Grove weld examination VT
Service Induce Discontinuities
For groove welds, visual testing (VT) shifts focus from leg length to the integrity of the joint preparation and the completeness of penetration. Unlike fillet welds, which sit on the surface, groove welds typically reside between the edges of the base metal.
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1. Key Terminology for VT
During a groove weld examination, inspectors focus on these specific anatomical features:
- Root Face (Land): The portion of the groove face that was not beveled.YouTube +1
- Root Opening (Gap): The distance between the parts to be joined at the bottom of the weld.YouTube +1
- Weld Size: For groove welds, the size is the depth of penetration into the joint.Quizlet +1
- Face Reinforcement: The extra weld metal added to the face side, usually limited to a maximum height (often 1/8" or 3mm depending on the code).
- Root Reinforcement: The weld metal extending beyond the root side of the joint, also strictly limited to prevent flow interference or stress risers.
2. The Three Stages of Inspection
Because groove welds often require Complete Joint Penetration (CJP), inspection happens in stages:
| Stage | What is Inspected | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Weld (Fit-up) | Joint Preparation | Verifying the groove angle, root face, and root opening match the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). |
| During Welding | Root Pass & Layers | Checking for complete fusion at the root and ensuring interpass cleaning (removing slag) is performed. |
| Post-Weld (Final) | Surface Profile | Assessing for undercut, porosity, and ensuring the weld is flush or slightly convex. |
3. Common Acceptance Criteria (e.g., AWS D1.1)
Inspectors use tools like v-weld gauges to verify:
- Cracks: Absolutely none allowed, regardless of size.
- Underfill: The face of the weld must not be below the surface of the base metal (with minor exceptions for allowable undercut).
- Undercut: Typically limited to 1/32" (1mm) deep for most structural applications.
- Weld Reinforcement: Must have a smooth transition to the base metal; excessive "humping" is usually rejected.Scribd +5
Visualizing Groove Weld Anatomy
The goal of a groove weld is often to create a "CJP" (Complete Joint Penetration) where the weld is as strong as the base metal.
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1.
1. During the "fit-up" (pre-weld) inspection of a groove joint, which dimension refers to the distance between the two members at the bottom of the joint?
2.
2. What is the primary purpose of "Face Reinforcement" in a groove weld?
3.
3. If a groove weld is described as "CJP," what does this acronym stand for?
4.
4. When performing VT on a completed groove weld, what is the term for a groove melted into the base metal at the toe of the weld that is left unfilled?
5.
5. According to most structural codes (like AWS D1.1), what is the typical maximum allowed height for weld reinforcement on a groove weld?