Weld Anomalies and Their Disposition

Codes and standards include weld anomaly acceptance criteria that are often based on workmanship criteria. That is, they define the largest geometry or minimum specified properties of an anomaly (e.g., maximum undercut, misalignment, porosity, or material property). The design or acceptance of a weldment can be defined based on geometry (i.e., structural and anomaly size), applied loading and material properties (i.e., minimum specified or actual measured). This presentation will review a range of weld anomalies including geometric imperfections, material property inconsistencies and environment concerns that can be assessed for weldment acceptance for fitness for service.