Arc Welding 101: Evaluating partial joint penetration grooves for welder qualification to AWS D1.1

Q: How would you evaluate a flare V-groove joint for welder qualification to AWS D1.1? The standard is not clear on how to test the prequalified joint (B-P11-GF).

A: AWS D1.1 Subclauses 4.25 and 4.28, you’ll see that D1.1 for personnel qualification states that a complete joint penetration (CJP) groove weld qualifies a partial joint penetration (PJP) groove weld.

A flare-type joint configuration is a PJP. Typically you would use the V- and bevel-groove CJP configurations laid out in Clause 4 for groove welding personnel qualification.

That’s not to say you could never use a flare V- or bevel-groove PJP for personnel qualification. If flared grooves were a concern to me, I would design a workmanship sample requiring the welder to complete the flare V-groove to my weld procedure specification (WPS). Then I would cut and etch his weldment—usually at three locations—to evaluate size [(E) = 3/4r]. (See B-P11-GF).

Long story short, always use a CJP bevel- or V-groove for personnel qualification of CJP or PJP grooves, and use a PJP only as a supplement to verify that the welder, using your WPS, can achieve the required weld size.