In structural steel construction, welding procedures must adhere to strict quality management standards to ensure safety and integrity. The primary focus when evaluating welding procedures should be compliance with specified standards, including:
American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 for structural welding.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) for pressure piping.
ISO 3834 for welding quality requirements.
Ensuring compliance with these standards helps:
Prevent weld failures that could compromise structural integrity.
Maintain consistency in welding quality across different welders and teams.
Ensure regulatory and contractual adherence, reducing liability risks.
Option A (Appearance of welds): While visual inspection is important, it does not ensure structural integrity.
Option B (Welder preferences): Welding methods must follow standards, not personal preference.
Option C (Cost-effectiveness of materials): Cost savings should never take precedence over compliance and safety.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:According to AWS D1.1 and ASME BPVC Section IX, welding quality control must prioritize adherence to industry standards to ensure durability and safety.
AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code – Steel) – Specifies requirements for structural welding.
ISO 3834:2005 – Provides guidelines for welding quality in construction projects.
ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 – Covers non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for weld evaluation.
ASQ Construction Quality Management (CQM) ReferencesThus, the best answer is D: The compliance of welding practices with specified standards.
