This standard covers the common tests for the mechanical testing of welds. They are defined and illustrated in five parts related to testing of groove welds, fillet welds, and stud welds. The tests include: bend tests, tension tests, fracture toughness tests, soundness tests, shear tests, nick-break test, hardness tests, stud weld tests, and selected weldability tests.
This document extensively uses American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Methods and specifies how to use these methods when testing weldments. It takes into consideration the variations in properties that can occur between different regions (base metal, heat-affected zone, and weld metal) of a weldment.
Methods of hardness testing and mechanical property tests for base metals are covered by ASTM standards or the individual material specification. The joint tests for brazements are covered in ANSI/AWS C3.2, Standard Methods for Evaluating the Strength of Brazed Joints in Shear.
This Foreword applies to all five parts. Additional information on the mechanical testing of welded joints may be obtained from the AWS Welding Handbook, Volume 1.
The values stated in U.S. customary units and used throughout this document are to be regarded as standard.
An expanded section on weldability testing is included in this edition of B4.0. Selected weldability test methods are described.
Safety Precautions. Safety precautions shall conform to the latest edition of ANSI/ASC Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes published by the American Welding Society.
Note: This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. The standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices. The user should determine the applicability of any regulatory limitations prior to use.
Comments or inquiries on this standard are welcome. They should be addressed to the Secretary, AWS Committee on Mechanical Testing of Welds, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the Managing Director, Technical Services, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. A formal reply will be issued after review by the appropriate personnel following established procedures.
