What's new in AWS D1.1 Ed. 2015 and which parts you should be focused on when processing WPS, PQR and qualification of welders?
20.7.2016
Commission, which issues AWS D1.1 Ed. 2015, has made a big reorganization of the code and publishes a new chapter No. 9 focused on pipe structures. Sections 2 to 6 were substantially affected by this change.
Meet the new code structure of AWS D1.1 Edition 2015 edition issued by the American Welding Company:
- General requirements
- Design of welded joints
- Pre-qualified WPS
- Qualification of WPS, welders / operators and requirements for impact tests (non-tubular structures)
- Production requirements
- Testing / inspection (NDT, admissibility criteria)
- Stud welding
- Straightening and repairs of existing structures
- Tubular structures (* new chapter)
PART A - Design of pipe joints
PART B - Pre-qualified WPS (corner FW, butt CJP and safe welded butt PJP connections)
PART C - Qualification of new WPS
PART D - Welder qualification
PART E - PRODUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
PART F - Inspection and NDT testing
The reorganization of the code has significantly influenced other chapters 2 to 6, and therefore it is important to pay extra attention to the qualification of tubular structures if you were based on the older editions up to 2010. For tubular structures, new qualification ranges have been created for WPS and welders in chapter 9 Part B + C and D and not in chapters 3 and 4 as in the previous edition.
What does this mean for manufacturers who use this design code and declare to their clients that the steel construction complies with the new 2015 edition while using qualified WPS or welder according to the old edition? It is necessary to carry out the assessment by a qualified and responsible person of the manufacturer, who will compare the new 2015 edition with the older one and if necessary, there will be issued a new revision of the WPS which reflects the appropriate changes. If the variables are outside the Qualified Range, you must either issue a new one before the Qualified WPS pursuant to Sections 3 and 9 of Part B or issue a new WPS pursuant to Sections 4 and 9 of Part C.
As an example, the table extract is used to determine the qualified range of weld type and position for pipe welders. Focus primarily on the position of the 6GR, which is the most advantageous in terms of the qualified range, but the most complicated in terms of the welder's skill.
