ASME and AWS welding codesSimilarities and differences - The Fabricator Pgina 1 de 7

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ASME and AWS welding codesSimilarities

and differences
AUGUST 26, 2008
BY: PROFESSOR R. CARLISLE "CARL" SMITH (/AUTHOR/CARL-SMITH)

Welding codes are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of welding and
are used to qualify welders. Predominate among welding codes in the U.S. are
those authored by ASME and AWS. This article provides a brief overview of the
similarities and differences in these codes.
The most commonly used codes for
qualifying welders are the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) Section IX and American
Welding Society (AWS) D1.1.
Committees and subcommittees
comprising volunteer workers
interested in furthering the quality and
efficiency of the welding industry work
together to develop these codes.

We all have heard that ASME codes (http://image.thefabricator.com/a/asme-and-aws-welding-codes-

are more stringent than AWS codes similarities-and-differences-asme-welder.jpg?size=1000x1000)
and vice versa. In some areas both
are the same. In others they are very different.

The most obvious difference between ASME Section IX and AWS D1.1 is that D1.1 addresses
fabrication, erection, inspection, and welder and welding procedure qualification. ASME is specifically
for welder and welding procedure qualification. A "code of construction," such as ASME Section VIII,
Division I, must be used in conjunction with Section IX for fabrication.

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ASME and AWS welding codesSimilarities and differences - The Fabricator Pgina 2 de 7

Some work contracts require that a specific code be used for qualifying the welders, but in many cases
either code is sufficient. If the job consists totally of structural welding and the contract specifies the
AWS Structural Code, then that is the code that must be used for all aspects of the job.

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If the job entails pressure vessels or piping, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code must be used.

If the job is related to ductwork associated with a boiler, the contract usually allows qualification with
either code. Choosing a specific code when one is not specified in the contract often involves a fine
line.

Qualification Basics
The basic contents of a procedure qualification are the same in both programs.

The welding procedure specification (WPS) is a document that is intended to provide direction for the
welder. It also depicts the joint design and welding materials, parameters, and technique and code
requirements.

The procedure qualification record (PQR) is a record of test results for the welds made in accordance
with the WPS. Destructive testing (tensile pulls, bends, etc.) is required for PQRs in all codes. AWS
D1.1 also requires nondestructive testing for procedure qualification. ASME Section IX does not.

The welder qualification test record (WQTR) comprises the results of a test to prove that a welder is
qualified to weld to a certain WPS. It includes qualification of the range of base materials, weld
materials, positions, and so forth. These tests consist of guided bends, breaking of fillet welds, and
macroetching. In some cases, the test coupons may be radiographed in lieu of destructive testing.

AWS D1.1 Specifics

The AWS D1.1 code qualification is specifically for carbon and low-alloy metals. The minimum
thickness addressed is 1/8 in. The maximum yield strength addressed is 100 KSI.

This code, generally used for buildings and support structures, is useful for fabricating and erecting any
welded structure.

Materials for Prequalification by AWS D1.1

The prequalification Section 3 of AWS D1.1 lists materials for prequalifying the WPS. These materials
are listed in groups that are assigned Roman numerals. Although the groups reflect a somewhat
ascending alignment as to the yield strength, there are instances of overlapping within three of the four
groups.

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ASME and AWS welding codesSimilarities and differences - The Fabricator Pgina 3 de 7

Group I lists the lowest-yield-strength materials from 30 KSI to 46 KSI. Group II lists materials at 36 KSI
to 80 KSI. Group III, 46 KSI to 90 KSI. Group IV, 70 KSI materials only. Each material list shows
matching electrode, and filler metal, to be used to establish prequalified procedures.

If a fabricator wants to use a material that is not listed in the table, a procedure must be qualified by
testing and with a written PQR.

ASME materials are listed by "P" and "S" numbers. There are very few restrictions as to size and
strength of material. This is a reason for qualifying welders and procedures to the ASME Section IX
when possible.

Welding codes are intended to improve skills, processes, materials, and equipment. They are important
in achieving maximum quality and efficiency.

Tags: destructive testing (/glossary/destructive-testing), nondestructive testing (/glossary/nondestructive-

testing), yield strength (/glossary/yield-strength), oil (/glossary/oil), alloy (/glossary/alloy)

Professor R. Carlisle "Carl" Smith

AWS CWI, CWE, NDE Level III
Weld Inspection & Consulting
PO Box 841
St. Albans, WV 25177
Phone: 304-549-5606

Contact via email (mailto:INSPWELD1@aol.com)

More Content by Professor R. Carlisle "Carl" Smith (/author/carl-smith)

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Joseph Herr 2 months ago

Does ASME have a downhand welding procedure
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