How to Properly Specify Welding Requirements: The Role of the Pipe Designer

Many of the projects we work on involve welded steel pipe and related structures. Yet, as engineers and pipeline designers, the majority of us have not received in-depth training on how to read welding codes, interpret welding procedures, understand nondestructive testing methods, or evaluate the best methods to accomplish a particular welded joint geometry. We are taught how to calculate weld strength, but the means and methods needed to convert a symbol on a design drawing to a completed weld that passes inspection are typically not well understood. By clearly conveying project welding requirements the engineer, shop fabricator, and contractor can avoid misunderstandings, thereby reducing contractor resubmittals and engineering review times. The desired goal is to ensure that the engineer gets the weld strength he or she is counting on, and the contractor has a clear understanding of the welding code and contract requirements that need to be met.