CLAUSE 5. FABRICATION
1M:2015
in conformance with 4.14.1.3(2), and the filler metal
chemical composition shall conform to Table 3.4.
5.5 WPS Variables
The welding variables shall be in conformance with a
written WPS (see Annex M, Form M-1, as an example).
Each pass will have complete fusion with the adjacent
base metal, and such that there will be no depressions or
undue undercutting at the toe of the weld. Excessive con-
cavity of initial passes shall be avoided to prevent crack-
ing in the roots of joints under restraint. All welders,
welding operators, and tack welders shall be informed in
the proper use of the WPS, and the applicable WPS shall
be readily available and shall be followed during the per-
formance of welding.
5.6 Preheat and Interpass
Temperatures
Preheat and interpass temperature shall be sufficient to
prevent cracking. Base metal shall be preheated, if re-
quired, to a temperature not less than the minimum value
listed on the WPS (see 3.6 for prequalified WPS limita-
tions and Table 4.5 for qualified WPS essential variable
limitations).
Preheat and all subsequent minimum interpass tempera-
tures shall be maintained during the welding operation
for a distance at least equal to the thickness of the thick-
est welded part (but not less than 3 in [75 mm]) in all
directions from the point of welding.
Minimum interpass temperature requirements shall be
considered equal to the preheat requirements, unless other-
wise indicated on the WPS.
Preheat and interpass temperature shall be checked just
prior to initiating the arc for each pass.
For combinations of base metals, the minimum preheat
shall be based on the highest minimum preheat.
5.7 Heat Input Control for Quenched
and Tempered Steels
When quenched and tempered steels are welded, the heat
input shall be restricted in conjunction with the maxi-
mum preheat and interpass temperatures required. Such
considerations shall include the additional heat input pro-
duced in simultaneous welding on the two sides of a
common member. The preceding limitations shall be in
conformance with the producer’s recommendations.
168
AWS D1.1/D1.
5.8 Stress-Relief Heat Treatment
Where required by the contract documents, welded as-
semblies shall be stress relieved by heat treating. Final
machining after stress relieving shall be considered when
needed to maintain dimensional tolerances.
5.8.1 Requirements. The stress-relief treatment shall
conform to the following requirements:
(1) The temperature of the furnace shall not exceed
600°F [315°C] at the time the welded assembly is placed
in it.
(2) Above 600°F [315°C], the rate of heating in °F
[°C] per hour shall not exceed 400 [560] divided by the
maximum metal thickness of the thicker part, in inches
[centimeters], but in no case more than 400°F [220°C]
per hour. During the heating period, variations in temper-
ature throughout the portion of the part being heated
shall be no greater than 250°F [140°C] within any 15 ft
[5 m] interval of length. The rates of heating and cooling
need not be less than 100°F [55°C] per hour. However,
in all cases, consideration of closed chambers and com-
plex structures may indicate reduced rates of heating and
cooling to avoid structural damage due to excessive ther-
mal gradients.
(3) After a maximum temperature of 1100°F [600°C]
is reached on quenched and tempered steels, or a mean
temperature range between 1100°F and 1200°F [600°C
and 650°C] is reached on other steels, the temperature of
the assembly shall be held within the specified limits for
a time not less than specified in Table 5.2, based on weld
thickness. When the specified stress relief is for dimen-
sional stability, the holding time shall be not less than
specified in Table 5.2, based on the thickness of the
thicker part. During the holding period there shall be no
difference greater than 150°F [65°C] between the highest
and lowest temperature throughout the portion of the
assembly being heated.
(4) Above 600°F [315°C], cooling shall be done in a
closed furnace or cooling chamber at a rate no greater
than 500°F [260°C] per hour divided by the maximum
metal thickness of the thicker part in inches [mm], but in
no case more than 500°F [260°C] per hour. From 600°F
[315°C], the assembly may be cooled in still air.
5.8.2 Alternative PWHT. Alternatively, when it is im-
practical to PWHT to the temperature limitations stated
in 5.8.1, welded assemblies may be stress-relieved at
lower temperatures for longer periods of time, as given
in Table 5.3.
5.8.3 Steels Not Recommended for PWHT. Stress re-
lieving of weldments of ASTM A514, ASTM A517,
ASTM A709 Grade HPS 100W [HPS 690W] and ASTM