9.3 Clause 8 — Inspection and Acceptance Criteria
Key Takeaways
- Table 8.1 is the most important acceptance criteria table — different limits for static vs. cyclic loading
- Cracks are NEVER permitted in any structure (static or cyclic) per AWS D1.1
- Undercut limits: ≤ 1/32" (statically loaded), ≤ 0.01" (cyclically loaded)
- VT is required on 100% of all welds; RT/UT required for specified CJP groove welds
- NDT personnel must hold ASNT certification (2025 edition requirement)
- Repairs must be re-inspected using the same NDE method(s) as the original inspection
9.3 Clause 8 — Inspection and Acceptance Criteria
Clause 8 of AWS D1.1 defines the inspection requirements and acceptance criteria for structural steel welds. This is the most frequently referenced clause during actual CWI work and on Part C of the exam.
Inspector Qualifications (Clause 8 Requirements)
AWS D1.1:2025 requires:
- Visual inspection shall be performed by a CWI, SCWI, or CAWI (under CWI supervision) qualified per AWS QC1
- NDT personnel shall hold ASNT certification (new requirement in 2025 edition — eliminates ambiguity)
- The contractor shall provide the inspector with access and assistance
Visual Inspection Acceptance Criteria — Table 8.1
Table 8.1 is the most important table for CWI practice. It provides different acceptance criteria based on:
- Type of loading: Statically loaded vs. cyclically loaded
- Type of structure: Nontubular vs. tubular
Key Visual Acceptance Criteria (Nontubular — Summary):
| Discontinuity | Statically Loaded | Cyclically Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Cracks | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Incomplete fusion | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Crater cross section | Must be filled to full cross section | Must be filled to full cross section |
| Weld profiles | Per Figure 7.1 | Per Figure 7.1 |
| Undercut | ≤ 1/32" for any weld length (with exceptions up to 1/16" in isolated spots) | ≤ 0.01" |
| Porosity | Various limits by type (piping, scattered) | More restrictive than static |
| Weld size | Equal to or greater than specified (with tolerances) | Equal to or greater than specified |
NDE Requirements
AWS D1.1 specifies when NDE beyond VT is required:
| NDE Method | When Required |
|---|---|
| VT | All welds (100%) — always required |
| RT or UT | CJP groove welds in cyclically loaded structures (extent per contract); specified joints per Engineer |
| MT or PT | When specified by contract documents or Engineer |
UT Acceptance Criteria — Table 8.2
For welds examined by ultrasonic testing, Table 8.2 provides acceptance criteria based on:
- Weld thickness
- Indication rating (dB)
- Flaw length
- Flaw class (Class A through D, with Class A being most restrictive)
RT Acceptance Criteria
Clause 8 references acceptance criteria for RT that evaluate:
- Elongated indications (slag, lack of fusion) — limited by length and cumulative length
- Rounded indications (porosity) — limited by size and distribution charts
- Cracks — not permitted regardless of size
Repair Requirements
When a weld is rejected:
- The area of rejection must be clearly marked
- The CWI documents the rejection and required repair
- Repairs must be performed per an approved WPS
- Re-inspection of the repair must be performed using the same NDE methods as the original inspection
- If repair is performed by air carbon arc gouging, the gouged area must be ground smooth before re-welding
2025 Edition Key Changes
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| NDT personnel must hold ASNT certification | Eliminates ambiguity about qualification standards |
| Table 8.1 undercut limits updated | Tied to weld length and base-metal thickness |
| Preheat/interpass temperature now mandatory on WPS | Clause 6 change — but affects inspection verification |
| New Table 5.2 organization | Essential variables reorganized for WPS writing clarity |
For the Exam: Table 8.1 is the most tested table on Part C. Know the key differences between statically loaded and cyclically loaded acceptance criteria — especially for undercut (1/32" vs. 0.01") and cracks (never permitted in either case).
Per AWS D1.1 Table 8.1, are cracks permitted in statically loaded structures?
Per AWS D1.1:2025, what certification must NDT personnel hold?
After a weld is rejected, the repair must be re-inspected using: