What is the AWS D1.5 Standard?

AWS D1.5 (AASHTO/AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code) defines the welding rules to be applied during the fabrication and field assembly of steel bridges. This code was developed to ensure the safety of bridge structural systems made of carbon and low-alloy steels.

The standard covers:

• Qualification tests for welding procedures (WPS)

• Procedure qualification records (PQR)

• Welder and operator qualifications (WPQ)

• Bridge-specific weld acceptance criteria

• Non-destructive testing (VT, RT, UT, MT, PT)

• Fracture-critical member (FCM) requirements

• Heat treatment and welding variable control

are included.

How is the AWS D1.5 welding test performed?

The AWS D1.5 welding test is conducted on test coupons that represent bridge fabrication conditions and strictly adheres to variables established by AWS.

The process generally involves:

• Preparation of the WPS (Welding Procedure Specification)

• Preparation of test plates for the PQR

• Execution of the welding process (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW)

• Welder position tests (3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, etc.)

• Visual inspection (VT)

• Non-destructive testing (RT or UT)

• Mechanical tests (tensile, bend, impact)

• Creation of the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

• Issuance of the Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) certificate

Why is AWS D1.5 applied?

The AWS D1.5 standard is implemented to ensure the longevity and safety of structures requiring high safety standards, such as bridges.

Key reasons for its implementation include:

• Ensuring the structural safety of bridges

• Reducing the risks of fatigue and fracture

• Validating welding procedures

• Certifying welder qualifications

• Standardizing shop and field welding

• Ensuring international engineering compliance

What are the application areas?

The AWS D1.5 standard applies only to bridge and critical infrastructure projects:

• Steel highway bridges

• Railway bridges

• Pedestrian bridges

• Long-span steel structural systems

• Fracture-critical structural members

• Infrastructure and public engineering projects

Equipment and Techniques

Equipment and techniques used under AWS D1.5:

• SMAW (shielded metal arc) welding systems

• GMAW (MIG/MAG) systems

• FCAW and SAW welding equipment

• Automatic and semi-automatic welding systems

• Non-destructive testing equipment (UT, RT, MT, PT)

• Mechanical testing equipment (tensile, bend, impact)

• Specimen preparation equipment

• Process monitoring and recording systems

Advantages

• Ensures high structural safety in bridges

• Creates connections with high fatigue strength

• Is an internationally recognized standard

• Clearly controls welding procedures

• Verifies welder qualification

• Provides for inspection and traceability

Disadvantages

• Testing and inspection processes are highly detailed

• NDT and laboratory costs are high

• Requires high technical expertise

• Retesting is mandatory upon changes to procedures

• Documentation and control burdens are significant

Contact us

Conformity assessment and certification activities carried out under the AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Test Procedure are conducted to verify the compliance of bridge and critical steel structure fabrication with international standards.

The inspection processes carried out by our organization encompass the evaluation of the technical adequacy of welding procedures and the verification of code compliance.