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AWS D1.5 Endorsement study materials
AWS D1.5 Endorsement study resources

AWS D1.5 Endorsement cheat sheet

AWS D1.5 Endorsement · Keep the key ideas within reach.

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Bridge Welding (D1.5) Endorsement - AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5

  • AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 governs welded highway bridge fabrication and erection; it applies to steel bridges designed under AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, and the SI (M) and U.S. customary editions are separate but technically aligned documents.

  • D1.5 fracture-critical member (FCM) work requires an FCM fabrication plan and FCM erection plan, plus FCM-specific qualification and inspection provisions that exceed those for non-fracture-critical work.

  • Fracture control plan (FCP) requirements include mandatory Charpy V-notch (CVN) toughness testing of production weldments, welding procedure qualification, and NDT beyond routine visual inspection for FCM welds.

  • Welding procedure specification (WPS) qualification under D1.5 uses prequalified joint details where permitted, or procedure qualification testing per the code; essential variables include process, filler metal classification, base metal group, joint design, and preheat/interpass conditions.

  • Performance qualification of welders and welding operators per D1.5 is specific to the joint type, welding process, position, and whether the work is FCM; qualification remains valid subject to the code's continuity and requalification rules.

  • Base metal grouping and welding consumable matching follow D1.5 tables; AASHTO M 270 (ASTM A709) grades such as 36, 50, 50W, HPS 50W, and HPS 70W are commonly specified, with toughness and weathering requirements tied to grade.

  • Preheat and interpass temperature requirements depend on base metal thickness, chemistry/carbon equivalent, and ambient conditions; minimum preheat tables and moisture protection rules apply before welding begins.

  • Inspection acceptance criteria distinguish visual inspection, ultrasonic testing (e.g., fracture-critical tension welds), and radiographic testing; acceptance limits for discontinuities (porosity, slag, fusion, undercut) differ by weld type and member classification.

  • Shop and field welding must be performed to an approved WPS by qualified personnel, with records of qualifications, WPSs, and inspection reports retained as required by the contract and the code.