ULTRASONIC TESTING O F WELDED JOINTS
ISSUE:
Ultrasonic testing of welded structural joints in buildings.
BACKGROUND:
There has been a recent situation, where only visual inspection of full penetration
welds was specified in a high seismic area (zones 3 and 4). VA then had to incur
additional costs when the contractor was directed to perform non-destructive
(ultrasonic) testing to ensure structural integrity of the welds.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Follow H-18-8 `Seismic Design Requirements' dated December, 1995.,
available electronically from the BBS or Standards Service floppy disks.
2. Specify ultrasonic testing of all complete penetration welds to ensure structural
integrity of welds in high seismic zones 3 and 4.
3. Inspect both sides of the flange welds.
4. Ultrasonic testing must be performed by a certified welding inspector per AWS-
QC-1, with at least a UT level II certification according to ASNT SNT-TC-1A.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR MATION:
Contact Kris Banga at 202-565-9370 in the Standards Service(187C), or Kharaiti
Abrol in the Consulting Support Office (188) at 202-565-5579.
2 April 1996
FM-187C-DA51
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