STRUCTURAL STEEL EDUCATIONAL COUNCIL

TECHNICAL INFORMATION & PRODUCT SERVICE

JANUARY 1997

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

for
STRUCTURAL STEEL WELDING
PRACTICES

This Guide provides a quick reference to codes and standards for selected
topics regarding the welding of structural steel. The Guide mainly
addresses welding practices, but contains some related design topics.
Topics are grouped alphabetically, within the eight section titles in the
Structural Welding Code--Steel, AWS D1.1-96.

The Guide consists of a Reference Table, Reference List, and Index of

Topics. To use the Guide, 1) locate the subject matter in the Index of
Topics, 2) find the topic in the Reference Table and note the corresponding
reference list number and location, and 3) find the title of the reference
list number in the Reference List. Not all topics and topic locations are
listed. However, the topics listed and locations given should allow the
user to find most subject matter on welding practices.

The information presented in this Steel TIPs is for general information

only, and should not be used without independent examination and
verification of its suitability by the user.
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCE CONTENT REFERENCE LIST
NO. LOCATION

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Safety Hazards present an welding and 1 Pg 2, Annex J
cutting 2a Pg 520
13 Pg 15 1-1

Structural Steel, Defined Elements of steel frame that 4 Pg 5

support design load

Symbols Symbols to indicate joint type, 1 Pg 2, 3

size, length, position, location, 2a Pg 195
and process 3 Pg 4-152 to 155
6 Pg 6-14, 15, 19
13 Pg 16 1-39

Terms and Definlbons Definlbons for terms used En the 1 Annex B

AWS Code and for general 2a Pg 554
welding terms 4 Pg 3
9 Pg 71
13 Pg 16 1-1

2. DESIGN OF WELDED CONNECTIONS

Engineer's Role m Minimizing Steels to use, weldments to 10 Pg 18
Weld Defects avoid, and submittals to require

Field Instruchons Informabon to erector on making 1 Pg 3

welds 6 Pg 6-40

Lamellar Tearing Defimtlon, causes, and 1 Pg 3

prevention of this phenomenon 2a Pg 137
5 Pg 2-19
8 Pg 44
9 Pg 61
10 Pg 16
13 Pg 6 1-9

Notches and Bnttle Fracture Locabons where notches can 1 Pg 162

occur, and details to avoid 5 Pg 2-21
notches

Sequence of Joint Welding When and how to convey welding 1 Pg 3, 230

sequence 2a Pg 136
9 Pg 37, 67, 71
10 Pg 20

Welded Joints (Connections) Requirements for design of I Pg 3

welded joints and connections 3 Pg 4-152
5 Pg 2-3
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCECONTENT REFERENCELIST

NO. LOCATION

3. PREQUALIFICATION OF WPSs
Fillet Welds Requirements and techniques. 1 Pg 49, 160, 169
2a Pg 154
5 Pg 2-4
8 Pg 31
Groove Welds Requirements and technaques 1 Pg 49, 169
2a Pg 149
5 Pg 2-5
Plug and Slot Welds Requirements and techn,ques 1 Pg 49, 169
Prequallfied Joint Details Joint preparation details for joints 1 Pg 52 to 99
m prequahfied welding procedure 3 Pg 4-153 to 173
specifications 6 Pg 6-12
11 Pg 29

Root Layer L•mltatlons on peenIng 1 Pg 172

9 Pg 67

Root Opening Tolerances for root openings 1 Pg 49, 164

13 Pg 2 2-6

Stnnger Beads What they are and why they are 1 Annex B(Pg 282)
used. 9 Pg 67

Welding Procedure Spec•ficahons Scope and requirements I Pg 41,239

(WPSs) 2a Pg 439
5 Pg 2-3
10 Pg 26
12 Pg D-57
14 All
15 All

Welding Processes Common welding processes for 1 Pg 41, 51

both prequahfied and quahfied by 2b All
test 5 Pg 2-12
6 Pg 6-3
10 Pg 12
13 Pg 5 0-1, 5 6-1

Electrogas Welding (EGW) Automahc, sohd or flux core wire 1 Pg 41, 105, 157
electrode with gas shielding 2a Pg 12
2b Pg 234
5 Pg 2-17
13 Pg 5.5-3
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCECONTENT REFERENCELIST

NO. LOCATION

Electroslag Weldtng(ESW) AutomatEc,solid were electrode(s) 1 Pg 41, 105, 157

that melt m slag pool (not an arc 2a Pg 13
welding process) 2b Pg 272
5 Pg 2-17
10 Pg 13
13 Pg 5 5-1

Flux Cored Arc

Welding Sema-automatlc,with flux in core 1 Pg 41, 102
(FCAW) of tubular electrode 2a Pg 7
2b Pg 158
5 Pg 2-16
10 Pg 12
13 Pg 5 3-1
Gas Metal Arc
Welding Seml-automahc,sohd wire 1 Pg 41, 102
(GMAW) electrode with gas shleldmg 2a Pg 7
2b Pg 110
5 Pg 2-16
10 Pg 13
13 Pg 5 4-2

Shielded Metal ArcW e l d i n g Manual,flux coated "sttck" 1 Pg 41, 102

(SMAW) electrode 2a Pg 4
2b Pg 44
5 Pg 2-12
10 Pg 12
13 Pg 5 1-1

Submerged Arc Welding Automabc or semi-automatic, 1 Pg 41, 102

(SAW) sohd wire electrode with arc 2a Pg 5
submerged m a granular flux 2b Pg 192
5 Pg 2-15
10 Pg 13
13 Pg 5 2-1

4. QUALIFICATION
Potations of Welds and Welding Onentatlon and hmltahons of the 1 Pg 51, 102, 103,
Potations four positions for groove and fillet 104
Flat welds, and corresponding 5 Pg 2-13
Honzontal welding positions 6 Pg 6-13
Overhead
Vertical

Quahficahon ofPerformance Requirementsfor quahficatlon 1 Pg 137

(Welder) tests of welders 2a Pg 438, 455
8 Pg 30
13 Pg 11 4-1
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCE CONTENT REFERENCE LIST

NO. LOCATION
Qualification of
Welding Requirements for quahficat•on 1 Pg 102
Procedure Specifications tests for welding procedure 2a Pg 438, 451
specifications 8 Pg 30
13 Pg 11.3-1, 6 2-1
5. FABRICATION
Arc Strikes Dispos•t•on of arc strikes. 1 Pg 172
8 Pg 31
Backing (Backing Bars) Requirements and sketch of 1 Pg 159
backing 5 Pg 2-49
13 Pg 2 2-6
Backing Bar Tack Welds Sketch of backing bar tack welds 5 Pg 2-23

Base Metal Approved base metal for 1 Pg 155,

structure, weld tabs, backing, and Annex M
spacers 2a Pg 111

Cleaning Welds Slag removal between passes 1 Pg 172

and on completed weld 13 Pg 2 1-5

Clearance for Welding Requirements for positioning I Pg 171

electrode 5 Pg 2-55
6 Pg 6-38

Cracking, Cracks Causes and repair 1 Pg 171,

Annex XI(Pg263)
10 Pg 14
13 Pg 6 3-17

Discontinuities and Defects Avoiding and correcting defects I Pg 171, 174,

175, 183
2a Pg 364
10 Pg 14, 21
13 S e v e r a l Iocabons

D•stortlon and Shrinkage How to control and correct 1 Pg 164

2a Pg 136, 218
8 Pg 43
10 Pg 22
13 Pg 3 1-1
Electrodes(Consumables) Combinationswith base metal, 1 Pg 41, 155,
requirements, and classifications Annex M
6 6-7
10 Pg 15
13 Pg 4 1-1

Environment Allowable temperature, wetness, 1 Pg 160

wind

4
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCECONTENT REFERENCELIST

NO. LOCATION
Equipment for Welding and Requirements 1 Pg 159
Cutting 2a Pg 9
2b Pg 2
13 Pg 4 2-1, 4 3-1

Fitting Objecbves and inspection of 7 Pg 17

placing parts together 13 Pg 4 4-1
Highly Restrained Welded Joints Causes and mltlgabon of 1 Annex XI
restrained joints (Pg 266)
CX12 (Pg 426)
3 Pg 4-152
9 All
11 Pg 33
Peemng Reasons for and hmltat•ons 1 Pg 172
9 Pg 67
10 Pg 20
13 Pg 3 1-7
Preheat and Interpass Reasons for, minimum 1 Pg 45, 158
Temperatures temperatures, and other 10 Pg 16
requirements 13 Pg 3 3-1
Preparation of Base Metal Edge dascontmu•hes and their 1 Pg 160
hm•tatlons 8 Pg 7, 8
Stress Relief Requirements for stress rehef by 1 Pg 158
heat treatment 10 Pg 16, 18
13 Pg 33-1
Temporary and Tack Welds General requtrements for 1 Pg 163
placement and removal 8 Pg 14
Thermal Cutting Processes and capabdltles 2a Pg 27
2b Pg 450, 482
5 Pg 2-17
13 Pg 13 5-1
Tolerance of Joint Dimensions Joint assembly requirements 1 Pg 164
including sketches 7 Pg 50
Weld Tabs (and Weld Dams) Use and sketches on how to 1 Pg 172
place 5 Pg 2-48, 49
8 Pg 32
12 Pg B-6
 REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCE CONTENT REFERENCE LIST
NO. LOCATION
Weldablhty Required capacltaes for steel to 1 Annex B(Pg 284)
be welded 2a Pg 119
5 Pg 2-7
10 Pg 11
13 Pg 6 1-1
Workmanship, Techmques Proper welding practmes. 1 All
8 Pg 29
9 Pg 67
10 Pg 14
11 Pg 33
13 Several Iocabons

6. INSPECTION
Inspection Checks Vanous items to check dunng 7 Pg 20
welding
Inspectors and Inspecbon General requirements, and 1 Pg 173, 193, 403
Objectives objectives of welding mspecbon 2a Pg 466
5 Pg 2-24
7 Pg 20
9 Pg 68
13 Pg 11 2-1
Nondestructive Testing Descnptlon, use, and 1 Pg 175, 195
(Examination) requirements 2a Pg 468
7 Pg 38
8 Pg 41
10 Pg 23
L•quld Penetrant Inspection Descnphon and requirements 1 Pg 175, 193
2a Pg 473
5 Pg 2-24, 25
10 Pg 25
13 Pg 11 2-13
Magnetic Particle Inspection Descnptlon and requirements 1 Pg 175, 193
2a Pg 478
5 Pg 2-24, 26
13 Pg 11 2-11
Radlographm Inspection Descnphon and requirements 1 Pg 177, 195
2a Pg 486
5 Pg 2-24, 26
10 Pg 25
13 Pg 11 2-6
REFERENCE TABLE
TOPIC REFERENCE CONTENT REFERENCE LIST
NO. LOCATION
Ultrasonic Inspection Description and requirements 1 Pg 183, 204
2a Pg 502
5 Pg 2-24, 27
10 Pg 24
13 Pg 11 2-14

Visual Inspect]on Descrlpbon and requirements 1 Pg 175

2a Pg 469
5 Pg 2-24, 25
7 Pg 27
10 Pg 24
13 Pg 11 2-3
Quahty Control Quality and an example of a 2a Pg 360, 462
quahty control program 12 Pg E-17
13 Pg 11 1-1

7. STUD WELDING
Repairing Stud Welds Completion of flash by fillet weld 1 Pg 225, 228

Stud Arc Welding General requfrements and 1 Pg 223

description 2b Pg 300
13 Pg 5 5-3
Visual Inspection and 15° Bend Bend test for studs that do not 1 Pg 228
Test show full 360° flash

8. STRENGTHENING AND REPAIRING EXISTING STRUCTURES

Strengthening and Repairing General requirements 1 Pg 229
Provisions

Work Plan Engineer required to prepare a 1 Pg 229

comprehensive plan for the work
 REFERENCE LIST
1. Structural Welding Code--Steel, ANSI/AWS D1.1-96, Miami, 1996.
2.a. Welding Handbook, 8th ed., Vol. 1, AWS, Miami, 1987.
2.b. Welding Handbook, 8th ed., Vol. 2, AWS, Miami, 1991.
3. Manual of Steel Construction: Allowable Stress Design, 9th ed., AISC, Chicago, 1989.
4. Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, AISC, Chicago, June 10, 1992.
5. Manual of Steel Construction, Vol. II--Connections ASD 9th ed./LRFD 1st ed., AISC, Chicago,
1992.

6. Detailing for Steel Construct/on, AISC, Chicago, 1983.

7. Shop Inspector Training Guide, AISC, Chicago, 1985.
8. Quality Criteria and Inspection Standards, 3d ed., AISC, Chicago, 1988.
9. "Commentary on H•ghly Restrained Welded Connections," AISC Engineering Journal, 3d
Quarter 1973/Vol. 10, No. 3, Chicago, 61-73; and "Discussion," AISC Engineering Journal, 1st
Quarter 1975/Vol. 12, No. 1, Chicago, 36-68.

10. F. Robert Preece and Alvaro L. Collin, "Structural Steel Construction in the '9Os,' Steel TIPS,
Structural Steel Education Council, Walnut Creek, California, September 1991.

11. James J. Putkey, " C o m m o n Steel Erection Problems and Suggested Solutions," Steel TIPS,
Structural Steel Educational Council, Moraga, Califorma, December 1993.
12. Steel Moment Frame Connection, Advisory No. 3, SAC Joint Venture, Sacramento, 1995.
13. The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding, 13th ed., The Lincoln Electric Company, Cleveland,
1994.
14. Guidelines for Welding Procedure Spec/f/cations, SEAONC, San Francisco, October 1996.
15. Alvaro L. Collin, Welding Procedure Spec•fmatlons, Orinda, California, November 1995 (available
from Structural Steel Educational Council).

Index of Steel TIPS Publications

The following is a hst of avatlable Steel TIPS Copies wdl be sent upon request Some are in very hm•ted quanbty

· Seasmac Design of Special Concentrically Braced Frames

· Selsmm Design of Bolted Steel Moment-Resisting Frames
· Structural Detads to Increase Ductdlty of Connections
· Slotted Bolted Connecbon Energy D•ss•paters
· Use of Steel in the Seismic Retrofit of H•stonc Oakland C•ty Hall
· Heavy Structural Shapes Jn Steel Tension Apphcattons
· Economical Use of Cambered Steel Beams
· Value Engineering and Steel Economy
· What Desagn Engineers Can Do to Reduce Fabrication Costs
· Charts for Strong Column Weak G•rder Design of Steel Frames
· Se•smm Strengthemng w•th Steel Slotted Bolt Connechons
· Se•smm Dessgn Pracbce for Eccentrically Braced Frames
 INDEX OF TOPICS
Arc Stnkes, 4
Backing (Backing Bars), 4
Backing Bar Tack Welds, 4
Base Metal, 4
Cleaning Welds, 4
Clearance for Welding, 4
Cracking, Cracks, 4
DESIGN OF WELDED CONNECTIONS, 1
DiscontinuJhes and Defects, 4
Distortion and Shrmkage, 4
Electrodes (Consumables), 4
Electrogas Welding (EGW), 2
Electroslag Welding (ESW), 3
Engineer's Role in Minimizing Weld Defects, 1
Environment, 4
Equipment for Welding and Cutting, 5
FABRICATION, 4
Field Instructions, 1
Fillet Welds, 2
Fitting, 5
Flat Welds, 3
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), 3
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), 3
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, 1
Groove Welds, 2
Highly Restrained Welded Joints, 5
Horizontal Welds, 3
INSPECTION, 6
Inspechon Checks, 6
Inspectors and Inspection ObJectives, 6
Lamellar Tearing, 1
LJquad Penetrant Inspection, 6
Magnetic Particle Inspection, 6
Nondestructive Tesbng (Exammahon), 6
Notches and Brittle Fracture, 1
Overhead Welds, 3
Peening, 5
Plug and Slot Welds, 2
Poslhons of Welds and Welding Poslhons, 3
Preheat and Interpass Temperatures, 5
Preparation of Base Metal, 5
PREQUALIFICATION OF WPSs, 2
Prequahfied Joint Details, 2
QUALIFICATION, 3
Quahficahon of Performance (Welder), 3
Qualification of Welding Procedure
Specifications, 4
Quality Control, 7
Radlographac Inspecbon, 6
Repamng Stud Welds, 7
Root Layer, 2
Root Opening, 2
Safety, 1
Sequence of Joint Welding, 1
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), 3
STRENGTHENING AND REPAIRING
EXISTING STRUCTURES, 7
Strengthening and Repalnng Prowslons, 7
Stress Rehef, 5
Stringer Beads, 2
Structural Steel, Defined, 1
Stud Arc Welding, 7
STUD WELDING, 7
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), 3
Symbols, 1
Temporary and Tack Welds, 5
Terms and Defin•ttons, 1
Thermal Cutting, 5
Tolerance of Joint Dimensions, 5
Ultrasonic Inspection, 7
Vertmal Welds, 3
Visual Inspection, 7
Visual Inspechon and 15° Bend Test, 7
Weld Tabs (and Weld Dams), 5
Weldablhty, 6
Welded Joints (Connections), 1
Welding Procedure Speclficabons (WPSs), 2
Welding Processes, 2
Work Plan, 7
Workmanship, Techniques, 6
Note Topms m bold caps (e g, INSPECTION)
refer to the eight AWS Code sechon htles
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(510) 631-9570

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