AASHTO/AWS D1.5:2020 - BRIDGE WELDING CODE D1.5:2020 Bridge Welding Code is the updated version of D1.5:2015 with several important revisions in different clauses of the code. There are 12 clauses in D1.5: 2020, where clause 8 (previously clause 6 in the 2015 version) is on inspec- tion and nondestructive testing (NDT) of the welding. The updates and revisions on this clause (regarding inspection) are highlighted in this article. Table 1 summarizes the NDT methods and their frequency for complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds. Other major revisions on the “inspec- tion” clause of D1.5:2020 are summa- rized in Table 2 in comparison with the previous version of D1.5:2015. REFERENCES AWS, 2020, AASHTO/AWS D1.5:2020: Bridge Welding Code, American Welding Society, Miami, FL. Pillai, V.J., and Teresa Michalk, “AASHTO/ AWS D1.5:2020, Prefabricated Structural Materials Section,” March 2021 STANDARDS EDITOR Hossein Taheri, PhD: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA htaheri@georgiasouthern.edu SCANNER | STANDARDSUPDATE TA B L E 1 NDT methods and their frequency for CJP groove welds Weld Type Joint Type Process Member Design Stress Type NDT Method Frequency CJP groove welds Butt joints other than in webs of flexural members Other than electro- slag welding (ESW) or electrogas arc welding (EGW) Tension or reversal RT 100% of each joint Compression or shear UT or RT 25% (See 8.7.3) ESW or EGW Tension or reversal RT and UT 100% of each joint Compression or shear 25% (See 8.7.3) Butt joints in webs of flexural members, transverse to the direction of bending stress Other than ESW or EGW Tension RT 1/6 of the web depth beginning at the tension flange or flanges for each joint ESW or EGW RT and UT Other than ESW or EGW Compression UT or RT 25% of the remainder of the web depth for each joint ESW or EGW RT and UT Butt joints in webs of flexural members, parallel to the direc- tion of bending stress Other than ESW or EGW Shear UT or RT 25% (See 8.7.3) ESW or EGW RT and UT T or corner joints Any Tension or reversal UT 100% of each joint Compression or shear (including web to either flange) 25% (See 8.7.4) 18 M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N • N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2
TA B L E 2 Major revisions on "inspection" clause of D1.5:2020 in comparison with the previous version of D1.5:2015 D1.5:2015 D1.5:2020 6.7.1.2: RT and UT of welds shall be performed in conformance with the following frequency requirements: The remainder of the section has been reworded or reformatted. 8.7.2: Partial NDT of Transverse Butt Joints in Webs. If partial NDT of transverse butt joints in webs is required and a defect is found in the tested length, the uninspected remainder of the weld shall be tested by UT or RT as required for the type of loading by Table 8.1. If a defect is found in any test length of a weld in a transverse butt joint in a web, the remainder of the weld shall be tested by UT or RT as required for the type of loading by Table 8.1. 6.7.2 and 6.7.2.1 were reworded/ reformatted. 8.7.4 Fillet Welds and Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) Groove Welds. Requirements for 10% testing given in Table 8.1 shall be satisfied by 8.7.4.1 or 8.7.4.2 as applicable. 8.7.4.1 Long Welds. For welds 10 ft or longer, at least 12 in. shall be tested in every 10 ft length. If a defect is found in any test length of weld, the full length of the weld, or 5 ft on both sides of the test length, whichever is less, shall be tested. 8.7.4.2 Short Welds. Welds less than 10 ft in length shall be tested on either a per joint or per lot basis in accordance with either 8.7.4.2(1) or 8.7.4.2(2), respectively. (1) Testing on Per Joint Basis. At least 12 in. of each weld shall be tested. If a defect is found in any test length, the full length shall be tested. (2) Testing on Lot Basis. 10% of the total joints in a lot as defined in 8.7.3.3 shall be tested for their full length. Joints tested on a lot basis shall be distributed throughout the work and shall be total at least 10% of the applicable fillet weld or PJP weld length. If defects are found in 20% or more of the joints tested in a lot, all joints in that lot shall be tested for their full length. 6.7.8 Phased array UT (PAUT) in accordance with Annex K may be substituted for conventional UT (as described in Part C of this clause). 8.7.10 PAUT in accordance with Annex J may be substituted for conventional UT (as described in Part C of this clause). Note - PAUT is NOT a substitute for UT when used in lieu of RT. K4.1 Personnel Qualification Requirements. In satisfying the requirements of 6.1.3.4, the qualification of the PAUT operator shall include a spe- cific and practical examination that shall be based on the requirements of this code. This examination shall require the PAUT operator to demonstrate the ability to apply the rules of this code in the accurate detection and disposition of discon- tinuities. J4.1 Additionally, individuals shall be certified as: (a) UT Level II in accordance with 8.1.3.4 (1) and have supplemental qualifications for PAUT or (b) UT Level III in accordance with 8.1.3.4 (3) and have supplemental qualifications for PAUT. This includes Level III Personnel who collect and analyze PAUT data. Supplemental qualifications for PAUT shall include the following: (1) A written test based on PAUT requirements of this code. (2) PAUT examinations of at least two welded joints (e.g. butt, T, corner) that contain real or artificial discontinuities to be examined using a phased array procedure written in accordance with this Annex. (3) 320 hours of PAUT work experience. Individuals meeting the supplemental requirements except the work experience shall have data and reports reviewed and confirmed by a UT Level II with the supplemental PAUT qualifications or UT Level III with the supplemental PAUT qualifications. N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 • M AT E R I A L S E V A L U AT I O N 19
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