CEMP-E
TI 809-26
1 March 2000
(3) Fillet weld fitup. Fillet welded joints must be fitup with a maximum gap of 1.6 mm (1/16 in.),
unless corrective measure are taken. For gaps exceeding 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), but not to exceed 5 mm
(3/16 in.), the leg size of the weld must be increased by an amount equal to the gap. Gaps over 5 mm
(3/16 in.) are permitted only for steels over 76 mm (3 in.) in thickness, when suitable backing is placed in
the root of the joint, and the fillet leg size is increased. See AWS D1.1 Section 5.22.1.
(4) Groove weld fitup. Prequalified groove welds must be assembled within the "as fit-up" tolerance
specified for the joint in AWS D1.1 Figures 3.3 and 3.4. For Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) groove welds,
assembly tolerances are provided in AWS D1.1 Section 5.22.2. For other groove dimension tolerances
applicable to other groove welds, see AWS D1.1 Section 5.22.4.1.
(5) Steel temperature. The temperature of the steel at the joint prior to the initiation of welding
must not be below 0oC (32oF). When steel temperatures are below these minimum temperatures, it is
necessary to heat the steel in the vicinity of the joint to at least 21oC (70oF). See AWS D1.1 Table 3.2,
Note 1. For prequalified steels listed in AWS D1.1 Table 3.2, as Category C steels, the minimum steel
temperature at the joint is 10oC (50oF). Steels of thicknesses requiring preheat, per AWS D1.1 Table 3.2,
require higher temperatures. After heating, the temperature of the steel should be measured a distance
75 mm (3 in.) away from the joint. For welding in extreme cold environments, it is advisable to heat the
steel to higher temperatures and apply the heat over a wider area.
(6) Ambient temperature. Welding is not permitted when the ambient (air) temperature is below -
18 C (0oF), or when welding personnel are exposed to inclement environmental conditions. Protective
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covering or enclosures, with heating as necessary, may be used to satisfy this requirement and provide
adequate protection and warmth for the welders and welding equipment.
(7) Wind speed. Gas-shielded welding processes (FCAW-G, GMAW, GTAW, and EGW) may not
be performed in winds exceeding 8 km per hour (5 mph), as wind above this speed blows away the
necessary shielding gas and contributes to poor weld quality and poor mechanical properties. For self-
shielded welding processes (SMAW, FCAW-S, SAW, and ESW), the maximum wind speed is not
specified by AWS D1.1, but should be limited to a maximum of 30 to 40 km per hour (20 to 25 mph).
See AWS D1.1 Section 5.12 for welding environment provisions.
(8) WPS, including preheat. The inspector should verify compliance of the welding consumables
selected (electrode, flux and shielding gas) with the project requirements and the WPS. The selected
electrodes should be taken only from proper storage, and used only in the permitted positions and within
the welding parameters specified by the manufacturer and in the WPS. It should be verified that the
WPS is appropriate for the joint, within any specified limitations.
(9) Preheat. Preheat temperatures as specified in the WPS must be provided and checked for
compliance with AWS D1.1 Table 3.2 if prequalified. Higher preheat temperatures may be specified. It
may also be necessary to verify that the preheat temperature does not exceed any maximum values
specified in the WPS, sometimes required for quenched and tempered, TMCP, or other special steels, or
when toughness requirements apply. Verification of preheat temperature should be taken 75 mm (3 in.)
from the joint, provided the thickest material joined is 75 mm (3 in.) or less in thickness. If the steel is
thicker, then the temperature verification is taken a distance equal to the material thickness.
Temperatures may be checked with surface temperature thermometers, close-range focused infrared
devices, or with temperature-indicating crayons.
(10) Tack welds. Tack welds must be made using appropriate WPSs, including preheat when
required. Tack welds should be visually inspected prior to being welded over by the finish weld. Cracks in
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