An arc spot procedure qualification test has been successfully performed on steel decking of thickness T. For what thickness range will this test qualify the procedure?

An arc spot procedure qualification test has been successfully performed on steel decking of thickness T. For what thickness range will this test qualify the procedure?

• A. The thickness range covered by the test
• B. Only the exact thickness T
• C. Any thickness
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a procedure qualification test proves the welding procedure works for the specific material thickness used in that test. The result is valid for the thickness range represented by the test coupons. So, if the arc spot qualification was done on steel decking of thickness T, the procedure is qualified for the thickness range covered by that test. It isn’t automatically valid for all thicknesses or only for exactly T, and it isn’t invalid for all other thicknesses—the clearance is simply that any production work using the procedure should stay within the tested thickness range or require additional qualification if thicker or thinner material is to be welded.

The key idea is that a procedure qualification test proves the welding procedure works for the specific material thickness used in that test. The result is valid for the thickness range represented by the test coupons. So, if the arc spot qualification was done on steel decking of thickness T, the procedure is qualified for the thickness range covered by that test. It isn’t automatically valid for all thicknesses or only for exactly T, and it isn’t invalid for all other thicknesses—the clearance is simply that any production work using the procedure should stay within the tested thickness range or require additional qualification if thicker or thinner material is to be welded.