AWS D1.3/D1.

3M:2018

6. Qualification

6.1 Scope
Ss) and welding personnel are
requ irem ents for qual ifica tion testi ng of Welding Procedure Specifications (WP
The
described as follows:
s and welding personnel perform
covers general requirements of both WPS
Part A General Requirements. This part
—

ance requirements.
tion of WPSs by testing.
B WeI din Proc edur e Spec ifica tion (WPS). This part covers the qualifica
Part
required by the code to deter
—

part covers the performance qualification tests

Part C Performance Oualification. This
ty to produce sound welds.
—

mine a welder’s or welding operator’s abili

Part A
General Requirements

Preparation of a WPS and PQR

as shown in Table 1, except as
S) shall be written for each type of weld
.

A Welding Procedure Specification (WP the provisions of Clause by the manufacturer or

permitted in Clause and shall be qualified in conformance with shall be written.
records the actual values used to qualifr a WPS
,

e Qual ifica tion Reco rd (PQR ) that

contractor. A Proc edur A W electrodes
anda tory form s for WPS s and PQR s are given in Annex B. Note: Melting rate data ofSM
Suggested, nonm andPQ]?.
a measure ofwelding currentfor the WPS
(see Commentary C-67..4) may be used as

..j Engineer’s Approval

neer’s approval. The
men ted evid ence of prev ious WPS qual ification may be accepted with the Engi
Properly docu are to be employed. The
pt prop erly docu men ted evid ence of previous qualification of the WPSs that
Engineer may acce based upon the specific
qual ifica tion to othe r stand ards is the Engineer’s responsibility, to be exercised
acceptability of e Specifications may,
servi ce cond ition s, or both . AWS B2. 1 .XX X-XX Series on Standard Welding Procedur
structure, or
.
in this manner, be accepted for use in this code

.4 Responsibility ification test assemblies in

ufac turer or cont racto r shall be respo nsible for inspection and testing of WPS qual
Each man
conformance with the provisions of Clause
.

WPS Requirements
essential variables as listed in
WPSs shall be qualified for each change in

4
34
 AWS D1.3/D1.3M:2018 PARTB CLAUSE 6. QUALIFICATION

18
AWS D1.3/D1.3M:20

Part B
Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

6.6 Essential Variable Limitations

Any of the essential variable changes listed in Table .2 shall require WPS requalification.

. Qualification
.2 Number of Tests, Testing Methods, and Acceptance Standards for WPS Qualification
.2.1 Square-Groove Welds in Butt Joints
.2.1 .1 Qualification Testing. Square-groove weld in butt joints that do not conform with Clause 5.3.1. shall be
qualified in conformance with Table 6.1. Details 6.lA, 6.1B. and 6.1C.
qualification testing of .2.1.2 Test Assemblies and Examination. The test assembly shall conform to the following:
and weldin er nnel erf rin
.
re uirements of both WP (1) Sheet steel shall be welded together as shown in Figure 1. It may be welded from one side or welded from both
— n ral R ir t This art covers eneral sides.
Part A
ance requirements. of WPS b testin
This art covers the ualificatiOn (2) The weld shall be uniform in appearance and shall be free of:
—
Part B W I in Pr deter
tests re uired b the code to (a) cracks
ati n. This art covers the erformaflce ualificatiOn
—
Part C Performance ualifi (b) reinforcement not in conformance with 8.1.1.3
operator’s ability
mine a welder’s or welding
(c) undercut not in conformance with 8.1.1.4
Part A
.
General Requirements (3) The welded test sheets shall be hammered and bent through 1800 (see Figure 1), the bend axis being coincident
with the weld axis. For joints welded from one side only, the root of the weld shall be on the face of the bend.

PQR (4) A weld shall be acceptable if the following criteria are satisfied:
Preparation of a WPS and .
Table 1, except as
be written for each type of weld as shown in (a) No cracks are visually detected after bending, or
Specification (WPS) shall manufacturer or
A Welding Procedure conformance with the provisions of Clause by the
, and shall be qualified in a WPS shall be written. (b) Weld metal cracks are visually detected and:
permitted in Clause (PQR) that records the acal values used to quali
Record of S’L4W electrodes
contractor. A Procedure Qualification PQRs are given in Annex B. Note: Melting rate data (i) The fractured face shows no visually detectable discontinuities (e.g., slag, porosity), and
for WPSs and the WPS and PQR.
suggested, nonmandat0 forms a measure of welding current for
may be used as (ii) The weld size is equal to or greater than the sheet steel thickness
(see CommentalY C-.7..4) A NOTE: Base metal cracks shall be ignored.
Engineer’s Approval approval. The .2.1.3 Qualification Ranges. A change in any one of the essential variables that exceed the limitations of
ws qualification may be accepted with the Engineer’s
of previous to be employed. The requires requalification.
Properly documented evidence evidence of previous qualification of the WPSs that are
documented upon the specific
Engineer may accept properly the Engineer’s responsibility, to be exercised based 6.7.2 HSS Welds
standards is Specifications may,
acceptability of qualification to other .XXX-XX Series on Standard Welding Procedure
or both. AWS B2.1 6.7.2.1 Oualification Testing. WPSs for welding HSS shall be ciualifled by nerforminc and testing a square-groove
structure, or service conditions,
for use in this code. weld in a butt joint on HSS.
in this manner, be accepted
6.7.2.2 HSS Butt Weld Test Assemblies and Examination
6.4 ResponsibilitY test assemblies in (1) Sheet Steel HSS shall be welded together as shown in Figure 6.7. If the WPS requires the face of the weld to be
responsible for inspection and testing of WPS qualification
shall be ground flush the test sample shall be ground flush.
Each manufacturer or contractor
of Clause .

conformance with the provisions

(2) Inspection:
(a) The welds shall be visually inspected and shall meet the requirements of Clause 8, Part A
wrs Requirements (b) After cooling, weld assemblies shall be sectioned per Figure 6.7 into four coupons. Two root bend and two
change in essential variables as listed in
WPS5 shall be qualified for each face bend coupons shall be hammered or rolled flat. See Figure 6.8. The coupons shall then be bent 180 degrees with the
axis of the weld centered in the bend. Welded assemblies meeting either of the following conditions shall be deemed
acceptable:
1 ) (i) Failure occurs in the base metal, and no failure occurs in the weld metal, or

35
34
 PART B AWS Dl .3/Di .3M:201 8 AWS Dl .3/Di .3M:201 8
CLAUSE 6. QUALIFCATON PARTSB& C CLAUSE 6. QUALIFICATIoN

the melting (1) Single or Multiple Thicknesses for Sheet

SMAW Melting Rate. When an SMAW electrode is used to produce a qualified arc spot weld, Steel to Supporting Member. A WPS is required for each single
diameter shall be measured as: multiple thickness of sheet steel to be arc plug welded and
rate, M for the particular electrode classification and to a supporting structural member within the essential variable
‘) limitations of.
in [mm] of electrode melted
Time in minutes
• (2) Multiple Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Sheet
Steel. A WPS is required for each multiple thickness of sheet steel
to be arc plug welded to another sheet steel within
the essential variables of 6.6.
The melting rate shall be recorded on the respective PQR.
WPS .2.2.2 Test Assemblies and Examination. The following requirements
shall be met:
Arc Seam Option. A PQR for a specific arc spot weld WPS shall also qualify an arc seam weld
(I ) Single or Multiple Thicknesses for Sheet Steel
having a width equal to the arc spot’s diameter (d). to Supporting Member. Two test assemblies are required for
each WPS (see Detail 6.6 in Table 6. 1), and each assembly
shall be prepared and welded as follows: One piece (or mul
Arc Seam Welds tiple pieces for multiple thicknesses) of sheet steel 2-1/2
in [65 mm] or wider shall be clamped to the top of a flange,
Qualification Testing. The following requirements shall be met: remnant beam, or a separate plate that is at least 1/2 in
[13 nun] thick to form the test assembly (see Figure .6). An
plug weld with a visible diameter (d) [specified in arc
for each single and the WPS and not less than 1/2 in [13 mm]], shall be produced.
The
(1) Single or Double Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Supporting Member. A WPS is required crater shall be filled and a 1/32 in [I mm] minimum
seam welded to a supporting structural member in the flat position and within the reinforcement provided.
double thickness ofsheet steel to be arc
(2) Multiple Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Sheet
essential variable limitations of. SteeL Two test assemblies of an actual joint configuration for
each WPS (see Detail .6 in Table 6. 1) shall be prepared
of sheet steel to and welded. An arc plug weld with a visible diameter (d)
(2) Single Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Sheet Steel. A WPS is required for each single thickness (specified in the WPS and not less than 1/2 in [13 mm]), shall
position (see a typical joint configuration in be produced. The crater shall be filled and a 1/32 in [1 mrj
be arc seam welded to another sheet steel in either the flat or horizontal minimum reinforcement provided.
Figure 4.6) and within the essential variables of.
(3) Examination. The projecting part of the sheet steel shall
be twisted (see Figure .6) until the arc plug weld dis
Test Assemblies and Examination. The following requirements shall be met: engages from either member.
are required for
(1) Single or Double Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Supporting Member. Two test assemblies (a) The resulting nugget’s measured diameter
each WPS (see Detail .5A in Table .1), and each assembly shall be prepared and welded as follows: diameter, whichever is greater.
(de) shall not be less than 3/8 in [10 mm] or the required WPS
clamped to the top of
One piece (or two pieces for the double thickness) of sheet steel 2-1/2 in [65 mm] or wider shall be (b) The fractured face shows no visually detectable
assembly (see Figure discontinuities (e.g., slag, porosity).
a flange, remnant beam, or a separate plate that is at least 1/2 in [13 mm] thick to form the test
mm] wide nor less (c) The weld metal shows no visually detectable cracks.
.5A). An arc seam weld with a visible width (d) [specified in the WPS, and not less than 1/2 in [13
reinforcement
than I in [25 mm] in length] shall be produced. The crater shall be filled and 1/32 in [1 mm] minimum NOTE: Base metal cracks shall be ignored.
provided. I))
each WPS .2.2.3 Qualification Ranges. A change in any one of the essential variables
(2) Single Thicknesses for Sheet Steel to Sheet Steel. A test assembly of the actual joint configuration for that exceed the limitations of 6.6
— —
requires requalification.
welded. An arc seam weld with a visible width (d)
(see typical joint configuration in Figure .5B) shall be prepared and
than 1 in [25 mm] in length] shall be produced. The
[specified in the WPS, and not less than 1/2 in [13 mm] wide nor less
crater shall be filled and 1/32 in [1 mm] minimum reinforcement provided. Part C
180° with the bend
Welder Performance Qualification
(3) Examination. The projecting part of the sheet steel shall be pried, or bent, or both, through
disengages from either
axis coincident with the weld axis (see Figure .5A or Figure .5B) until the arc seam weld
member. .$ Essential Variables
width, General
(a) The resulting nugget’s measured width (da) shall not be less than 1/2 in [13 mm] or the required WPS
whichever is greater. Base Metals. Performance qualification established with
any one of the steels permitted by this code shall
(b) The fractured face shows no visually detectable discontinuities (e.g., slag, porosity). be considered as performance qualification to weld any
of the other steels, provided they have no coating or have
same coating used in qualification. the
(c) The weld metal shows no visually detectable cracks.
Processes. A welder shall be qualified for each welding process
NOTE: Base metal cracks shall be ignored. specified in the WPS.
.1.3 SMAW Electrodes. A welder qualified for SMAW
Qualification Ranges. A change in any one of the essential variables that exceed the limitations of considered qualified to weld with any other electrode in the
with an electrode identified in Table 6.3 shall be
requires requalification. numerically lower group designation.
same group designation, and with any electrode listed in a

SMAW Melting Rate. When an SMAW electrode is used to produce a qualified arc seam weld, the melting
rate for the particular electrode classification and diameter shall be measured (see and recorded on the respective Electrodes and Shielding Media. A welder qualified with
an approved electrode and shielding medium
combination shall be considered qualified to weld with any
PQR. for the welding process used in the WPS.
other approved electrode and shielding medium combination

Arc Spot Option. A PQR for a specific arc spot weld WPS shall also qualify an arc seam weld WPS having
Position. A change in the position of welding to one for which
a width equal to the arc spot’s diameter (d). require requalification.
the welder is not already qualified shall

6.7.2 Arc Plug Welds .1.6 Vertical Welding. When welding in the vertical position, a
.2.2.1 Qualification Testing. The following requirements shall be met:
I) requalification.
change in the direction of welding shall require

38 39
 AWS D1.3/D1.3M:2018
D1.3/D1.3M:2
AWS 018 CLAUSE 6. QUALIFICATION
PART C
CLAUSE 6. QUALIFICATION

a test weldment for Table 6.1

modified by 6.2.2, all welders shall be qualified by making
Except as following conditions: WPS Qualification Testsa (see 6.7)
42 Specific Conditions. 4
çordgnceWithTilhic and for the
in construction production.
jnIs to be used seam welds to be used in Type of Welded Position
(gage) of sheet steel in the case of arc spot welds or arc Test Assemblies Shown in Figure:
(1) For each thickness flre_beVelgro0ve welds, and flareV-gro0Ve Joint Tested Type of Test Tested Qualified Qualified Welded Joint
sheet steel in the case of fillet welds, 6.1A
of Square-groove Bend F F Square-groove weld in
(2) For minimum thickness
II weld in butt H H butt joint—sheet to sheet
welds. of the welder
square_groov e welds listed below requires requalification joint—sheet to V V Qualifies welded from
thickness for sheet welded from
(3) A change in the sheet steel OH OH one side or welded from
or welding operator. one side only. both sides.
is the thickness of the thinner
steel thickness to less than 0.5t or greater than 2t, where t
(a) A change in sheet 6.1B Square-groove Bend F F Square-groove weld in
sheet qualified. used to cover the complete I weldedfromboth H
the following qualification tests may be H buttjoint—sheetto
to .2(3)(a), sides in butt joint V
(b) As an acceptable altemate V sheet. Qualifies welded
— sheet to sheet
range of all sheet steel thicknesses: welding + OH OH from both sides only.
welder or welding operator for
performed on 18 gage sheet steel shall qualify the
(i) Qualification
6.1 C HSS square-groove Bend IG F Square-groove weld in
sheet steel 16 gage and thinner. welding operator for welding
gage sheet steel shall qualify the welder or weld in butt joint 2G F,H butt joint-thickness
on 10
(ii) Qualification performed 5G F,V,OH tested except as modified
sheet steel 16 gage and thicker.
11IL
Q jj 6G All, by Table 6.2
welding, see Table .4. Including
(4) For applicable positions of TYK
QualifiCaüohl 6.2A Fillet weld in lap Bend F F Fillet weld in lap or
of Tests and Methods for Welder Performance joint—sheet to H F, H corner joint—sheet to
6.9 Number welder’s ability to [/
devised tests to determine the on a sheet V V sheet, and sheet to
tests described herein are specially requirements of the WPS and recorded
.1 General. The qualification in conformance with the 4 OH OH supporting structural
be performed +
produce sound welds. Welding shall member
of Annex B.
PQR form similar to that or prequalified WPS. The
used in the qualification of a welder shall be a qualified 6.2B
WPS Status. The WPS same as for WPS qualification 4, Fillet weld in lap Bend F F Fillet weld in lap or
their method of testing, and the test results shall be the joint—sheet to
number and type of test assemblies, H F, H corner joint—sheet to
supporting V V supporting structural
(see Table 6.4). WPS shall be
Qualification . The welder who completes a successful structural member OH OH member
through WPS coated sheet steel. In
.1.2 Welder Qualification position, type of weld, and applicable te of
process, welding for thicknesses of
considered qualified for the welding or both, the welder shall also be considered qualified
flare_groove welds, square_groove
the case of fillet welds or welds, arc seam welds, and
greater than those used in the test. in the case of arc spot .4). 6.2C Fillet weld in Bend
material equal to or in this test (see Table F F Fillet weld in T-, lap, or
limited to the thickness (gage) used T-joint—sheet to H F, H corner joint—sheet to
welds, the qualification shall be contractor, and shall be available to
shall be kept by the manufaCtt1er, or sheet V V sheet, and sheet to
Records. Records of test results
Annex B may be used. OH OH supporting structural
authorized to examine them. A form similar to that used in
those member
.2 Specific Conditions. galvanized sheet
shall be required for welding
Separate welder qualifications
typ_Qf coatinga
steel or sheet steel with other (Continued)
Butt Joints. T5q beth
welded from on: sid
from one side
side orfrombOth’ Welding
both sides shall only qualify
sides. Welding from

.12 Duration of Qualification

The welder’s qualification shall
be considered as remaining in
process
effect indefmitelY, unless

of welding for which the welder

is qualified for a period
exceeding
I
engaged in a given
(1) the welder is not
six months, or
to question a welder’s ability.
(2) there is some specific reason 0’
41
40
 AWS Dl .3/Di 8
.3M:201

1
0
/D l.1
3M
83
:20
JS

1• n
MloWable Deviatio from WP fo L
S r ower Temperatures Using Annex A, Note 1
2.4.1 Arc Spot Welds. For arc spot welds, WPSs qualif at a ba m
ied se etal temPe Wre of 100°F 38°C or lower s
be permitted at temperatlwes as low as 32°F 0°C by jncreasi
flg the weld time by 20% orby jcrea5ing amperage setti
by 10% from that established and recorded at the tim of qualif
e ication. WPS5 qualified at a base metal temper
100°F 38°C or lower shall be permitted at temper
aes less than 32°F o°C to as low as 0°F —18°C by jucreasing
weld time by 30% or by increasing the amperage sett
ing by 15% from that established and recorded at the tim
qualification. For arc spot welds, a decr
ease in weld time requires requalifitbo
jabr1c°”
1. NOTE: “Calculated Cooling Rates ofArc Spot Wel
ds.”
1.4.2 Arc Seam Welds. For arc seam welds, Ss qualifie at base met tem
d al perae of 100°F 38°C or lower s
be permitted at temperaes as low as 32°F 0°C by decreasi th tr
ng e avel speed by 20% or by jncreasiflg amper
settings by 10% from that established and recorded at the tim of qual
e ificati0 WPSs qualified at base metal temPe
.i Gen’ when: of 100°F 38°C or lower shall be permitted at tempera
Oductbon welding shall not be per 0nu tures less than 32°F 0°C to as low as 0°F —i8°C by ecreasi
eqUate weather prOtect0U is provided the the travel speed by 30% or by jcrea5iflg the amperage settin by 15 fr
Unless g % om that established and recorded at the tim
iS°C1, or qualification.
(1) Ambient air tempet is below 0°F
et or
w exposed to moiSt (e.g., snoW, rain, c), 2.4. Arc Plug Welds. For arc plug welds, WPSS qualified at base metal temper of 100° 38
ae F °C or lower s
(2) When the base metal t0 be elded is
excess 5 kph) be permitted at temperaes as low as 32°F 0°C1 by jcreaSing th w ti
e eld me by 20% or by jncreasiflg amperage setti
(3) ’
0
FCA’ and GTh’ wind in by 10% from that established and recorded at the time of qualific
ati0n. WPSs qualified at base metal temperat1
100°F [38°C or lower shall be permitted at tempera
tures as low as 0°F 18°C by jcreasing the weld time by 30%
by jncreaSiflg the amperage setting by 15% from that establis
hed and recorded at the time of qualification.
1.2 Ireparatbo
NOTE: See comment for further informatio and refere
Base metal shall be su n nce data.

flofl

(2) Q1

Weldm on surf

are eritt

1• AssemblY 0
angt0 provide the most favorable tt to
5 n for melding (see
po
5 Jo in t de ta ils sh al l be
2.3.1 joint Detall Sdi0U positions).
- for definhtiO1 of the we1d’g ought into close contact to facilitate
T he pa ttS to be 1
oined by welding shall be
2.3.2 Close Coflt
fusi01 betWe them. without equ1flng a
ba ck 1i g c o n to AIO 3
ASTM 9 TemP or 4 may be used
7.3.3 l3ack” g. The use of eel st f o
WPS seba m et al q u al ifit 0 h l te st . 0
59
5s
—

AWS Dl .3/Di .3M:201 8 AWS Dl .3/Di .3M:2018

. Inspection - Annex A (Normative)

Applicable Prov
g
1.3
Sheet Steels 1.
Acceptance criteria
This Annex is part of this standard and includes
mandatory elements for use with this standard
.1 Production Weld Acceptance Criteria inspection,
inspected. A weld shall be acceptable by visual
.1.1 Visual Inspecon. All welds shall be visually
provided the following criteria are met:
8.1.1.1 No Cracks. The weld shall have no cracks.
of weld passes.
shall be no evidence of lack of fusion at the toes
.1.1.2 Weld/Base Metal Fusion. There
Table A.1
welds shall have complete
.1.1.3 Minimum Weld Thro1 All square groove Applicable Provision Requirements When Welding
joints the full thickness of each
and be fully filled. For unequal sheet thicimess iess1hantheth1cicfleS52fiS.ht
Dl .3 Sheet Steels to Dl .1 Other Steel Product
Forms
metal and achieve a weld throat
welds and seam welds shall have fusion to the base
arc seam or arc Dl.3:20l7
base metal. Weld reinforcement of square groove,
length
shall be no longer than L18, where L is the specified
.1.1.4 Undercut. The cumulative length of undercut weld metal and the
circumference, provided fusion exists between the
of the weld or in the case of arc spot welds, the that results in a hole
inspection and need not be measured. Melt-through
base metal. Depth of undercut is not a subject of
is unacceptable.
be flat or slightly convex.
.1.1.5 Fillet Weld Face. Faces of fillet welds shall
with
size, and length of weld shall be in conformance
.1.1.6 Contract Document Conformance. Location,
Welds that exceed the
drawings or other contract document requirements.

Part B
Contractor Responsibility

.2 Inspection of WPS and Welder Qualifications

WPSs are used,
work to this code, only qualified or prequalified
.2.1 The Inspector shall ascertain that in performing
and all welders are qualified.
approved by the
the manufacturer or contractor may be used, if
.2.2 WPSs previously qualified or prequalifled by in conformance with
evidence, the contractor shall qualif,’ the WPSs
Engineer. However, if the Engineer does not accept such done on the contract.
completed before any permanent welding is
this code. The contractor’s weld tests shall be successfully

.3 Inspection of Work
the Inspector
arc spot welds or arc seam welds are being made, (Continued)
.3.1 Requests. At any time, and specifically while current be compared with that established
wire feed speed, or welding
may request that the melting rate of the electrodes, specified, new welds using the correct
the WPS qualification test. If these melting rates are 5% or more below those
in
with the inadequate current.
current shall be made adjacent to those welds made
the requirements of
welder’s work is judged by the Inspector to be below
a.3.2 Work Quality. When the quality of a
required.
this specification, requalification of the welder may be

60 61