional tolerances.
Inspection
Clause 8
Requirements for inspection and non-destructive testing are divided up into 7 parts and include contractor responsibilities, acceptance criteria, NDT procedures, and other inspection requirements.
Stud Welding
Clause 9
General and specific requirements related to Stud Welding.
Tubular Structures
Clause 10
This clause supplements the other clauses and only applies to tubular connections. Tubular refers to circular, rectangular, or square hollow structural sections of material.
Strengthening and Repair of Existing Structures
Clause 11
Applies to instances where an existing structure needs strengthened or repaired, and where the Engineer has provided the necessary modifications to be performed.
Annexes
The annex consists of two major divisions
Normative Annexes : These annexes are considered part of the standard consisting of Annex A through I
Informative Annexes : These annexes are not considered part of the standard and are provided for informational purposes consisting of Annex J through T.
Commentary
The commentary is provided to generate better understanding of the application of the code, and presents background information with some guidance on the intent of the code committee.
What welding processes are approved for welding in AWS D1.1?
The welding processes approved for use with prequalified welding procedures are
SMAW : Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick Welding)
SAW : Submerged Arc Welding (Sub-arc Welding)
GMAW : Gas Metal Arc Welding (Mig or Mag Welding)
(prequalification does not include the transfer mode of Short Circuit)
FCAW : Flux Core Arc Welding
Additional welding processes that are approved for use by D1.1, but which require qualification are
GMAW-S : Short Circuit transfer mode of Gas Metal Arc Welding
GTAW : Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
ESW : Electro-Slag Welding
EGW : Electro-Gas Welding
What Form Should I Use for an AWS D1.1 WPS?
AWS D1.1 provides sample welding forms in Annex J. The main sample forms include templates for
WPS : Welding Procedure Specification
PQR : Procedure Qualification Record
WPQ : Welder Performance Qualification
Sometimes also referred to as a
WQR : Welder Qualification Record
WPQTR : Welder Performance Qualification Test Record
The complete list of sample forms contained in AWS D1.1 Annex J are as follows
J-1 : Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) forms
J-2 : Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) forms
J-3 : WPS Qualification Test Record for Electroslag and Electrogas Welding
J-4 : Welder, Welding Operator, or Tack Welder Qualification Test Record (Single-Process)
J-5 : Welder, Welding Operator, or Tack Welder Qualification Test Record (Multi-Process)
J-6 : Report of Radiographic Examination of Welds
J-7 : Report of Magnetic Particle Examination of Welds
J-8 : Stud Welding Application Qualification Test, Pre-Production Test, PQR, or WQR Form
What are the Common AWS Structural Welding Code Standards?
D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel
D1.2 Structural Welding Code - Aluminum
D1.3 Structural Welding Code - Sheet Steel
D1.4 Structural Welding Code - Reinforcing Steel
D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
D1.6 Structural Welding Code - Stainless Steel
D1.7 Strengthening and Repair of Existing Structures
D1.8 Structural Welding Code - Seismic Supplement
D1.9 Structural Welding Code - Titanium
What are the responsibilities of an AWS D1.1 Contractor?
Engineer
The Engineer for the project is responsible to develop and define the contract documents, such as the scope of work, drawings, and project specifications. D1.1 makes specific allowance for the Engineer to modify requirements of this code, and requires that the specific changes are incorporated into the contract documents mentioned above. If any modifications have been made by the Engineer they should be well understood during estimating, and should be confirmed or clarified before contracts are signed.
Contractor
The Contractor is responsible for meeting the requirements of the contract as well as the D1.1 code. The Contractor shall supply Welding Procedures (WPS) that conform to D1.1, qualification of skilled welders, the Contractors inspections, materials as specified, and to perform their work in conformance to the contract documents and D1.1.
Inspector
The following are two types of inspectors as defined in AWS D1.1, specific details are included in Clause 8 of D1.1.
Contractor’s Inspector: supplied by the Contractor whose duties include welding inspection as well as inspections that ensure materials and workmanship meet the meet the requirements of the contract documents and D1.1.
Verification Inspector: D1.1 does not mandate a verification inspector but instead specifies that the Engineer shall determine if they will require it for the project. The Engineer should disclose this requirement in the contract, so the Contractor is aware that they will have to interface and coordinate with a Verification Inspector. The Verification Inspector works on behalf of the Engineer who also defines what their official responsibilities will be.
Mandatory vs Non-Mandatory Requirements of AWS D1.1
AWS D1.1 includes definitions to clarify to all parties what is mandatory vs non-mandatory in the code. The following is a summary of those definitions.
Shall: References using “shall” are mandatory; unless specifically modified in contract documents by the Engineer.
Should: References using “should” are non-mandatory recommended practices that are considered beneficial, but are not required.
May: References using “may” are non-mandatory or optional, which could supplement the code requirements.
General Structure and Organization of AWS D1.1
General Requirements
Normative References
Terms and Definitions
Design of Welded Components
Part A : Common Design of Welded Connections (Tubular & Nontubular)
Part B : Design of Welded Nontubular Connections (Static or Cyclical)
Part C : Design of Nontubular Connections (Cyclical)
Prequalification of WPSs
Part A : Part A : WPS Development
Part B : Base Metal
Part C : Weld Joints
Part D : Welding Process
Part E : Filler Metals and Shielding Gases
Part F : Preheat and Interpass Temperatures
Part G : WPS Requirements
Part H : PWHT Requirements
Qualification
Part A : General Requirements
Part B : Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Qualification
Part C : Performance Qualification
Part D : Requirements for CVN Toughness Testing
Fabrication
Inspection
Part A : General Requirements
Part B : Contractor Responsibilities
Part C : Acceptance Criteria
Part D : NDT Procedures
Part E : Radiographic Testing (RT)
Part F : Ultrasonic Testing (UT) of Groove Welds
Part G : Other Examination Methods
Stud Welding
Tubular Structures
Part A : Design of Tubular Connections
Part B : Prequalification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs)
Part C : Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Qualification
Part D : Performance Qualification
Part E : Fabrication
Part F : Inspection
Strengthening and Repair of Existing Structures
Annexes
Annex A : Effective Throats of Fillet Welds in Skewed T-Joints
Annex B : Guideline on Alternative Methods for Determining Preheat
Annex D : Temperature-Moisture Content Charts
Annex E : Flatness of Girder Webs - Statically Loaded Structures
Annex F : Flatness of Girder Webs - Cyclically Loaded Structures
Annex G : Qualification and Calibration of UT Units with Reference Blocks
Annex H : Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
Annex I : Symbols for Tubular Connection Weld Design
Annex J : Sample Welding Forms
Annex K : Contents of Prequalified WPS
Annex L : Filler Metal Strength Properties
Annex M : AWS A5.36 Filler Metal Classification and Properties
Annex N : Guide for Specification Writers
Annex O : UT Examination of Welds by Alternative Techniques
Annex P : UT Equipment Qualification and Inspection Forms
Annex Q : Local Dihedral Angle
Annex R : Ovalizing Parameter Alpha
Annex S : List of Reference Documents
Annex T : Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries
Commentary