Rules for Classification and Construction

II Materials and Welding

3 Welding

3 Welding in the Various Fields of Application

Edition 2000
 The following Rules come into force on July 1st , 2000

Alterations to the preceding Edition are marked by beams at the text margin.

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II - Part 3 Table of Contents Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3

Table of Contents

Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 1- 1
B. Approval of Shipyards and Welding Shops, Welding Personnel ............................................... 1- 1
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility ............................................................................................. 1- 2
D. Materials, Weldability ................................................................................................................ 1- 2
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Materials ......................................................................... 1- 3
F. Welding procedure, procedure qualification tests ...................................................................... 1- 5
G. Design, Dimensioning ................................................................................................................ 1- 24
H. Execution of Welds .................................................................................................................... 1- 34
I. Inspection of Welded Joints ....................................................................................................... 1- 41

Section 2 Welding of Steam Boilers

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 2- 1
B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Personnel ....................................................................... 2- 1
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility ............................................................................................. 2- 1
D. Materials, Weldability ................................................................................................................ 2- 2
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Materials ......................................................................... 2- 2
F. Welding procedure tests ............................................................................................................. 2- 3
G. Welding Technique .................................................................................................................... 2- 5
H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment ......................................................................................................... 2- 7
I. Inspection of Welded Components ............................................................................................ 2- 8

Section 3 Welding of Pressure Vessels

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 3- 1
B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Personnel ....................................................................... 3- 1
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility ............................................................................................. 3- 2
D. Materials, Weldability ................................................................................................................ 3- 2
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Materials ......................................................................... 3- 3
F. Welding procedure tests ............................................................................................................. 3- 3
G. Welding Technique .................................................................................................................... 3- 8
H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment ......................................................................................................... 3- 9
I. Inspection of Welded Components ............................................................................................ 3- 10

Section 4 Welding of Pipelines

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 4- 1
B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Personnel ....................................................................... 4- 1
C. Quality inspection responsibility ................................................................................................ 4- 2
D. Materials, Weldability ................................................................................................................ 4- 2
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Materials ......................................................................... 4- 3
F. Welding procedure tests ............................................................................................................. 4- 3
G. Welding Technique .................................................................................................................... 4- 5
H. Heat treatments after cold or hot working and welding .............................................................. 4- 8
I. Inspection of Welded Pipelines .................................................................................................. 4- 10
Chapter 3 Table of Contents II - Part 3
Page 4 GL 2000

Section 5 Welding of Machinery Components

A. General ........................................................................................................................................ 5- 1
B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Personnel ....................................................................... 5- 1
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility .............................................................................................. 5- 2
D. Materials, Weldability ................................................................................................................ 5- 3
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Materials .......................................................................... 5- 3
F. Welding procedure tests .............................................................................................................. 5- 3
G. Design, Welding Technique ........................................................................................................ 5- 8
H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment .......................................................................................................... 5- 9
I. Inspection of Welded Components ............................................................................................. 5- 9
II - Part 3 Section 1 B Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–1

Section 1

Welding of Hull Structures

A. General B. Approval of Shipyards and Welding

Shops, Welding Personnel

1. Scope 1. Works and subworks

1.1 In the following paragraphs, the term "weld-

ing shop" refers to the shipyard or welding fabrication
1.1 These rules apply to all welding work carried shop which may be considered an independent unit
out on the ship's hull, including the superstructure and with regard to its physical and organizational situa-
deckhouses, its internal and external structures, and tion.
equipment components forming part of the ship's
structure, e.g. hatch covers, masts, king posts or crane
substructures welded to the ship's hull. See also Chap- 1.2 Branches and subcontractors are thus gener-
ter 1, Section 1, A.1. and A.2. ally deemed to be "independent" welding shops which
have to satisfy the requirements prescribed below. In
particular, every welding shop must have a welding
supervisor who is a permanent member of the welding
1.2 They also apply in analogous manner to shop staff (cf. Chapter 1, Section 2).
cargo tanks which are not an integral part of the ship's
hull and are not pressure vessels within the meaning of
1.3 Outside firms working in welding shops may
Section 3 (e.g. prismatic type A tanks, according to
be granted approval as independent welding shops. On
the Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter 6).
this and on temporary workers, see also C.3. and
Chapter 1, Section 1, F.

2. Other relevant rules and regulations 2. Requirements, scope of approval

2.1 All shipyards and welding shops intending to

The design and dimensioning of welded joints is also perform welding work covered by these rules must
governed by the provisions of the Rules for Construc- satisfy the requirements relating to the welding shop
tion I, Part 1, Chapter 1, Sections 19 "Welded Joints and its personnel set out in Section 2 and must have
and 20 "Fatigue Strength" and the performance of the been approved for this work by the Society. Applica-
work is also subject to the provisions of Section 1, N. tions for approval shall be submitted by the shipyards
of the said Rules for Construction. For other relevant and welding shops in good time before starting the
standards, see Chapter 1, Section 1, B. of these Rules welding work, enclosing the information and docu-
for Welding. mentation prescribed in Chapter 1, Section 2, A.3.

2.2 Welding personnel (welders, operators and

3. Weld performance supervisory staff) and where applicable inspectors and
test supervisors must meet the requirements set out in
Chapter 1, Section 2, B.2., B.3. and B.4. and be recog-
Welded joints in hull structures shall be prepared, nized by the Society. For welder’s qualification tests,
made and inspected in such a way that their quality see Chapter 1, Section 3.
characteristics are equivalent to those of the base ma-
terials to be joined. This means that they may not 2.3 The scope of the approval is determined by
deviate from the prescribed form and internal condi- the capabilities of the welding shop and by the in-
tion by more than the limits allowed by the prescribed tended range of application (materials, welding proc-
weld quality grades according to Table 1.9 or by the esses, welding positions, etc.). The intended range of
evaluation categories used as a basis for the notch application shall be specified in the application for
category classification for the proof of fatigue strength approval; cf. the form "Description of Welding Shop"
(cf. Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter 1, attached at Annex B of Chapter 1. For the period of
Section 20). The same applies in analogous manner to validity of the approval, see Chapter 1, Section 2, A.4.
the other quality characteristics; cf. also C. and A.5.
Chapter 3 Section 1 D Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–2 GL 2000

3. Basic approval, extensions Subcontracting of work or employment of temporary

workers shall be notified to the Society.
3.1 For welding hull structures, as a general rule
(basic) approval is granted first of all on the basis of a 4. The scope of the required quality inspections
works inspection and, if necessary, welder's qualifica- depends on the construction project in question. It is
tion tests in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 3 (see essential to ensure, however, that the intended materi-
also H.2.) normally for manual arc welding (welding als, welding consumables and auxiliary materials are
process 111) and/or for semi-mechanized metal-arc used and that the weld preparation, assembly, execu-
active gas welding using solid and flux-cored wire tion of the tack and final welds and the dimensional
electrodes (welding processes 135 and 136) of normal- accuracy and completeness of the welded joints meets
strength hull structural steels A to D and other compa- the requirements stated in para. 2. For non-destructive
rable grades of forged and cast steel. The thickness testing of the welded joints, see I.
range is in this case determined by the scope of the
valid welder’s qualification tests.
5. Following inspection and, if necessary, repair
by the welding shop, the components shall be pre-
3.2 Exceptions to this rule are single-side weld- sented to the Society's Surveyor for checking at suit-
ing and vertical-down welding using these processes able stages of fabrication. For this purpose they shall
(111, 135, 136), for which welding procedure tests be readily accessible and shall normally be uncoated.
shall be performed in every case. Cf. F. One-wire Where the previous inspection has been inadequate,
submerged-arc welding (welding process 121) may the Surveyor may reject components and require that
also be covered in the basic approval described in 3.1 they be presented again after satisfactory workshop
on the basis of documentary proof in accordance with inspection and any necessary repair work has been
F.1.4 (for conventional welding in one run on each performed.
side [two-run technique] on plates 4 to 25 mm thick
and for multi-pass welding up to 40 mm).
6. If the quality or good working order of a
component cannot be guaranteed or is in doubt due to
3.3 Basic approval may be extended to include inadequate or missing information in the manufactur-
any welding procedure approvals on the basis of weld- ing documents (e.g. production drawings), the Society
ing procedure tests as set out in Chapter 1, Section 4 may demand appropriate improvements. This applies
(cf. also F.); in exceptional cases, however, limited in analogous manner to supplementary or additional
approval may also only be granted (in conjunction components (e.g. reinforcements), even if these com-
with a works inspection) for a specific material and/or ponents were not stipulated when the drawings were
welding process. scrutinized or could not be stipulated due to insuffi-
ciently detailed representation in the "class plans" (cf.
the Rules for Construction I, Chapter 1, Section 1, G.).

C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility 7. The Society is not responsible for guarantee-

ing that all the components and welded joints in-
1. Shipyards and welding shops shall ensure by spected to the prescribed extent (generally on a ran-
means of regular in-house quality inspections during dom basis) by its surveyors have been fabricated in
fabrication and on completion of the welding work accordance with the conditions and meet the require-
that this work has been performed competently and ments in every respect. Components or welded joints
satisfactorily (cf. Chapter 1, Section 1, F.). For the which subsequently turn out to be defective may be
duties and responsibilities of the welding supervisor, rejected or their repair may be demanded even if ac-
see also EN 719/ISO 14731. ceptance testing has already been carried out.

2. The shipyards and welding shops are respon-

sible for ensuring that the welding work conforms to
these Rules, the approved manufacturing documents, D. Materials, Weldability
any conditions stipulated in the approval documents,
good shipbuilding practice and the latest state of weld- 1. Welded structures may only be fabricated
ing practice. The inspections and checks to be per- using base materials of proven weldability. Materials
formed by the Society’s Surveyor do not relieve the must comply with the Society’s Rules for Materials
welding shops of this responsibility. (Code II/1/-5). Other comparable materials (e.g. struc-
tural steels conforming to EN 10025) may only be
used after the Society has given its approval in each
3. With regard to quality inspections and the
individual case.
responsibilities involved in awarding subcontracts to
independent branches or suppliers or to approved or
non-approved outside firms working in the welding 2. Any conditions relating to working and weld-
shop (subcontractors), see Chapter 1, Section 1, F. ing imposed by the approval certificate and the rec-
II - Part 3 Section 1 E Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–3

ommendations of the material producer shall be com- 2. The correlation of the required quality grades
plied with. For the selection of materials for the ship's of welding consumables and auxiliary materials for
hull, see the Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter welding hull structural steels to the respective hull
1, Section 2. structural steel quality grades is shown in Table 1.1.
The correlation to other comparable structural steels,
3. The weldability of normal-strength hull struc- forged steels and cast steels shall be undertaken in
tural steels of quality grades A, B, D and E tested by analogous manner.
the Society is considered proven. No measures above
and beyond the provisions of these Rules for Welding 3. For welding of different quality grades of hull
are necessary when welding these steels. structural steel, welding consumables and auxiliary
materials shall be correlated to the steels by their qual-
4. The weldability of the higher-strength hull ity grades and added symbols as follows:
structural steels of quality grades A 32 to F 40 ap- a) Normal-strength hull structural steels of differ-
proved and tested by the Society in accordance with ent quality grades:
the Rules for Materials has been checked and can be
taken for granted if the work is carried out in accor- Welding consumables and auxiliary materials
dance with normal shipbuilding practice. for whichever is the higher-quality (tougher)
hull structural steel, e.g. A with D: quality grade
5. High-strength (quenched and tempered) fine- 2 ....
grained structural steels, steels tough at subzero tem- b) Higher-strength hull structural steels of the same
peratures, stainless structural steels and other (alloy) strength but with different quality grades:
structural steels have to be specially approved by the
Society. The weldability of the steel in question must Welding consumables and auxiliary materials
have been verified in combination with welding proc- for whichever is the higher-quality, (tougher)
esses and welding consumables. hull structural steel, e.g. A 36 with E 36: quality
grade 3 Y ....
6. Steel castings and forgings shall comply with c) Normal-strength with higher-strength hull struc-
the Rules for Materials and shall have been tested by tural steels with comparable quality grades:
the Society. The carbon content of components made
from carbon and carbon-manganese steels/castings for Welding consumables and auxiliary materials
welded structures shall not exceed 0,23 % C at ladle for the normal-strength hull structural steel qual-
analysis (check analysis: max. 0,25 % C). ity grade in question, e.g. D with D 36: quality
grade 2 .... (without added symbol Y)
7. Light metal alloys must have been tested by d) Normal-strength with higher-strength hull struc-
the Society in accordance with the Rules for Materials. tural steels with non-comparable quality grades:
Their weldability must have been verified in combina-
tion with welding processes and welding consumables. Welding consumables and auxiliary materials
It can generally be taken for granted in the case of the having a quality grade for the higher-quality
alloys mentioned in the Rules for Materials. (tougher) hull structural steel but the strength of
the normal-strength steel, e.g. A with D 36:
quality grade 2 .... (without added symbol Y).

E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Ma- 4. For welding very thick-walled, rigid compo-
terials nents (approx. 30 mm and over) and welding of for-
gings and steel castings, hydrogen-controlled welding
1. All the welding consumables and auxiliary consumables and auxiliary materials of quality grade 3
materials used (e.g. covered electrodes, wire-gas com- H15(H) shall be used (for higher-strength hull struc-
binations, wire-flux combinations, etc.) must have tural steels, 3Y H10(HH)).
been approved by the Society in accordance with
Chapter 1, Section 5. The quality grade required de- 5. The use of hydrogen-controlled welding
pends on the base materials to be welded and is shown consumables and auxiliary materials is recommended
in the relevant tables in Chapter 1, Section 5, except for welding of higher-strength hull structural steels to
for hull structural steels and other comparable struc- one another (and to lower-strength steels) if the carbon
tural steels, forged steels and cast steels. equivalent of these steels is over 0,41 %. See also H.5.
Chapter 3 Section 1 E Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–4 GL 2000

Table 1.1 Correlation of welding consumables and auxiliary materials to hull structural steel quality
grades

Quality grades Hull structural steel quality grades

of welding
consumables
and auxiliary
materials A B D E A 32/36 D 32/36 E 32/36 F 32/36 A 40 D 40 E 40 F 40
(cf. also E.3.)

1; 1S, 1T, 1M,

1TM, 1V ×
1YS, 1YT,
1YM, 1YTM, × 1
× 2, 3
1YV
2, 2S, 2T, 2M,
2TM, 2V × × ×
2Y, 2YS, 2YT,
2YM, 2YTM, × × × ×3 ×3
2YV
2Y40, 2Y40S,
2Y40T, 2Y40M,
2Y40TM,
1 1 1
×3 ×3 ×3 ×3
2Y40V
3, 3S, 3T, 3M,
3TM, 3V × × × ×
3Y, 3YS, 3YT,
3YM, 3YTM, × × × × ×3 ×3 ×3
3YV
3Y40, 3Y40S,
3Y40T, 3Y40M,
3Y40TM,
1 1 1 1
×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3
3Y40V
4Y, 4YS, 4YT,
4YM, 4YTM, × × × × ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3
4YV
4Y40, 4Y40S,
4Y40T, 4Y40M,
4Y40TM,
1 1 1 1
×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3 ×3
4Y40V
1 Not to be used if possible, otherwise only with the Society’s approval; cf. Chapter 1, Section 5; A.4.1 and A.4.2 apply in
analogous manner.
2 For A 32/36, welding consumables and auxiliary materials of quality grade 1 Y ... should where possible only be used when
welding thinner plates (up to 25 mm max.).
3 For plates over 50 to 70 mm thick, welding consumables and materials with one quality grade higher shall be used and for those
over 70 and up to 100 mm thick those with two quality grades higher shall be used in each case in compliance with the higher
base material requirements, cf. Rules for Materials.
Note:
For steels F 32, F 36 and A 40 to F 40, no provision is made in the Rules for Materials for plates above 50 mm thick, but these shall
be subject to special agreements where appropriate.
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–5

6. Hydrogen-controlled welding consumables in a dry place (in heated containers or the like) at the
and auxiliary materials should also be used for com- workplace.
ponents which are subjected to full load immediately
after welding (e.g. lifting lugs or as a result of pressure Note:
tests) or where allowance has to be made for a high
degree of residual stress due to the rigidity of the
structure and, where applicable, a high yield strength The guideline DVS 0504 "Handling, storage and re-
or strength of a structure. drying of covered electrodes" and guideline DVS 0914
"Use and storage of welding fluxes for submerged-arc
and electro-slag welding" issued by the German Weld-
7. Hydrogen-controlled welding consumables ing Society (Deutscher Verband für Schweißtechnik
and auxiliary materials shall always be used for weld- e.V) contain detailed instructions for this.
ing high-strength (quenched and tempered) fine-
grained structural steels and steels tough at sub-zero
temperatures, cf. Chapter 1, Section 5, F.4. For steels
with a yield strength or 0,2 % proof stress of up to
500 N/mm², welding consumables and auxiliary mate-
F. Welding Procedures, Welding Procedure
rials with the maximum added symbol H 10 (HH)
Tests
should be used and for steels with a yield strength or
0,2 % proof stress of over 500 N/mm² those with a
maximum added symbol H 5 (HHH) should be used.
1. General
8. For welding of austenitic stainless steels to
one another and to hull structural steels, welding con- 1.1 Only welding procedures whose suitability
sumables and auxiliary materials shall be selected in for the application in question is evident from general
accordance with Tables 5.21 to 5.23 in Chapter 1, experience or has been verified by means of a welding
Section 5 and the manufacturers' recommendations, procedure test in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4
taking the corrosion resistance and strength require- and the following provisions may be used. Table 4.1
ments and the welding metallurgy (including resis- in Chapter 1, Section 4 gives a list of the requisite
tance to hot cracking) into account, and specified in a verifications. The welding procedure must have been
welding schedule, which is to be submitted for ap- approved by the Society for the welding shop in ques-
proval. tion (cf. also B.).

9. For welding aluminium alloys, the welding

consumables and auxiliary materials shall be selected Note:
according to the type and condition of the material (cf.
Rules for Materials, II/1/3) in accordance with Table In principle, the Society recognizes all welding proc-
5.28 in Section 5 of Chapter 1 taking the required esses which satisfy the above conditions. General
mechanical properties of the welded joints into ac- reservations only exist to the extent that the opera-
count (cf. Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter 1, tionally safe handling of these processes and the qual-
Section 19, C.2.8) and shall be indicated in the pro- ity attainable under field conditions is called into
duction documents to be submitted for approval. question or contradicted by practical experience. For
instance, at present no approvals are being granted
10. Welding consumables and auxiliary materials for vertical-down gas-shielded welding with solid
specified in a welding shop or procedure approval (cf. wires under mixed gas containing less than approxi-
F.) may only be replaced by equivalent consumables mately 30 % CO2 due to the risk of lack of side wall
approved by the Society with an appropriate quality fusion. Exceptions to this rule are possible if welding
grade if this is explicitly stated in the respective ap- using robots is required, for which the welding pa-
proval document. Failing this, the Society's agreement rameters and the manipulation of the torch may be
shall be obtained. prescribed and followed so precisely that it can be
verified that welding has been performed with good
penetration within the narrow "safe" area.
11. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma-
terials may only be used in the approved welding
positions. The manufacturer's recommendations and 1.2 The Society may approve specific welding
instructions for welding (e.g. type of current and po- processes such as vertical-down welding, build-up
larity) shall be followed. welding on rudderstocks or underwater welding (cf.
H.13.3), the use of which is, however, dependent upon
12. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma- authorization, for example following an examination
terials (especially hydrogen-controlled, basic covered of the load conditions, in each individual case. For
electrodes and basic welding fluxes) shall be re-dried welding processes or applications of this nature, the
before use in accordance with the manufacturer's in- Society may also stipulate restrictions in the operation
structions (observe maximum drying time!) and stored of the vessel (e.g. in the operating area).
Chapter 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–6 GL 2000

1.3 Welding procedure tests supervised by the als. The same applies in analogous manner to other
Society for verification of satisfactory operational joining processes or (surface) finishing operations
handling and a trouble-free execution of the proce- such as thermal cutting or flame straightening.
dure, and also adequate quality properties for the
welded joints made under production conditions at the
user's works are in general required for: 1.6 The information in the preceding and follow-
ing paragraphs, especially the information on test
– materials 1 other than "simple-to-weld" hull
pieces, specimen shapes, tests and requirements, ap-
structural steels A to D and comparable struc- plies to the normal materials, welding processes and
tural steels, forged steels and cast steels and also weld shapes in current use in shipbuilding, the behav-
for composite materials,
iour of which under service conditions has been veri-
– welding processes 2 other than those stated in fied by experience and/or test results. In cases of
B.3., which are adequately covered by general doubt, the Society may call for additional and/or dif-
experience, welder's qualification tests and ap- ferent test pieces, specimen shapes or tests to verify
proved welding consumables, satisfactory suitability for use.
– single-side welding on ceramic, flux or similar
backings, 1.7 In the case of welding processes whose char-
– welding in the vertical-down position. acteristics result in weld shapes other than those veri-
fied by experience and/or test results (e.g. those with a
1.4 For conventional single-wire submerged-arc considerable notch effect), the influence of the weld
butt welding processes using solid wire for welding shape on the fatigue strength behaviour of the welded
normal-strength hull structural steels A to D, compa- joints may be investigated in addition to carrying out
rable structural steels, forged steels and cast steels the prescribed tests. The same applies in analogous
from both sides, proof prior to initial use of the reli- manner to other characteristics of the welded joints,
ability and technical suitability of the method by e.g. corrosion resistance.
means of trial welds and non-destructive (e.g. radio-
graphic) tests as directed by the Surveyor is suffi-
cient. The welding consumables and auxiliary materi- 2. Scope of tests, test schedule, limits of ap-
als used must have been approved by the Society. plication

1.5 The Society may additionally require welding

procedure tests for specific (difficult) component 2.1 Test schedule, test details
shapes or combinations of materials, environmental
conditions (e.g. underwater welding), particular weld
shapes, process variants or combinations, and also for 2.1.1 The scope of the welding procedure tests (test
particular welding consumables and auxiliary materi- pieces, specimens, tests) shall be laid down in a test
schedule to be submitted for approval in good time
–––––––––––––– prior to testing, in accordance with Chapter 1, Section
1 Materials: 4, B.1. Depending on the nature and application of a
Normal-strength hull structural steels E and F, higher- strength welding process, the process details stipulated in
hull structural steels and comparable grades of forged steels or Chapter 1, Section 4, B.1.1 shall be taken into account
steel castings, high-strength (quenched and tempered) fine- in the tests. Where no further details on the welding
grained structural steels, steels tough at subzero temperatures,
stainless and clad steels, aluminium alloys and other non- fer- procedure tests are given in the following paragraphs,
rous metals. the provisions of Chapter 1, Section 4 and the stan-
dards of the series EN 288 / ISO 9956 shall apply.
2) Welding Processes:
Manual welding processes:
Vertical-down welding, deep penetration welding, single-side Note:
welding with backing, etc.
Semi-mechanized welding processes:
Gravity arc or auto-contact welding, single-side welding with The following rules relating to the welding procedure
backing, flux-cored wire metal-arc welding without shielding tests comply with, borrow from in part or refer to the
gas, etc. standards of the series EN 288/ISO 9956. Compared
Fully-mechanized welding processes: with the previous versions of these Rules for Welding,
Submerged arc welding, fusarc and flux-cored wire metal-arc all the details relating to the welding procedure tests
welding, multiple-electrode submerged arc welding, single-side which, from the shipbuilding aspect, have been satis-
welding, fillet and double-fillet welding, electroslag welding
with and without fusible wire guide nozzle electrode(s), gas-
factorily covered in the standards, are no longer con-
shielded metal-arc welding, electrogas welding etc. tained in these Rules or only by reference to these
Special welding processes or special applications:
standards, especially to EN 288-3/ISO 9956-3 "Weld-
Stud welding, flash butt welding, friction welding, laser-beam
ing procedure tests …….. Steels" and EN 288-4/
welding, build-up welding, orbital welding of circumferential ISO 9956-4 "Welding procedure tests ……aluminium
pipe welds, robot welding, etc. alloys"
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–7

Details specific to shipbuilding, such as material which cover both the various strength categories (...-,
groupings, single-side welding or the inclusions and ...32, ...36, ...40) and the various degrees of toughness
exclusions for welding positions (vertical-down weld- (A/A..., B, D/D..., E/E..., F...) shall be selected for hull
ing) requiring special and specific experience and structural steels, taking the wall thicknesses into ac-
proven manipulation and which are only inadequately count. The same procedure shall apply in analogous
covered in the standards are dealt with in the follow- manner to other materials.
ing paragraphs as a departure from the standards.
Under the provisions of the regulations applicable to
other ranges of application (e.g. for pressure equip- 2.2.3 Based on their chemical composition (behav-
ment), the Rules issued by the Society for shipbuilding iour during welding) and their mechanical characteris-
shall be regarded as the predominant codes of prac- tics the various hull structural steels may be classified
tice. or, as the case may be, grouped into the following
three (strength) categories:
2.1.2 Depending on the nature of the base material
or the influence of the characteristics of the process,
the Society may set out specifications which go be- – Normal-strength hull structural steels A, B, D
yond or deviate from the stipulations given in these and E (includes comparable, general structural
rules or in the standards and call for different or addi- steels, forged steels and cast steels with mini-
tional tests, stipulate requirements or change the scope mum yield strengths up to 280 N/mm2)
of application. The Society also reserves the right to
interpret the standards accordingly. Where the stan-
dards contain information which is different from or – Higher-strength hull structural steels A 32, D 32,
contradicts these rules, these rules shall take prece- E 32, F 32, A 36, D 36, E 36 and F 36 (includes
dence. comparable general-purpose structural steels
with minimum yield strengths of over 280
2.2 Base materials, material groups N/mm2 up to and including 355 N/mm2)

2.2.1 The welding procedure test shall in principle

be carried out by welding the base materials for which – Higher-strength hull structural steels A 40, D 40,
application for approval was made. Except for hull E 40, F 40 (includes comparable, general-
structural steels and austenitic-ferritic duplex steels, purpose structural steels with minimum yield
the base materials for the welding procedure tests may strengths of over 355 N/mm2 up to and includ-
be grouped into material groups in accordance with ing 390 N/mm2).
the standards of the series EN 288/ISO 9956 and the
test performed using representative materials from this
groups. The provisions set out in the following para- 2.2.4 Unless otherwise specified in a particular
graphs apply to hull structural steels. Duplex steels are case (e.g. for welding processes with a very high heat
regarded as an independent material group and are not input, such as electrogas or electroslag welding), the
covered by the group of austenitic stainless steels following conditions also apply to the selection of
materials:
Note:
The provisional standard DIN V 1738, the German – Within each of the three strength categories in
language version of the CEN report CR 12187 para. 2.2.3, a satisfactory welding procedure test
(shortly to be available in a revised version as Euro- on a material with a higher degree of toughness
pean standard CR TR 15608 or as ISO standard) also covers one steel with a lower degree of
classifies weldable materials (for general use) into toughness
categories with comparable, identifying properties.
These categories are finely graded to include in addi-
tion special properties such as the behaviour of mate- – Within the same degree of toughness (e.g. A,
rials during heat treatment. A 32, A 36, A 40), a satisfactory welding proce-
Austenitic stainless steels and austenitic-ferritic dure test on a steel of higher strength also covers
stainless steels are therefore classified into different one steel of lower strength.
groups. In preference to the rough classification fa-
voured by the standards of the series EN 288/ISO
9956 (the same applies in analogous manner to the 2.2.5 If the range of application of a welding pro-
welder’s qualification tests conforming to EN 287/ISO cedure encompasses several steels belonging to one
9606), it is therefore advisable to use the classification strength category or one group of degrees of tough-
given in CEN report 12187 or the anticipated follow- ness, the welding procedure test shall be performed on
on standards. The Society may stipulate this. at least two steels from each strength category or each
degree of toughness, as applicable. Of these, one shall
2.2.2 If a welding procedure test is to be carried out represent the lowest category or degree and one the
for several base materials simultaneously, materials highest category or degree.
Chapter 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–8 GL 2000

2.2.6 However, the Society may, when testing 2.3 Thicknesses of test pieces, range of wall
several base materials at the same time, dispense with thicknesses
testing certain steels if their influence on the quality of
the welded joints is adequately covered by the tests of
the other steels (in combination with the various test 2.3.1 The thicknesses of the test pieces shall be
piece thicknesses if necessary). Some examples of geared to the range of application and the welding
material selection (without taking into account spe- process in such a way as to comply with the condi-
cific process characteristics or as-delivered conditions tions specified in Table 1.3. As a general rule, test
of materials) are shown in Table 1.2. pieces of at least two different thicknesses shall be
welded and tested for each range of application ac-
2.2.7 Where the characteristics of the process or cording to Table 1.2 (each base material group). For
the base materials have no appreciable influence on vertical-down welding, the upper thickness limit for
the test results due to the shape of the test piece or the intended range of application shall be used for the
specimen or the tests performed, the Society may thickness of the test piece.
agree to a restriction to a few base materials or only to
one. An example of this is the testing of the fillet
welding process using cruciform tensile specimens, 2.3.2 In conjunction with the test piece thicknesses
macrographic specimens and hardness measurements; stated in para. 2.3.1, (cf. also 3.2), the throat thick-
in this case it is sufficient to perform the test on a steel nesses "a" of fillet welds shall be established such that
from the highest strength category intended for the the approval range from "0,75a" to "1,5a" covers the
application and with the maximum possible carbon desired range of application. The throat thicknesses
equivalent. for the test piece shall therefore be selected so that the
"a" dimension roughly equals half the thickness of the
test piece (half the thickness of the thinner plate where
Table 1.2 Base material categories (hull the thicknesses of the plate are unequal). For (test
structural steels, examples) piece) throat thicknesses of 10 mm or more, a range of
application a ≥ 10 mm applies.

Range of application Base material

2.3.3 Where, for subsequent use, relatively thin
Quality grades A and B A or B fillet welds are to be applied to very thick components
(cf. G.10.3.3), similar test pieces are to be welded and
Quality grades A to D A and D
examined for hot cracking, underbead cracks or hard-
Quality grades A to E A and E ening cracks. This requirement is specially applicable
Quality grades A 32 to D 36 A 36 and D 36 to higher- and high-strength grades of steel and cast
steel.
Quality grades A 32 to E 36 A 36 and E 36
Quality grades A 32 to F 36 A 36 and F 36
2.3.4 For the reduction of the specified fillet weld
Quality grades A 40 to D 40 A 40 and D 40 throat thicknesses where specially deep penetration is
Quality grades A 40 to E 40 A 40 and E 40 proved, see G.10.3.5. With regard to the increase of
Quality grades A 40 to F 40 A 40 and F 40 the "a" dimension when overweldable shop primers
which are particularly liable to cause porosity or proc-
Quality grades A to D A, D and D 36 esses with inadequate root penetration are used, see
and A 32 to D 36 or G.10.3.6.
A, A 36 and D 36
Quality grades A to E A, D and E 36 2.3.5 Where a fillet welding process is to be ap-
and A 32 to E 36 or plied to plates or sections coated with overweldable
A, E and E 36 shop primer, similarly coated plates are to be used for
or the fillet weld test pieces required for the welding
A, A 36 and E 36 procedure test. The type and thickness of the coating
of shop primer shall be stated in the test report.
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–9

Table 1.3 Test piece thickness

Range of application 2, 3

Test piece thickness t 1 Single-run welding (single bead) and

welding in one run on each side Multi-run technique
(Two-run technique)
t≤3 0,8 t to 1,1 t t to 2 t
3 < t ≤ 12 0,8 t to 1,1 t 3 mm to 2 t
12 < t ≤ 100 0,8 t to 1,1 t 0,5 to 2 t, max. 150 mm
t > 100 0,8 t to 1,1 t 0,5 t to 1,5 t
1
If special cooling conditions have to be complied with or particular weld shapes are prescribed, they shall be taken into account
when selecting the test piece thickness; cf. also Chapter 1, Section 4, B.4.
2
For unequal plate thicknesses the following applies:
For butt welds, the average of the two plate thicknesses in the weld area ≈ weld thickness is the ruling dimension. For fillet weld
joints, the lower limit of the range of application of 0,8 times the smaller test piece thickness t1 (e.g. web thickness) and the upper
limit of 1,1 times the larger test piece thickness t2 (e.g. flange thickness) is the ruling dimension, but the ratio of plate thicknesses
t2 to t1 shall not exceed 3.
3
For the vertical-down welding, the test piece thickness t is always taken as the upper limit of the range of application.

3. Test pieces, dimensions, direction of roll- electrode or the height of the components to be
ing, welding positions welded. Any special features affecting the application
of these processes (e.g. welding operations performed
3.1 Shape and size of test pieces, direction of through the deck) shall be allowed for in the configu-
rolling ration of the test piece.

3.1.1 Unless other provisions are given in the para- 3.1.5 Where, in order to establish the mechanical
graphs below, the shape and size of test pieces shall be and technological characteristics of the welded joints,
selected in accordance with the series of standards EN especially in fully mechanized and/or automatic weld-
288/ISO 9956. The length of the test pieces shall be ing processes, test piece lengths are selected which are
appropriate for the welding process and the number of considerably smaller than the weld lengths to be laid
specimens. Where scheduled in the fabrication work down during later fabrication, the first fabrication
for the particular welding process in question, both welds shall be included as part of the welding proce-
butt-weld and fillet-weld test pieces shall be made. dure tests and, as a minimum requirement, shall be
The direction of rolling of the plates for the test pieces subjected to a visual inspection and non-destructive
should be parallel to the direction of the weld. testing to ensure a trouble-free welding procedure and
to detect any imperfections in the weld.
3.1.2 The length of test pieces (length of weld) for
manual and semi-mechanized welding processes (cf. 3.2 Fillet-weld test pieces (T-joint and/or dou-
F.1.3 2 shall not be less than 350 mm and for fully ble T-joint (cruciform) test pieces)
mechanized and/or automatic welding processes the
length of the test piece shall be the same as the weld 3.2.1 Fillet-weld test pieces (T-joint and double T-
length to be deposited during later fabrication work, joint (cruciform) test pieces) shall be joined with air
subject to a minimum length of 1000 mm. gaps not greater than 0,5 mm. Depending on subse-
quent practice, tacks shall also be included in the test
3.1.3 For welding in (clamping) jigs, the size of the (and overwelded where applicable). The throat thick-
test piece shall conform to the size of the jig. For sin- ness of the fillet welds should correspond to those
gle-side welding processes and the fully mechanized used in subsequent fabrication but should not be
and/or automatic double fillet welding (e.g. for stiff- greater than 0,5 × plate thickness (cf. 2.3.2 to 2.3.4).
eners on platings), the test piece shall be at least For shop primers, cf. 2.3.5.
3000 mm long.
3.2.2 Double T-joint test pieces as shown in Fig.
3.1.4 In the case of vertical welding, the length of 1.1 or Fig. 1.2 (cruciform test pieces) are always re-
the test piece (the weld length) shall conform to the quired when the welding procedure test relates to
size of the jig used in fabrication. For jigs using a vertical-down welding or to the welding of high-
fusible wire-guide electrode, the length of the test strength steels with minimum yield strengths over
piece shall conform to the length of the wire-guide 460 N/mm2, clad plates and non-ferrous metals. The
Chapter 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–10 GL 2000

Society may also require cruciform test pieces for 3.3.2 T-joints with full penetration welded single-
other processes and/or materials. bevel or double-bevel butt joints are normally re-
garded as butt joints, i.e. they are covered by the butt
The throat thickness of the fillet weld "a" shall not
weld test pieces. For welds with incomplete penetra-
exceed 0,5 times the plate thickness.
tion and for special weld forms (e.g. the deep, acute-
3.2.3 In order to simplify the process where the test angled open single-V butt welds used in branch
pieces) the Society may, however, call for additional
pieces are broken open on alternate sides, welding
may be performed on one side only of the double T- test pieces to at least verify adequate weld penetration
joint (cruciform) test pieces on alternate sides in the and penetration conditions.
fracture area, in analogous manner to the stipulations
3.3.3 Test pieces are normally welded in all the
of the codes of practice DVS 1702.
conventional welding positions (for which application
for approval is made). For single-side welding, a test
Sets of specimens
acc. to F.4.5 piece which has been welded in the PC (h-v) position
must always be provided. For information on the
welding procedure for the test pieces, any post-weld
heat treatment or other finishing work which may be
required and the non-destructive tests, cf. the corre-
sponding provisions in Chapter 1, Section 4, B.
50
³3
³ 100

4. Sets of specimens, test specimens, me-

chanical and technological tests
³1
50
³1 4.1 Set of test specimens for butt welds - gen-
50 Remaining fillet welds to be
fractured on alternate sides eral provisions
(cf. 3.2.3)
4.1.1 For standard manual and semi-mechanized
Fig. 1.1 Double T-joint (cruciform) test piece for welding, one set of test specimens shall be taken from
manual and semi-mechanized welding the butt-welded test pieces in accordance with the
processes above-mentioned standards. For fully-mechanized
and/or automatic welding, at least one set each shall
Sets of specimens be taken from the start and end of the weld, cf. Chap-
acc. to F.4.5 ter 1, Section 4, B.8.3. The division of the test pieces
into sections (preparation of specimens, marking) and
50 the performance of the mechanical and technological
tests, etc. shall be carried out in accordance with the
0) standards or Chapter 2, Section 5 as applicable.
300
(³
0 4.1.2 Unless otherwise agreed in a particular case,
00
³1
³ 150

one set of butt weld specimens shall comprise the

following specimens. The specimen shapes and di-
mensions shall conform to the provisions of the stan-
³1 50
50 dards or Chapter 2, Section 5 as applicable:
³ 150
Remaining fillet welds to be – 2 transverse tensile test specimens in accor-
fractured on alternate sides
(cf. 3.2.3) dance with EN 895/ISO 4136 (for larger plate
thicknesses a correspondingly greater number of
Fig. 1.2 Double T-joint (cruciform) test piece for specimens shall be provided to cover the full
fully mechanized welding processes cross-section),

3.3 Weld shapes, welding positions, heat – 1 round tensile test specimen by analogy to the
treatment, non-destructive testing provisions of Chapter 1, Section 5, B.2.3 (Fig.
5.1 and 5.2) taken lengthwise from the weld
3.3.1 Weld forms which may differ in their manner metal if welding consumables and auxiliary ma-
of joining (e.g. butt weld or T-joint) and plate thick- terials not approved by the Society are to be
ness shall be included in the test. Where weld forms, used (cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.3.2) or if the
welding parameters and run build-up (e.g. in sub- characteristics of the welding process suggest
merged-arc welding from square butt weld via single- that the weld metal itself is likely to be consid-
V butt weld to double-V butt weld) are changed dur- erably affected.
ing a welding process within the range of application A round tensile test specimen is to be prepared
for which application for approval is made, these in every case (except for aluminium alloys)
"shifts" in procedure shall also be allowed for by where the mechanical properties of the weld
means of appropriate test pieces. metal are inferior to those of the base material
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–11

(e.g. when welding high-strength steels). The peratures, test specimens with notches located at
diameter "d0" of the specimen shall be as large a = 1 mm, a = 3 mm and a = 5 mm shall be pre-
as possible (but not more than 10 mm) and the pared, unless otherwise specified in an individ-
ual case.
gauge length "L0" shall be 5  d0. The provi-
sions of Chapter 1, Section 5, B.2. are to be ap- Depending on the base material and welding
plied in analogous manner. process concerned, further notched bar impact
test specimens from other areas may be stipu-
– 4 transverse bend test specimens, in accor- lated. Notched bar impact test specimens may be
dance with EN 910/(ISO 5173) half to be bent partly or wholly dispensed with where the re-
with the final pass in tension (FBB) and half sults of these tests in connection with the use of
with the root pass in tension (RBB), a particular welding process are of minor sig-
or nificance for certain materials (e.g. austenitic
stainless steels or aluminium alloys, except for
– 2 transverse bend test specimens as before and low-temperature applications).
2 side bend test specimens taken at right angles – 2 macrographic (if necessary, micrographic)
to the butt weld (SBB) in accordance with specimens for evaluating the grain structure.
EN 910/(ISO 5173) in the case of test pieces
over 12 mm thick – Hardness tests (Vickers HV5 or HV10) in
accordance with EN 1043-1 (EN 1043-2 in the
or:
case of laser welding) shall be carried out
– 4 side bend test specimens (SBB) in the case of where, having regard to the base material and
test pieces 20 mm thick and welding processes the welding process, the possibility cannot be
liable to give rise to segregations, lack of fusion discounted that preheating and/or the heat flow
or similar defects inside the weld (e.g. single- during welding may affect the hardness values
side and vertical-down welding). in such a way as to impair the toughness or
strength characteristics of the weld. Hardness
Note: measurements shall always be performed on
higher-strength hull structural steels and on
In the case of pairs of materials which differ in high-strength (quenched and tempered) fine-
strength, it may be advisable to use butt-welded grained structural steels with minimum yield
longitudinal bend test specimens (FBB and strengths of more than 355 N/mm2.
RBB) in accordance with EN 910/(ISO 5173)
with the weld seam in the centre of the specimen
4.2 Set of butt weld test specimens for single-
instead of butt-welded transverse bend test
side welding processes
specimens. See also Chapter 2, Section 5. The
details of this test and the requirements (as a
4.2.1 Sets of test specimens as specified in para.
rule a qualitative assessment of the bending be-
4.1.1 and 4.1.2, but subject to the differences listed
haviour) shall be agreed on a case-by-case ba-
below, shall be taken from butt-weld test pieces for
sis.
single-side welding processes (e.g. manual or semi-
– 3 notched bar impact test specimens each mechanized welding using ceramic backing or sub-
(Charpy V-notch specimens with the notch per- merged-arc welding with flux backing):
pendicular to the surface of the plate) in accor-
dance with EN 875/ISO 9016, from the centre of – 2 transverse tensile test specimens, cf. para.
the weld (VWT 0/1), from the fusion bound- 4.1.2.
ary/transition zone (VHT 0/1) and from the – 1 round tensile test specimen taken lengthwise
heat-affected zone (VHT 2/1). The notched bar from the weld metal. This is also required when
impact test specimens shall be taken from the additional welding consumables (e.g. in the
last side welded, and with larger plate thick- form of iron powder and the like) are employed
nesses they shall be taken from both sides. With or where the possibility of a metallurgical reac-
very large plate thicknesses and welding proc- tion between the weld metal and the backing
esses liable to cause segregation in the central material cannot be discounted (cf. 4.1.2)
zone, an additional 3 notched bar impact test
specimens of each type shall be taken from the – 2 transverse bend test specimens (one FBB
same areas in middle of the plate thickness. and one RBB) and
The dimension "a" (cf. EN 875/ISO 9016) shall 2 side bend test specimens (SBB), cf. 4.1.2.
be such that the point of intersection of the cen-
tre line of the specimen and the middle of the – 3 notched bar impact test specimens each
notch lies in the coarse-grained area of the heat- additionally from the root zone: from the centre
affected zone. This dimension may be generally of the weld seam (VWT 0/t-1), the fusion
taken as 2 mm. Where welding procedure tests boundary/transition zone (VHT 0/t-1) and heat-
are performed on steels tough at subzero tem- affected zone (VHT 2/t-1). Cf. para. 4.1.2.
Chapter 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–12 GL 2000

– 2 macrographic specimens at least one of and welding processes liable to cause segrega-
which - for manual and semi-mechanized weld- tion in the central zone, an additional 4 notched
ing processes - must pass through a starting bar impact test specimens of each type shall be
point of welding (cf. 4.1.2). taken from the same areas in the middle of the
plate thickness. Cf. 4.1.2.
– Hardness tests, cf. para. 4.1.2
– 2 macrographic specimens at least one of
4.2.2 By analogy with the provisions of para. 4.2.1, which must pass through a starting point of
the following test specimens shall be taken from butt- welding (cf. 4.1.2).
welded test pieces prepared by manual or semi-
mechanized welding processes already approved by – Hardness tests, cf. para. 4.1.2
the Society for the range of application concerned
(base materials, welding positions) for the sole pur- 4.4 Set of fillet weld test specimens (set of
pose of extending the said approval to single-side T-jointed test pieces)
welding with backings:
4.4.1 By analogy with para. 4.1.1, two or more
– 2 transverse bend test specimens with the root macrographic specimens, as applicable depending on
in tension (RBB) and 2 side bend test speci- the length of the test piece, shall be taken from the
mens (SBB). Cf. 4.1.2 simplified (T-jointed) fillet-welded test pieces in ac-
cordance with EN 288/ISO 9956 to evaluate the pene-
– 3 notched bar impact test specimens each
tration conditions, any irregularities in the test piece
only from the root zone: from the centre of the
and the grain structure. If necessary, hardness meas-
weld seam (VWT 0/t-1), the fusion bound-
urements as described in EN 1043-1 and -2 shall be
ary/transition zone (VHT 0/t-1) and heat-
performed (cf. 4.1.2).
affected zone (VHT 2/t-1) where normal-
strength, hull structural steel grade E and/or 4.4.2 The remainder of the test pieces is to be di-
higher-strength hull structural steels are to be vided into convenient portions which, after removal of
welded or where stipulated for other materials one of the welds, are to be broken open on alternate
(cf. 4.1.2) sides for evaluation of the fracture (cf. EN 1320).
– 2 macrographic specimens, at least one of
which must pass through a starting point of 4.5 Set of fillet weld specimens (set of double-T
welding in the case of manual and semi- jointed (cruciform) test pieces)
mechanized welding processes. (cf. 4.1.2).
4.5.1 As shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2, one or more
– hardness tests, cf. para. 4.1.2. sets of test specimens shall be taken from the (cruci-
form) fillet-welded test pieces as called for in 4.1.1
4.3 Set of butt weld specimens for vertical depending on the length of the test piece as shown in
welding processes Fig. 1.3. Preparation of specimens, marking, perform-
In accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4, B.8.3, one or ance of mechanical and technological tests, etc. shall
be carried out in accordance with the provisions of
more sets of test specimens as described in paras.
Chapter 2, Section 5.
4.1.1 and 4.1.2 shall be taken from butt-weld test
pieces for vertical welding processes (e.g. electrogas 4.5.2 A set of (cruciform) fillet weld test specimens
or electroslag welding) as follows: as called for in 4.5.1 shall comprise the following
– 2 transverse tensile test specimens, cf. para. specimens. The specimen shapes and dimensions shall
4.1.2. conform to the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 5.
– 1 round tensile test specimen taken lengthwise – 3 cruciform tensile test specimens (Z) as
from the weld metal. This is also required when shown in Fig. 1.4 for determining the tensile-
additional welding consumables (e.g. in the shear strength of the weld metal
form of iron powder and the like) are employed – 2 macrographic specimens (M) for evaluating
(cf. 4.1.2). the penetration conditions, any irregularities in
– 2 transverse bend test specimens (one FBB the specimens and the grain structure. If neces-
and one RBB) and sary, hardness measurements (cf. 4.1.2) shall
be performed in accordance with EN 1043-1 and
2 side bend test specimens (SBB), cf. 4.1.2. -2 (cf. 4.1.2).
– 3 notched bar impact test specimens each
from the centre of the weld seam (VWT 0/2),
the edge of the weld seam (VWT a/2), the fusion
boundary/transition zone (VHT 0/2) and heat-
affected zone (VHT 2/2). The dimension "a"
shall be such that the notch lies in the coarse-
grained area of the weld metal (normally about
2 – 3 mm). With very large plate thicknesses
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–13

Z Z Z quirements shown in Table 1.4. Equivalent structural

steels, forged steels and cast steels shall be classified
Remainder in analogous manner according to their chemical com-
for retests position and mechanical characteristics.
M M

~ 400
5.1.2 The minimum impact energy values shown in
Table 1.4 apply to the centre of the weld metal, the
transition zone/fusion boundary and the heat-affected
zone. The values for manual and semi-mechanized
welding apply to all positions except the vertical-up
position (PF). The values applicable to the vertical
£50 ~35 ~35 ~35 £50 position (PF) are those for fully mechanized welding
(34 J or 41 J resp.).
Fig. 1.3 Set of double-T (cruciform) test speci-
mens
Note:

In the fusion boundary/transition zone and/or the heat

a1

affected area of "simple" steels, (for example Grade A

steels), difficulties may possibly arise in meeting the
required values listed in Table 1.4 which have been
2
a
3
a

derived from the requirements relating to welding

consumables. In such cases, the values established
a4

during the testing of the base material and during

appropriate monitoring checks may be used as refer-
ence values. The values established on the welded
a1 + a2 = fracture section S1/2 joint should not fall below these reference values.
a3 + a4 = fracture section S3/4

Breaking load F 5.1.3 In special cases (e.g. where the working tem-
Tensile-shear strength = [N/mm2] perature of the component is below – 10 °C), the test
SB × width of specimen
temperatures and impact energy values laid down in
SB = S1/2 or S3/4 according to position of fracture the material specifications for the testing of the steels
concerned may also be stipulated for welding proce-
Fig. 1.4 Cruciform tensile test specimen (weld dure tests in place of the test temperatures and impact
cross section) energy values shown in Table 1.4. Unless otherwise
agreed, these values shall then apply to all welding
4.5.3 The remainder of the test pieces is to be di- positions and notch positions.
vided into convenient portions which, after removal of
one of the welds, are to be broken open on alternate 5.1.4 Where the plate thickness is less than 10 mm,
sides for evaluation of the fracture, cf. EN 1320. notched bar impact test specimens with a width corre-
sponding to the plate thickness, and wherever possible
5. Requirements 7,5 mm or 5 mm, may be used. In such cases the im-
pact energy values specified in Table 1.4 shall be
5.1 Hull structural steels reduced in accordance with Table 1.5.

5.1.1 In welding procedure tests and tests on pro- The notched bar impact test is generally dispensed
duction specimens relating to hull structural steels, with for plates less than 5 mm thick. However, other
butt weld specimens must meet the minimum re- tests of resistance to brittle fracture may be stipulated.
Chapter 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–14 GL 2000

Table 1.4 Requirements applicable to hull structural steels

Yield Tensile Elongation Impact energy 1 Bending

strength strength (weld metal. [J] elongation
(weld metal) L0 = 5 d0) Bending gauge
Grade angle length
manual and Temp. (D = 3 t) 2 2 LS 3
full
semi-
[N/mm2] [N/mm2] [%] mechanized [%]
mechanized. [°C]
A/B + 20
D 305 400 22 47 34 ± 0 180° 22
E – 20
A 32 + 20
D 32 ± 0
335 440 22 47 34 180° 22
E 32 – 20
F 32 – 40
A 36 + 20
D 36 ± 0
375 490 22 47 34 180° 22
E 36 – 20
F 36 – 40
A 40 + 20
D 40 ± 0
400 510 22 47 41 180° 22
E 40 – 20
F 40 – 40
1 Charpy V-notch specimens, average value of three specimens. For minimum individual values and retests, see Chapter 1, Section 4, C.2.3.
With regard to the notch position and the welding positions, see 5.1.2.
2 The Society may consent to the use of a mandrel with a diameter D equal to D = 4 × t if this does not adversely affect the reliability of the
test results. For bending angles, see 5.1.5.
3 The gauge length (L ) = the weld width (L ) + half the plate thickness (a/2) on each side adjacent to the weld, cf. EN 910/(ISO 5173).
0 S

Table 1.5 Required impact energy values with Minor pore exposures or the like up to a maximum
specimens of reduced width length of 3 mm may be tolerated. The fracture sur-
faces of ruptured test specimens shall be evaluated.
Specified impact
Specimen section energy value to be 5.1.6 Measured on cruciform tensile test speci-
[mm × mm] multiplied by: mens, the minimum tensile (tensile-shear) strength of
the weld section (fracture section in accordance with
10 × 7,5 5/6
Fig. 1.4) shall meet the requirements stated in Table
10 × 5,0 2/3 1.6.

5.1.5 The bending tests are to be performed using a Table 1.6 Requirements applicable to cruciform
mandrel with a diameter equal to 3 times the thickness tensile specimens
(t) of the specimen. The Society may instead consent
to the use of a mandrel with a diameter D of 4 × t if Tensile-shear strength
this does not impair the reliability of the test results. Grades
[N/mm2]
The required bending angle of 180 ° under the test
conditions specified in EN 910 is deemed to have been A–E 350
attained when the specimen has been thrust between
A 32 – F 36 430
the supporting rolls to the minimum distance indicated
in this standard. The required bending elongation must A 40 – F 40 450
be attained before the first incipient crack appears.
II - Part 3 Section 1 F Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–15

5.2 High-strength (quenched and tempered) specimen thickness may be used for the bending test
fine-grained steels and a test temperature of + 20 °C for the notched bar
impact test performed on austenitic stainless steels.
5.2.1 For welding procedure tests and tests on Austenitic-ferritic (duplex) steels shall be tested at a
production specimens relating to high-strength temperature of – 30 °C.
(quenched and tempered) fine-grained steels, the
minimum properties specified in Chapter 1, Section 5,
F. for the testing of welding consumables and auxil- 5.3.3 Measured on cruciform tensile test specimens
iary materials must be met for butt-weld specimens. (cf. 3.2.2), the minimum tensile strength (tensile-shear
Unless otherwise agreed in an individual case, a bend- strength) of the weld section (fracture section as
ing mandrel diameter of 4 times the specimen thick- shown in Fig. 1.4) shall satisfy the requirements relat-
ness shall be used for the bending tests. Test tempera- ing to the welded joint stipulated in Chapter 1, Section
tures of – 20 °C or below shall be selected for the 5, I. The throat thickness of the fillet welds on clad
notched bar impact test. plates shall be such (≤ 0,5 × plate thickness) that the
fracture always occurs in the weld seam.
5.2.2 Measured on cruciform tensile test specimens
(cf. 3.2.2), the minimum tensile strength (tensile-shear
strength) of the weld section (fracture section as 5.4 Aluminium alloys
shown in Fig. 1.4) shall satisfy the requirements relat-
ing to the welded joint stipulated in Chapter 1, Section
5, F. 5.4.1 For welding procedure tests and tests on
production specimens relating to aluminium alloys,
5.3 Austenitic stainless (clad) and austenitic- the values specified in Table 1.7 shall be used as guide
ferritic (duplex) steels values for butt weld specimens taken from 5000 and
6000 series alloys as stipulated in the Society’s Rules
5.3.1 For welding procedure tests and tests on for Materials. The tensile strength of the specimens
production specimens relating to austenitic stainless may not on any account be less than the minimum
(clad) and austenitic-ferritic (duplex) steels, the mini- stipulated value for the base material in its "soft" con-
mum properties specified in Chapter 1, Section 5, I. dition. Different values shall be allowed for where
for the testing of welding consumables and auxiliary applicable in the design and dimensioning operations.
materials must be met for butt weld specimens. In the The stipulated tensile strength values apply to test
case of joints between different types of steel, the specimens retaining the weld reinforcement. Other
strength values of the base material which has the aluminium alloys shall be classified in analogous
lower strength shall be used. manner and the requirements for these are specified on
a case-by-case basis allowing for the characteristics of
5.3.2 Unless otherwise agreed in an individual the base material and the joint efficiency factors stipu-
case, a bending mandrel diameter of 3 times the lated in EN 288-4/ISO 9956-4.

Table 1.7 Requirements applicable to aluminium alloys

Base material Welded joints 1

0,2 %-proof Tensile Bending Bending

Alloy no. Material designation stress 2 strength angle 3 elongation
[N/mm2] [N/mm2] [degree] [%]
EN AW-5083 AlMg4,5Mn0,7 125 275
EN AW-5086 AlMg4 100 240
EN AW-5383 AlMg4,5Mn0,7mod. 145 290 18
EN AW-5754 AlMg3 80 190
180
––– AlMg5,5Mn0,8ZnZr 160 300
EN AW-6005A AlSiMg(A) 115 165
EN AW-6061 AlMgSilCu 115 155 10
EN AW-6082 AlSilMgMn 125 185
1
Using a weld consumable of a quality grade in accordance with the base material according to Chapter 1, Section 5, J.
2 As far as established (on additional samples which are to be agreed).
3
Bending mandrel ∅ to be selected depending on the material group and condition according to EN 288-4/ISO 9956-4.
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–16 GL 2000

5.4.2 The required bending angle of 180° under the (possibly lower) load-bearing capacity of these welds
test conditions specified in EN 910 is deemed to have shall be allowed for in the dimensional design.
been attained when the specimen has been forced
between the supporting rolls to the minimum length
specified in this standard. The required bending elon- 1.3 Severely stressed welded joints, which are
gation must be attained before the first incipient crack therefore normally subject to compulsory inspection,
appears. Minor pore exposures or the like up to a shall be designed such that the most appropriate in-
maximum length of 3 mm may be tolerated. The frac- spection technique for the detection of defects (radiog-
ture surfaces of ruptured test specimens shall be evalu- raphy, ultrasonic or surface crack inspection) can be
ated. applied without restriction so that tests offering reli-
able results can be carried out.
5.4.3 Measured on cruciform tensile test speci-
mens, the minimum tensile-shear strength of the weld
section (fracture section in accordance with Fig. 1.4) 2. Characteristics related to materials, corro-
shall generally not be less than 60 % of the stipulated sion
tensile strength. For the allowances which may be
necessary when dimensioning the fillet-welded joints 2.1 Characteristics related to materials, e.g. the
(if this value is not attained), see G.10.3.2. (inferior) strength of rolled products in the thickness
direction (cf. para. 7.) or the softening of hardened
5.4.4 For the welding procedure tests and tests on aluminium alloys when welded, are to be allowed for
production specimens relating to aluminium alloys, when designing and dimensioning the components and
unless otherwise stipulated in individual cases, the the welded joints.
notch impact toughness test may be dispensed with.
The requirements applicable to low temperature appli-
cations will be specified separately. 2.2 Clad plates where the efficiency of the bond
between the support and the superimposed material is
5.5 Other materials proven may generally be treated as solid plates (up to
medium plate thicknesses with mostly fillet welds).
The requirements applicable to other materials or
other test methods will be determined on a case-by-
case basis in a manner analogous to that applied to the 2.3 In thermally stressed composite structures
materials covered earlier, on the basis of their chemi- made of different materials (e.g. hull structural and
cal composition, mechanical properties and other stainless steels in the case of tank heating systems),
characteristics of the base materials and with due due allowance shall be made for the differences in the
regard for the anticipated operating conditions, such as thermal conductivities and especially the rates of
the lowest anticipated service temperature (design thermal expansion of the different steels.
temperature).
2.4 Where pairs of different materials are ex-
posed to seawater or other electrolytes, e.g. the welded
joints between unalloyed and stainless steels in the
G. Design, Dimensioning wear linings of rudder nozzles and in build-up welds
on rudderstocks, attention is to be paid to the in-
Preliminary remark: creased tendency towards corrosion, especially at the
weld, due to the differences in electrochemical poten-
The contents of this section are largely identical to the
tial.
provisions of the Rules for Classification and Con-
struction I, Part 1 " Seagoing Ships", Chapter 1 "Hull
Structures", Section 19 "Welded Joints". Because of 2.5 If welded joints of this kind cannot be
the time separating the reissues of the different rules, avoided, they shall whenever possible be located at
some temporary divergences may arise and in such points where there is less danger of corrosion (e.g.
circumstances the more recent rules shall prevail. outside tanks) or special corrosion protection shall be
provided (e.g. coating or cathodic protection).
1. General
3. Stress flow, transitions
1.1 The general design principles described in
Chapter 2, Section 1 shall be followed.
3.1 All welded joints on primary supporting
1.2 Welded joints shall be designed to ensure that members shall be designed to provide as smooth a
the proposed weld type and quality (e.g. complete root stress profile as possible with no major internal or
fusion in the case of single- and double-bevel butt external notches, no discontinuities in rigidity and no
welds) can be satisfactorily achieved under the given obstructions to expansion (cf. also the Rules for Con-
fabricating conditions. Failing this, provision shall be struction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 3,
made for welds which are easier to execute and the H.).
II - Part 3 Section 1 G Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–17

3.2 This applies in analogous manner to the

max. 4 (3)
welding of subordinate components onto primary
supporting members whose exposed plate or flange £ 1:
3
edges should, as far as possible, be kept free from
notch effects due to welded attachments. Regarding
the inadmissibility of weldments to the upper edge of
the sheer strake, see the Rules for Construction of
Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 6, C.3.3. This
applies in analogous manner to weldments to the up-
per edge of continuous hatchway sidecoamings. Fig. 1.5 Accommodation of differences in thick-
ness
3.3 Butt joints in long or continuous external
structures, such as bilge keels, fenders, slop coamings,
crane rails, hatchway cover running rails, compression » 30°
bars, etc. attached to primary supporting members are
therefore to be welded over their entire cross section.
Their ends shall be designed in analogous manner to
the ends of the doubling plates (cf. 6.4) with "smooth"
transitions into the component underneath. 6

3.4 Wherever possible, welded joints (especially Fig. 1.6 Welding flange on steel castings and
site joints) in girders and sections shall not be located forgings
in areas of high bending stress. Joints at the buckling
points of flanges are to be avoided. Full penetration 3.8 For the connection of shaft brackets to the
welds uniting three plates with additional fillet welds hub and the shell plating, see 13. and the Rules for
applied from the rear side in analogous manner to Fig. Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section
1.18 on buckle stiffeners are generally acceptable. 13, D.1.; for the connection of horizontal coupling
flanges to the rudder body, see 14. For the thickened
3.5 The transition between differing component rudderstock collar required with build-up welds and
dimensions shall be smooth and gradual. Where the for the connection of the coupling flange, see 9. and
depth of web of girders or sections differs, the flanges 14. respectively and the Rules for Construction of
or bulbs are to be bevelled and the web slit and ex- Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 14, D.2.4. The
panded or pressed together to equalize the depth of the connection between the rudderstock and the coupling
members so that the flanges or bulbs, as applicable, flange must be welded over the entire cross section.
may be satisfactorily welded together. The length of
the transition should equal at least twice the difference
in depth. 4. Local clustering of welds, minimum spac-
ing, socket weldments
3.6 Where the plate thickness changes at joints
running perpendicular to the direction of the main 4.1 Local clustering of welds and short distances
stress, differences in thickness greater than 4 mm between welds are to be avoided. Where account has
(greater than 3 mm where the thickness of the thinner to be taken of higher residual welding stresses due to
plate is less 10 mm) must be accommodated by bevel- thicker plates or welds and corresponding rigidity of
ling the proud edge in the manner shown in Fig. 1.5 at the components, the preparation should allow for the
a ratio of at least 1 : 3 or less according to the notch fact that adjacent butt welds should be separated from
category (cf. the Rules for Construction of Seagoing each other by a distance of at least
Ships, Chapter 1, Section 20, Table 20.3). Differences
in thickness up to the values stated above may be 50 mm + 4 × plate thickenss
accommodated within the weld.
Fillet welds should be separated from each other and
3.7 For the welding on of plates or other rela-
from butt welds by a distance of at least
tively thin-walled elements, steel castings and forgings
must be appropriately tapered or provided with inte-
grally cast or forged welding flanges in accordance 30 mm + 2 × plate thickenss
with Fig. 1.6. Failing this, the Society may approve a
correspondingly thicker transition piece welded over In this case, the applicable dimensions are edge of
its entire cross-section to the steel casting or forging in fillet weld to edge of fillet weld or edge of fillet weld
a manner analogous to that for shaft brackets (cf. Fig. to centre of butt weld. The width of interchangeable
1.24 and 1.25) or to that for the horizontal rudder sections (strips) of plates should, however, be at least
coupling flanges (cf. Fig. 1.26) 300 mm or ten times the plate thickness, whichever is
the greater. Other dimensions shall be subject to ap-
proval by the Society in each individual case as part of
the examination of the drawings.
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–18 GL 2000

Note:
r ³ 25 ³ 2t
[t]
In special cases, for example where plating bends over
its length (e.g. the inner bottom plating in the fore
section of the hull or lateral longitudinal bulkheads in
the fore and aft sections of the hull), especially in the
lower plate thickness range (up to approx. 20 mm) it
may be advisable, in order to improve buckle stiffen- r ³ 25 ³ 2t
ing - or where the weld throat thicknesses are not too
large (up to about 5 mm) - to reduce the distances [t]
stated above or even position the buckle stiffening
section or the like directly on the plate weld causing
the buckling. Fig. 1.7 Welding apertures

Although the extra fillet welds on the butt joint pro- 5.2 Where the welds are completed prior to the
duce an additional clustering of welds and thus resid- positioning of transverse members, no welding aper-
ual welding stresses, this is relatively minor compared tures are needed. Any weld reinforcements present are
with the residual welding stresses which occur in to be machined off prior to positioning the transverse
larger plate thicknesses and the correspondingly lar- member, or the members to be positioned are to be
ger number of passes and may therefore be acceptable notched accordingly.
as a way of increasing the strength properties of the
design. For permitted tolerances, see H.3. 6. Local reinforcements, plate doublings

6.1 Where platings (including girder plates and

4.2 Reinforcing plates, welding flanges, drain
tube walls) are subjected locally to increased stresses,
unions, mountings and similar components socket-
thicker plates should be used wherever possible in
welded into plating should be of the following mini-
preference to plate doublings. Bearing bushes, hubs,
mum size:
etc. shall invariably take the form of thicker sections
welded into the plating (cf. 4.2).
D min = 170 + 3 ( t − 10) ≥ 170 mm
6.2 Where doublings cannot be avoided, the
thickness of the doubling plate should not exceed
where twice the plating thickness. Doubling plates whose
width is greater than approximately 30 times their
thickness shall be plug-welded to the underlying plat-
D = Diameter of round or length of side of angu-
ing in accordance with 10.5 at intervals not exceeding
lar socket weldments in [mm]
30 times the thickness of the doubling plate.

t = Plating thickness in [mm]

t

With angular socket weldments, the corner radii

should be at least 50 mm or the "longitudinal seams" b/2 ~ 1,5 b
should be extended beyond the "transverse joints".
Socket weldments shall be welded to the surrounding
plating over the entire cross-section. For the provi- r ³ 2t
2t
b

r³

sions relating to the increase in stresses due to possible

differences in thickness, cf. the Rules for Construction
of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 20, B.1.3.
Fig. 1.8 Weld at the ends of doubling plates

5. Welding apertures 6.3 Along their (longitudinal) edges, doubling

plates shall be continuously fillet welded with a throat
thickness "a" of 0,3 × the doubling plate thickness. At
5.1 Welding apertures for the (later) execution of the ends of doubling plates, the throat thickness "a" at
butt or fillet welds following the positioning of trans- the end faces shall equal 0,5 × the doubling plate
verse members should be rounded (minimum radius thickness t, but shall not exceed the plating thickness
25 mm or twice the plate thickness, whichever is the (see Fig. 1.8).
greater) and (especially where the loading is mainly
dynamic) should be shaped to provide a gentle transi- 6.4 The weld joining the end faces to the plating
tion to the adjoining surface and adequately notch-free should make a smooth transition with the latter at an
welding should be carried out around the end faces as angle of 45° or less.
shown in Fig. 1.7.
II - Part 3 Section 1 G Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–19

Where proof of fatigue strength is demanded, (cf. adjacent areas with 5 × plate thickness should be
Section 20 of Chapter 1of the Rules for Construction avoided wherever possible. In case of doubt the Soci-
of Seagoing Ships) the ends of the doubling plates ety may demand proof (e.g. in the form of notched bar
must be designed so that they comply with the detail impact tests) that cold forming and subsequent weld-
category selected. ing have not caused any unacceptable reduction in
toughness characteristics.
6.5 Doubling plates are not acceptable in tanks
for flammable liquids, gases or chemicals. 8.2 Welding of the cold-formed sections and
adjacent areas of hull structural steels and comparable
7. Transverse members, stress in the thick- structural steels (e.g. quality groups S….J…. or
ness direction S….K…. conforming to EN 10025) may be per-
formed, provided that the minimum bending radii are
7.1 Where, in the case of members lying trans- not less than those specified in Table 1.8.
verse to each other, plates or other rolled products are
stressed in the thickness direction by residual stresses Table 1.8 Minimum bending radii for welding
due to the welding and/or by applied loads, suitable of cold-formed sections
measures shall be taken in the design and fabrication
of the structures to prevent lamellar tearing (stratified Minimum inner
fractures) due to the anisotropy of the rolled products. Plate thickness t
bending radius r
7.2 Such measures include the use of suitable 4 mm or less 1 × t
weld shapes with a minimum weld volume and an 8 mm or less 1,5 × t
appropriate welding sequence designed to reduce
transverse shrinkage. Other measures are the distribu- 12 mm or less 2 × t
tion of the stresses over a larger area of the plate sur- 24 mm or less 3 × t
face by using a build-up weld or the "joining together over 24 mm 5 × t
of several layers" of members stressed in the thickness
direction, as exemplified by the deck stringer/sheer
strake joint shown in Fig. 1.17. Note:

7.3 Where there are very severe stresses in the The bending capacity of the material may necessitate
thickness direction (due, for example, to the aggregate a larger bending radius.
effect of the shrinkage stresses of bulky single- or
double-bevel welds plus high applied loads), plates 8.3 For other steels and, where applicable, other
with guaranteed through thickness strength properties materials, the necessary minimum bending radius
are to be used (higher degree of purity and guaranteed shall, in case of doubt, be established by test. Proof of
minimum reductions in area of ≥ 20 % of tensile test adequate toughness after welding may be stipulated
for steels with minimum yield strengths of more than
specimens taken in the thickness direction 3.
355 N/mm2 and plate thicknesses of 30 mm and above
which have undergone cold forming resulting in 2 %
7.4 Sandwiched flat bar steel positioned trans-
or more permanent elongation.
versely to the direction of force (e.g. for use as back-
ings for plug welding or to accommodate excessive air
gaps) are not permitted where components intersect. 9. Build-up welds on rudderstocks and pint-
les
8. Welding of cold-formed sections, bending
9.1 Wear-resistant and/or corrosion-resistant
radii
build-up welds on the bearing surfaces of rudder-
stocks, pintles, etc. shall be applied to a thickened
8.1 In structural steels with a tendency towards
collar exceeding by at least 20 mm the diameter of the
strain ageing, welding of the cold-formed sections
adjoining part of the shaft.
with more than 5 % permanent elongation 4 and the
9.2 Where a thickened collar is impossible for
–––––––––––––– design reasons, the build-up weld may be applied to
3 See the Rules for Materials and Welding, Part, 1, Metallic the smooth shaft provided that relief-turning in accor-
Materials, Chapter 2, Section 1, I., and also Supply Conditions dance with 9.3 is possible (leaving an adequate resid-
096 for Iron and Steel Products, "Plate, strip and universal
steel with improved resistance to stress perpendicular to the ual diameter).
product surface" issued by the German Iron and Steel Makers'
Association.
4 Elongation in the outer tensile stressed zone:

100
ε = [%] r = inner bending radius in [mm]
1+ 2r / t t = plate thickness in [mm]
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–20 GL 2000

9.3 After welding, the transition areas between have been tested and approved in the context of a
the welded and non-welded portions of the shaft shall welding procedure test.
be relief-turned with large radii, as shown in Fig. 1.9,
to remove any base material whose structure close to
the concave groove has been altered by the welding
operation and in order to effect the physical separation
of geometrical and "metallurgical" notches.
10.1.3 As a matter of principle, the rear sides of butt
joints shall be grooved and welded with at least one
Built-up weld on Transition to be relief- backing run (capping pass). Exceptions to this rule, as
thickened collar turned after welding
4 in the case of submerged-arc welding or the welding
1 : wer
h ll
a o processes mentioned in para. 10.1.1, require testing
or s and approval in the context of a welding procedure
test.

Fig. 1.9 Build-up welds applied to rudder-stocks

and pintles

9.4 If, during a repair, a build-up weld is excep- 10.1.4 Where the aforementioned conditions cannot
tionally to be applied to the smooth shaft without be met (e.g. where the welds are accessible from one
relief turning with the special permission of the Soci- side only), the joints shall be executed as lesser bev-
ety, this weld shall be made in analogous manner to elled welds with an open root and an attached or an
9.3 (at an adequate distance beyond the zone of integrally machined or cast permanent weld pool sup-
maximum bending stress) as shown in Fig. 1.10 in port (backing), as shown in Fig. 1.11.
such a way that at least two passes of weld metal re-
main in the smooth part of the shaft after machining.
The transition between the build-up weld and the shaft
must be machined cleanly and free of notches.
» 30° » 30°
to be machined off
after welding D/4
min. 50

t
t

»1:4
6 6
Fig. 1.10 Repair made by build-up welding

9.5 Build-up welding may only be carried out

using a fully mechanized process approved by the
Society (e.g. 12, submerged-arc welding) in the cir- Fig. 1.11 Single-side welds with permanent weld
cumferential direction on a rotating fixture. pool supports (backings)

10. Weld shapes and dimensions

10.1 Butt joints 10.1.5 The effective weld thickness is deemed to be

the plate thickness or, where the plate thicknesses
10.1.1 Depending on the plate thickness, the weld-
differ, the lesser plate thickness. Where proof of fa-
ing process and the welding position, butt joints shall
tigue strength is required (see para. 15.3), the detail
take the form of square, V or double-V welds (double
category depends on the workmanship (geometry and
V butt joints) conforming to the standards (e.g. EN
quality) of the weld.
22553, EN 29629, DIN 8551 Part 4, DIN 8552 or DIN
8553). The weld shapes shall be illustrated in the
drawings or in other production documents, together
with the standard symbols.

10.1.2 Where weld shapes are proposed other than 10.1.6 The weld shapes illustrated in Fig. 1.12 shall
those specified in the standards, these are to be spe- be used for clad plates. These weld shapes shall be
cially described in the drawings. Weld shapes for used in analogous manner for corner joints and for
special welding processes (e.g. submerged-arc, single- joining clad plates to (unalloyed and low-alloy) hull
side welding, electrogas or electroslag welding) must structural steels.
II - Part 3 Section 1 G Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–21

60° 60° f
f

2-3

2-3
°
45

°
45
»

»
h/3
2

Welding the support material at an adequate disdance t t

from the cladding material
Fig. 1.14 Single- and double-bevel welds with de-
fined incomplete root penetration
The effective weld thickness may be deemed to be the
Grooving out the clad side of the plate thickness t (- f) of the abutting plate, the assumed
incomplete root penetration f = 0,2 t, max. 3 mm,
being compensated for by means of additional fillet
welds of at least equal size applied to each side. As a
practical dimension, a leg length of z = h/3 at the root
of the weld may be prescribed where h is the depth of
Welding the clad side of the plate in at least two the weld as shown in the figure. If proof of fatigue
passes, using special interpass electrodes where strength is required (see para. 15.3), these welds may
necessary also be placed in detail category no. 21 in accordance
with the Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships,
Fig. 1.12 Weld shapes for welding of clad plates Chapter 1, Section 20, Table 20.3.

10.2.3 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints

10.2 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints with an unwelded root face "c" and an incomplete root
penetration "f" which is also to be allowed for shall be
executed in accordance with Fig. 1.15.
10.2.1 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints
with full root penetration connection of the abutting The effective weld thickness is deemed to be the
plates shall be executed as single- or double-bevel thickness of the abutting plate t – (c + f), where f is to
welds with a minimum root face and adequate air gap, be assigned a value of 0,2 t subject to a maximum of
as shown in Fig. 1.13, and with grooving of the root 3 mm. Where proof of fatigue strength is required (see
and capping from the opposite side. para. 15.3), and depending on the plate thickness to
weld thickness ratio, these welds are to be classified
according to type 22 or 23 in accordance with the
Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1,
Section 20, Table 20.3.
2-3

2-3
°
45

°
45

f/2 c f/2 c
»

f/2 f/2

t t
°
45

°
45

Fig. 1.13 Single- and double-bevel welds with full

root penetration
t t
The effective weld thickness is deemed to be the
thickness of the abutting plate. Where proof of fatigue Fig. 1.15 Single- and double-bevel welds with un-
strength is required (see 15.3), the detail category welded root face and defined incomplete
depends on the workmanship (geometry and quality) root penetration
of the weld. These welds are to be classified accord-
ing to type 21 in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 10.2.4 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints
20, Table 20.3 of the Rules for Construction of Seago- which are accessible from one side only may be exe-
ing Ships. cuted in accordance with Fig. 1.16 in a manner analo-
gous to the butt joints referred to in para. 10.1.4 using
a weld pool support (backing) or as single-side single-
10.2.2 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints bevel welds laid down in a manner similar to that
with a defined incomplete root penetration "f", as prescribed in para. 10.2.2.
shown in Fig. 1.14 shall be executed as single- or
double-bevel welds, as described in para. 10.2.1, with The effective weld thickness shall be determined by
capping from the rear side but without grooving of analogy with para. 10.1.5 or 10.2.2, as appropriate.
the root. Wherever possible, these joints should not be used
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–22 GL 2000

where proof of fatigue strength is required (see para. 2a 2a

15.3).
5° 5°
»1
»1
5° »1 »1
5°
6
f
45°

2-3
45
»

a
t
Fig. 1.18 Welding together three plates

Fig. 1.16 Single-side welded T-joints 10.3 Fillet weld joints

10.2.5 Where corner joints are flush, i.e. with neither 10.3.1 Fillet welds shall normally be made on both
of the plates standing proud, the weld shapes shall be sides, and exceptions to this rule (as in the case of
as shown in Fig. 1.17 with bevelling of the perpen- closed box girders and predominant shear stresses
dicularly juxtaposed plates to avoid the danger of parallel to the weld) are subject to approval in each
lamellar tearing (stratified fracture, cf. 7.). A similar individual case. The throat thickness "a" of the weld
procedure is to be followed in the case of fitted T- (the height of the inscribed isosceles triangle) shall be
joints (uniting three plates) where the perpendicular determined in accordance with the Rules for Construc-
plate illustrated is to be socketed (between two hori- tion of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 19, Table
zontal plates). 19.3 or by calculation in accordance with 15. The leg
length "z" of a fillet weld is to be not less than
1,4  the throat thickness "a". For fillet welds at
»15° »15°
2-3 doubling plates, see 6.3; for the welding of deck
2-3
stringers to sheer strakes, see the Rules for Construc-
»30° »30° tion of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 7, A.2.1,
and for bracket plate connections, see Section 19,
C.2.7.

10.3.2 The relative fillet weld throat thicknesses

specified in the above-mentioned Table 19.3 relate to
5° normal- and higher-strength hull structural steels and
»4 comparable structural steels. They may also be applied
to high-strength structural steels and non-ferrous met-
als provided that the tensile-shear strength of the weld
metal used is at least equal to the tensile strength of
the base material. Failing this, the "a" dimension shall
Fig. 1.17 Flush fitted corner joints be increased accordingly and the necessary increment
shall be established during the welding procedure test.
10.2.6 Where, in the case of T-joints (uniting three Alternatively, proof by calculation taking account of
plates), the direction of the main stress lies in the the properties of the weld metal may be presented.
plane of the horizontal plates (e.g. the plating) shown
in Fig. 1.18 and the connection of the perpendicular Note:
(web) plates is of secondary importance, welds uniting
three plates may be made in accordance with Fig. 1.18 In the case of higher-strength aluminium alloys (e.g.
(with the exception of those subjected mainly to dy- AlMg 4,5 Mn), such an increment may be necessary
namic loads). for cruciform joints subject to tensile stresses, as ex-
perience shows that in the welding procedure tests the
tensile-shear strength of fillet welds (made with
The effective thickness of the weld uniting the hori-
matching filler metal) often fails to attain the tensile
zontal plates shall be determined by analogy with
strength of the base material. Cf. F.5.4.3.
10.1.5. The requisite "a" dimension is determined by
the joint uniting the vertical (web) plates and shall,
where necessary, be determined in accordance with 10.3.3 The throat thickness of fillet welds shall not
the Rules of Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter exceed 0,7 times the lesser thickness of the parts to be
1, Section 19, Table 19.3 or by calculation as for fillet welded (the web thickness, for instance). The mini-
welds. mum weld thickness is defined by the expression:
II - Part 3 Section 1 G Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–23

t1 + t 2 10.3.6 When welding on top of shop primers which

a min = mm , are particularly liable to cause porosity, an increase of
3
the "a" dimension by up to 1 mm may be stipulated
but not less than 3 mm depending on the welding process used. This is espe-
where cially applicable where minimum fillet weld throat
thicknesses are employed. The size of the increase
t1 = lesser (e.g. the web) plate thickness in [mm] shall be decided on a case-by-case basis allowing for
the nature and the severity of the loading according to
t2 = greater (e.g. the flange) plate thickness in [mm] the results of the examination of the shop primer in
accordance with Chapter 1, Section 6 or of the weld-
Cf. Chapter 2, Section 1, E.2.
ing procedure tests or production tests, as applicable.
10.3.4 It is desirable that the fillet weld section This applies in analogous manner to welding proc-
should be flat faced with smooth transitions to the esses where provision has to be made for inadequate
base material. Where proof of fatigue strength is re- root penetration.
quired (see para. 15.3), machining of the weld (grind-
ing to remove notches) may be required depending on 10.3.7 Strengthened fillet welds continuous on both
the detail category. The weld should penetrate at least sides are to be used in areas subjected to severe dy-
close to the theoretical root point (cf. Fig. 1.19). namic loads (e.g. for joining the longitudinal and
transverse girders of the engine base to top plates
10.3.5 Where mechanized welding processes are close to foundation bolts, cf. the Rules for Construc-
used which ensure deeper penetration extending well tion of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 8, C.3.2.5
beyond the theoretical root point and where such and Section 19, Table 19.3) unless single- or double-
penetration is uniformly and dependably maintained bevel welds are stipulated in these locations. In these
under production conditions, approval may be given areas the fillet weld throat thickness "a" shall equal 0,7
for this deeper penetration to be allowed for in deter- times the lesser thickness of the parts to be welded.
mining the throat thickness. The effective dimension
10.3.8 Intermittent fillet welds may be located oppo-
2 min e site each other (chain intermittent welds, possibly with
a deep = a + mm
3 scallops) or may be offset (staggered welding), in
accordance with the Rules for Construction of Seaog-
shall be ascertained in accordance with Fig. 1.19 and ing Ships, Chapter 1, Table 19.3 (cf. Fig. 1.20). The
by applying the term "min e", which is to be estab- use of different scallop shapes and dimensions may be
lished for each welding process by a welding proce- agreed on for very small sections.
dure test. The throat thickness shall not be less than
the minimum throat thickness related to the theoretical
root point.
25

[t]
r³

h
h £ 75
a
e

a
e

f£ e £ 150
4
e
m
in
e

theoretical
root point
b=e+
Fig. 1.19 Fillet welds with increased penetration
e
Note:
In the case of welding processes where there is a par-
ticularly deep, narrow penetration, as occurs for ex- b=e+
ample in laser welding without welding consumable in
which no significant fillet weld is produced but the Fig. 1.20 Scallop, chain and staggered welds
entire welded joint is virtually shifted "inwards", the
above requirement for a specific minimum fillet weld In water and cargo tanks, in the bottoms of fuel tanks
thickness may be difficult or impossible to meet. In and of rooms where pools of condensation or spray
such cases the extent of the effect of the weld shape (if water may collect, and in hollow components (e.g.
any) on the characteristics of the welded joint (e.g. rudders) threatened by corrosion, only continuous
resistance to cracking, strength) shall be assessed fillet welds or intermittent welds with scallops shall be
and/or verified in the welding procedure test, taking used. The same applies in analogous manner to areas,
into consideration any fatigue strength requirements components or compartments which are exposed to
which may be stipulated. The details of this shall be extreme weather conditions or to a corrosive cargo.
agreed with the Society on a case-by-case basis. There shall be no scallops in areas where the plating is
subjected to severe stresses (e.g. in the bottom section
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–24 GL 2000

of the fore ship) and continuous welds are to be pre- 10.5.2 The width of the holes shall be equal to at
ferred where the loading is chiefly dynamic. least twice the thickness of the plate and shall not be
less than 15 mm. The ends of the holes shall be semi-
10.3.9 The throat thickness au of intermittent fillet circular.
welds is to be determined according to the selected
pitch ratio b/A by applying the following formula: 10.5.3 Plates or sections placed underneath should at
least equal the perforated plate in thickness and should
b project on both sides to a distance of 1,5 × the plate
au = a ⋅ ⋅ 11
, mm thickness subject to a maximum of 20 mm. Wherever
A
possible, only the necessary fillet welds shall be made,
where while the remaining void is packed with a suitable
a = necessary fillet weld throat thickness for a filler.
continuous weld conforming to the Rules for
Construction of Seaoging Ships, Chapter 1, 10.5.4 Lug-joint welding is not permitted.
Table 19.3, or determined by calculation in
[mm] 11. Welding at the ends of girders and stiffeners
b = pitch = e + A in [mm] 11.1 As shown in Fig. 1.21, the web at the end of
intermittently welded girders or stiffeners is to be
e = interval between the welds in [mm]
continuously welded to the plating or the flange plate,
A = length of fillet weld in [mm] as applicable, over a distance at least equal to the
depth "h" of the girder or stiffener subject to a maxi-
The pitch ratio b/A may not be greater than 5. The mum of 300 mm. Regarding the strengthening of the
welds at the ends, normally extending over 0,15 of the
maximum unwelded length (b – A with scallop and span, see the Rules of Construction for Seagoing Ships
Chapter 1, Section 19, Table 19.3.
chain welds or b/2 – A with staggered welds) shall not
exceed 25 times the lesser thickness of the parts to be
no
welded. However, the length of the scallops shall not scallops
h h 1,7 h
exceed 150 mm.

20
h
10.4 Lapped joints
b b
10.4.1 Lapped joints running transversely to the b
main direction of load should be avoided wherever Fig. 1.21 Welds at the ends of girders and stiffen-
possible and may not be used for heavily loaded com- ers
ponents. Lapped welds may be accepted for compo-
nents subject to low loads (excluding, however, tanks
11.2 The areas of bracket plates should be con-
for chemicals, combustible liquids or gases) provided
tinuously welded over a distance at least equal to the
that wherever possible, they are orientated parallel to
length of the bracket plate. Scallops shall be located
the direction of the main stress.
only beyond a line imagined as an extension of the
10.4.2 The width of the lap shall be 1,5 t + 15 mm free edge of the bracket plate.
(t = thickness of the thinner plate). Except where an-
other value is determined by calculation, the fillet 11.3 Wherever possible, the free ends of stiffeners
weld throat thickness "a" shall equal 0,4 times the shall abut against the transverse plating or the webs of
thickness of the thinner plate, subject to the require- sections and girders so as to avoid stress concentra-
ment that it shall not be less than the minimum throat tions in the plating. Failing this, the ends of the stiff-
thickness prescribed in para. 10.3.3. The fillet weld eners shall be cut off obliquely and shall be continu-
must be continuous on both sides and must meet at the ously welded in accordance with Fig. 1.21 over a
ends. distance of at least 1,7 h, subject to a maximum of 300
mm. Different dimensions may be agreed for very
10.5 Plug welding small sections.

10.5.1 In the case of plug welding, the plugs should, 11.4 Where butt joints occur in flange plates, the
wherever possible, take the form of elongated holes flange shall be continuously welded to the web on
lying in the direction of the main stress. The distance both sides of the joint over a distance "b" at least equal
between the holes and the length of the holes may be to the width of the flange.
determined by analogy with the pitch "b" and the fillet
weld length "A" in the intermittent welds covered by 11.5 In the case of girders lying transversely to
each other, e.g. as shown in Fig. 1.21, and section
para. 10.3. The fillet weld throat thickness "au" may
passages, a continuous weld shall also be made, by
be established in accordance with 10.3.9. analogy with 11.1, on the girder depicted in section in
II - Part 3 Section 1 G Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–25

the figure on both sides of the point where the girders prescribed in 3.7 (see Fig. 1.23), strut barrel and struts
cross. are to be joined to each other and to the shell plating
in the manner shown in Fig. 1.24.
12. Joints between section ends and plates

12.1 Welded joints uniting section ends and plates

(e.g. at lower ends of frames) may be made in the
same plane or lapped. Where no design calculations
have been carried out or stipulated for the welded
connections, the joints may be made analogously to [t]
those shown in Fig. 1.22.

t
h h
d
d

d ³ 1,75 h d ³ h
³ 0,67 h
2
Fig. 1.23 Shaft bracket with integrally cast weld-
ing flanges
h h
1 1
d
d

[t]
2 [t']
2
³ 2d ³
200
t

t'

d ³ 1,5 h d ³ 1,5 h ³ ³ 300

smoothly 2
d
1 ³ 0,75 h 1 ³ 0,5 h rounded
joint
2 ³ 0,33 h 2 ³ 0,75 h contours

Fig. 1.22 Joints uniting section ends and plates

12.2 Where the joint lies in the plane of the plate,

it may conveniently take the form of a single-bevel
butt weld with fillet. Where the joint between the plate t= plating thickness in accorordance with
and the section end overlaps, the fillet weld must be the Rules for Construction of Seagoing
Ships, Chapter 1, Section 6, F in [mm]
continuous on both sides and must meet at the ends.
The necessary "a" dimension is to be calculated in 2/3dmax
t' = + 5 [mm] for d < 50 mm
accordance with the Rules of Construction for Seago- 3
ing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 19, C.2.6. The fillet weld t' = 3 d [mm] for d ³ 50 mm
throat thickness shall not be less than the minimum
specified in 10.3.3.

13. Welded shaft bracket joints

13.1 Unless cast in one piece or provided with Fig. 1.24 Shaft bracket without integrally cast
integrally cast welding flanges analogous to those welding flanges
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–26 GL 2000

13.2 In the case of single-strut shaft brackets, no 14.2 Allowance shall be made for the reduced
welding may be performed on the arm at or close to strength of the coupling flange in the thickness direc-
the position of constraint. Such components must be tion (cf. 2.1 and 7.). In case of doubt, proof by calcula-
provided with integrally forged or cast welding tion of the adequacy of the welded connection shall be
flanges. Alternatively, a design in accordance with produced.
Fig. 1.25 may be used, subject to the consent of the
Society in each individual case. If so, it is essential to
14.3 The use of horizontal couplings for spade
keep the concave groove free from welds or other
rudders is permitted only if the specified thickness of
notches.
the coupling flanges is less than 50 mm. If this is not
the case, taper couplings shall be used. Taper cou-
plings are the only type permitted for high-
performance spade rudders. Cf. also Rules for Con-
struction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 14,
D.1.4 and 2.4.
10
r³ 14.4 The welded joint between the rudder shaft
(with thickened collar, cf. para. 3.8) and the flange
shall be made in accordance with Fig. 1.27 in such a
way that the concave groove at the transition to the
thickened collar remains absolutely free of welds.
Where necessary, the transition shall be machined to
Fig. 1.25 Single-strut shaft bracket remove notches. For larger flange thicknesses, it is
advisable to carry out a single-U weld preparation
instead of a double- bevel butt weld.
14. Rudder coupling flanges
D
14.1 Unless forged or cast steel flanges with inte-
grally forged or cast welding flanges in conformity R ³ 100
with 3.7 are used, horizontal rudder coupling flanges mm
are to be joined to the rudder body by plates of gradu-
ated thickness and full penetration single- or double-
a 1 1
bevel welds as prescribed in 10.2.1 (see Fig. 1.26). Cf. = ÷
b 3 5
also the Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships,
Chapter 1, Section 14, D.1.4 and 2.4.
R b
³4
to be 5m
£ 8 mm

machined off m
after welding

°
³ 30 a
tf
2 mm

8
[t´] ³5 tf
R
³300

[t] Fig. 1.27 Welded joint between rudder shaft and

coupling flange

t= plating thickness in accordance with the 15. Design calculations applied to welded
Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships, joints
Chapter 1, Section 14, E.3.1 in [mm].

15.1 Any calculation relating to welded joints

tf = actual flange thickness which is stipulated in the Rules or prescribed as an
t' =
tf
+ 5 [mm] for tf < 50 mm
alternative to the rules governing dimensions shall be
3 performed in accordance with the Rules for Construc-
t' = 3 tf [mm] for tf ³ 50 mm
tion of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 19, C.
Calculations conforming to other rules, standards or
codes (e.g. DIN 15018, DIN 18800 or DIN EN V
1993 (Eurocode 3)) are subject to the prior consent of
Fig. 1.26 Horizontal rudder coupling flanges the Society.
II - Part 3 Section 1 H Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–27

15.2 Proof by calculation of adequate dimension- 2.3 Welders working with higher-strength hull
ing with mainly static loading (a general stress analy- structural steels, special structural steels, stainless
sis) is required where the thickness of butt welds, steels or aluminium alloys must be qualified for weld-
T-joints or double-T (cruciform) joints cannot be re- ing these materials in analogous manner to the provi-
garded as equal to the plate thickness (cf. 10.1.5, sions of Chapter 1, Section 3.
10.2.1 to 10.2.4, 10.2.6 and elsewhere) or the throat
thicknesses of fillet welds do not conform to the tables
2.4 Operators for fully mechanized and automatic
(cf. the Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships,
welding equipment must have received instruction and
Chapter 1, Section 19, Table 19.3).
training in the use of the equipment and must be quali-
fied in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1,
Section 3, A.1.3. The Society may demand that the
15.3 For welded joints subjected to mainly dy- operators' qualifications be verified in the course of
namic loads, the permissible loading shall be deter- the welding procedure test (cf. Chapter 1, Section 4)
mined by reference to the number of load alternations, or by means of production tests during fabrication.
the global loading conditions, the mean stress and the
notch category (proof of fatigue strength). The notch
category is a function of the geometrical configuration 2.5 Every workshop which performs welding
of the welded joint. It is also associated with (gradu- work must have a welding supervisor who is an em-
ated degrees of) proof of the absence of serious inter- ployee of the workshop, proof of whose technical
nal and external notches (welding defects). Cf. the qualifications shall be furnished (cf. Chapter 1,
notch category catalogue in the Rules for Construction Section 2). The Society is to be automatically in-
of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 20. formed of any changes to the welding supervisors.

2.6 The welding supervisor shall supervise the

preparation and performance of the welding work in a
responsible manner (cf. C.). Wherever these differ
H. Execution of Welds from the preceding and following conditions, require-
ments, etc., he shall take steps to ensure that the qual-
ity of the welded joints is consistent and adequate in
1. General consultation with the Society.

1.1 The general rules prescribed and the instruc- 3. Weld preparation and assembly
tions given in Chapter 2, Section 2 for the execution of
welds shall be complied with. 3.1 Overweldable shop primers

3.1.1 Only those overweldable shop primers may

1.2 For the necessary approvals, inspections and be used for which the Society has issued a confirma-
tests of welding shops, welders, welding procedures, tion of acceptability based on a porosity test. See also
welding consumables and auxiliary materials, over- Chapter 1, Section 6 and the list of welding consum-
weldable shop primers, etc., see the relevant sections ables and auxiliary materials approved by the Society,
and also A. to F. of this section. VI, 9, 3, Part II.

3.1.2 By means of suitable checks carried out in the

2. Welders and supervisors course of production (e.g. measurements of coat thick-
ness, production tests), workshops using shop primers
shall ensure that the conditions of use on which the
2.1 Welding work on components governed by confirmation of acceptability was based are adhered to
these Rules may only be performed by qualified weld- and that, in fillet welding, no excessive pore formation
ers who have been approved by the Society and hold occurs which adversely affects the application. See
valid qualification certificates. Welders and operators also Chapter 1, Section 6 (notes).
(cf.2.3 and 2.4) shall be adequately experienced in the
practice of the craft.
3.2 Weld shapes, root openings (air gaps)

2.2 Welders for manual and semi-mechanized 3.2.1 When preparing and assembling components,
welding of normal-strength hull structural steels must care shall be taken to ensure compliance with the weld
be qualified for the relevant welding process and shapes and root openings (air gaps) specified in the
welding positions on both butt welds and fillet welds manufacturing documents. With single- and double-
in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 3. Welders for bevel welds especially, attention shall be paid to an
vertical-down welding must also be qualified for this adequate root opening in order to achieve sufficient
position. root penetration (cf. G.10.2.1 and G.10.2.2).
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–28 GL 2000

3.2.2 The root opening shall not exceed twice the 3.4 Tack welds, auxiliary fixtures
specified gap. If the size of the gap permitted by this
rule is exceeded locally over a limited area, the gap 3.4.1 Tack welds should be used as sparingly as
may be reduced by build-up welding of the side walls, possible and should be made by trained operators.
subject to the prior consent of the Surveyor. With fillet Where their quality does not meet the requirements
welds, the "a" dimension shall be increased accord- applicable to the subsequent welded joint, they are to
ingly, or a single- or double-bevel weld shall be used be carefully removed before the permanent weld is
if the air gap is large. See also the note to 3.3.2. made. Cracked tack welds may under no circum-
stances be welded over.
3.2.3 With the Surveyor's agreement, large gaps
may be closed by means of a strip of plate with a 3.4.2 Clamping plates, temporary ties, aligning
width of at least ten times the plate thickness or pins, etc. must be made of (hull structural) steel of
300 mm, whichever is the greater (cf. G.4.). good weldability and should not be used more than
necessary. When the components have been perma-
3.3 Alignment of components, edge misalign- nently welded, they are to be carefully removed to
ment prevent damage to the surfaces of the components.

3.4.3 Clamping plates, temporary ties, aligning

3.3.1 Components which are to be united by butt
pins, etc. may not be welded to components subject to
joints shall be aligned as accurately as possible. Sec-
particularly high stresses (e.g. hatchway corners), nor
tions etc. welded to plating shall be left unfastened at
shall they be welded to the edges of flange plates or,
the ends for this purpose. Special attention shall be
especially, to the upper edges of sheer strakes and
paid to the alignment of (abutting) girders etc. which
continuous hatchway sidecoamings. The same applies
are interrupted by transverse members. If necessary,
to the welding of handling lugs and other auxiliary
such alignment shall be facilitated by drilling check
fixtures.
holes in the transverse member which are later seal-
welded.
3.4.4 Particularly with mechanized welding proc-
esses, and invariably when end craters and defects at
3.3.2 The permissible edge misalignment depends the start and end of the weld have to be avoided, run-
on the importance and loading of the component con- in and run-off plates of adequate section shall be at-
cerned (weld quality, cf. I.6.1). With heavily loaded tached to components and cleanly removed on com-
seams (weld quality grade 1) running transversely to pletion of the weld.
the main direction of loading, the edge misalignment
of butt welds shall not exceed 10 % of the thickness of
the plate or section, subject to a maximum of 3 mm. 4. Weather protection, welding at low tem-
peratures
Note:
4.1 The area in which welding work is performed
A serviceable guide to permissible fabricating toler- - particularly outside - is to be sheltered from wind,
ances is provided in the standards EN 25817/ISO damp and cold. Where gas-shielded arc welding is
5817 (Annex A of Chapter 2) relating to steel and EN carried out, special attention is to be paid to ensuring
30042/ISO 10042 (Annex B of Chapter 2) relating to adequate protection against draughts. When working
aluminium and also in the IACS “Shipbuilding and in the open in unfavourable weather conditions, it is
Repair Quality Standard” and the "Fertigungsstan- advisable always to dry welding edges by heating.
dard des Deutschen Schiffbaus" (Manufacturing Stan-
dard of the German Shipbuilding Industry). In the 4.2 At low temperatures (below 5 °C), suitable
case of the standards, the assessment category or the measures shall be taken to ensure the satisfactory
individual evaluative criteria to be applied to compo- quality of the welds. Such measures include the
nents or welded joints have to be determined by refer- shielding of components, extensive preliminary heat-
ence to their loading (cf. Table 1.9). The range of ing and preheating, especially when welding with a
assessment categories, particularly for dynamic load- relatively low heat input, e.g. when laying down thin
ing, is given in code of practice DVS 0705. fillet welds or welding thick-walled components.
Wherever possible, welding work should be sus-
GL has agreed to the "Manufacturing Standard" sub- pended if the temperature falls below – 10 °C.
ject to the reservation that in particular instances, e.g.
where important, highly stressed components are
concerned or where there is an accumulation of devia- 5. Preheating
tions from nominal dimensions, it may also impose
decisions which differ from the Standard and may call 5.1 The need for and the degree of preheating
for improvements to be carried out. Where the Society necessary for welding (cf. Chapter 2, Section 3, D.)
raises no objection, the provisions of the Manufactur- are governed by a series of factors. These factors dif-
ing Standard may therefore be considered to represent fer in their effect in the manner indicated in Chapter 2,
the maximum permissible upper limit for deviations Section 3, D.2.5 (Table 3.4), i.e. they raise or lower
from the stipulated dimensions. the necessary preheating temperature. For information
II - Part 3 Section 1 H Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–29

on the measurement of the preheating temperature and 5.4 Tack and auxiliary welds shall be executed to
the interpass temperatures to be maintained, see also a length of at least 50 mm and require preheating
Chapter 2, Section 3, D. whenever it has to be carried out for the other welds.
Exceptions to this are tack and auxiliary welds whose
5.2 Apart from the measures prescribed in para. heat-affected zone is reliably and completely remelted
4.1 and 4.2, normal-strength hull structural steels do during subsequent welding, e.g. tack welds for sub-
not normally require preheating. However, with large merged-arc welding.
cross sections (e.g. steel castings or forgings) and
where difficult conditions with regard to design or
welding practice apply (e.g. severe distortion of com- 5.5 Preheating shall be applied uniformly
ponents), it is advisable to carry out uniform prelimi- throughout the thickness of the plate or component
nary heating of the areas surrounding the welded and to a distance of 4 times the plate thickness, but not
joints. Cf. 4.1 and 4.2. more than 100 mm, on both sides of the weld. Local-
ized overheating is to be avoided. Preheating with gas
5.3 Higher-strength hull structural steels shall burners should be performed with a gentle, though not
generally be preheated if the temperature of the work- sooty, flame. The preheating temperature shall be kept
piece is less than +5 °C. If it is higher than this, pre- constant throughout the duration of the welding work.
heating shall be carried out upwards of a specific
threshold wall thickness, paying due regard to the
other factors described in Chapter 2, Section 3, D.2.5 6. Welding positions, vertical-down welding
(Table 3.4). For an average carbon equivalent and an
average heat input (energy applied per unit length of
weld), the threshold wall thicknesses "t" and preheat- 6.1 Welding should be performed in the optimum
ing temperatures "T" shown in Fig. 1.28 may be used welding position, and positional welding (e.g. in the
as an initial guide. These values, however, are gov- PE or PD (overhead) positions) shall be limited to the
erned by the influencing factors shown in the above- indispensable minimum.
mentioned Table 3.4 and have to be adjusted in line
with the prevailing conditions. Where necessary, the 6.2 For similar and repetitive welding operations,
need for and degree of preheating shall be determined it is advisable to use a (rotating) fixture enabling all
in accordance with Chapter 2, Section 3, D. or by welds to be made as far as possible in “simple” posi-
means of tests (e.g. during the welding procedure tions, such as the flat (PA) or horizontal vertical (PB)
tests). position.
Preheating/operating temperature (°C)

200 non-hydrogen-controlled
weld metal
150
low-hydrogen weld metal
100
TM steel(C » 0,10 %)
50 low-hydrogen weld metal

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Plate/wall thickness (mm)

Fig. 1.28 Threshold wall thicknesses and preheating temperatures for higher-strength hull structural steels
(guide values)
6.3 Even after a satisfactory welding procedure (e.g. the longitudinal members of the upper and
test and approval of the process (cf. F.1.), vertical- lower girder); the same applies where transverse
down fillet welding may not be used: loads predominate,

– for joining together continuous primary support-

ing members interrupted by transverse members
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–30 GL 2000

– for mainly dynamically loaded welded joints a distance of approx. 300 mm beyond the transverse
(e.g. in the area of engine baseplates, shaft joints. The transverse joints shall be welded first,
brackets and rudders), followed by the longitudinal seams.
– on crane components and other lifting gear in-
7.3 The welding of patches (cf. G.4.2) may be
cluding their substructures (e.g. crane pillars),
performed in analogous manner, unless angular
– at intersections of main girders and in the area of patches with rounded corners or round patches are
the supports or stoppers of hatchway covers. used.

Note: 7.4 In special cases (e.g. when welding together

particularly rigid components) and for similar, repeti-
Vertical-down welding may be used for joining secon- tive welding operations (e.g. for the welding of masts
dary components (e.g. stiffeners) to primary support- into ships), it is advisable to set down the assembly
ing members, for fillet-welding floor plates to con- procedure or welding sequence in a welding sequence
tinuous bottom longitudinal girders, for fillet-welding schedule.
transverse bulkheads to the shell plating, and for be-
tween-decks, interior partitions, etc. which do not
7.5 Where welded and riveted joints meet (the
affect the longitudinal or local strength of the vessel.
same also applies analogously to other mechanical
In case of doubt, the extent of the vertical-down weld-
methods of assembly), the welds shall invariably be
ing shall be agreed with the Society.
completed first, then the riveting adjoining the weld
shall be carried out.
6.4 The Society may permit exceptions to the
provisions of 6.3 and increase the extent of vertical-
down welding if the welding shop takes special meas- 8. Performance of work
ures to ensure a satisfactory standard of workmanship
(particularly the accurate assembly of components 8.1 The areas of the components to be welded
without any significant air gaps, adequate root pene- must be clean and dry. Scale, rust, cutting slag, grease,
tration and prevention of lack of fusion defects) even paint and dirt shall be carefully removed prior to weld-
under normal conditions of fabrication. Such measures ing (with regard to overweldable shop primers, see
include: 3.1).
– choosing a suitable welding process and appro- 8.2 Components shall not be subjected to any
priate welding consumables and auxiliary mate- appreciable movements or vibrations during welding.
rials which guarantee especially good penetra- Parts to be assembled while floating or suspended
tion (cf. F.1.1, note), from cranes shall be clamped prior to the tacking of
– special training and careful selection of welders the joint in such a way that no further movement of
for vertical-down welding (see also 2.2), the parts is possible. Components which have not been
fully welded and are to be handled or turned must
– conscientious monitoring of the weld prepara- have welded joints of adequate strength.
tion, the welding parameters and the welding
work (e.g. electrode control) while welding is in 8.3 Cracked tack welds may not be welded over,
progress, but are to be machined out. In multi-pass welding, the
– production tests at random (fillet weld fracture slag of the previous run shall be completely removed
specimens) during the course of fabrication. before the next pass. Pores, visible slag inclusions and
other welding defects and cracks may not be welded
The Society may demand proof that special measures over, but are to be machined out and repaired.
of this kind have been taken. In addition, the Society
may require more extensive monitoring or inspections 8.4 The welding shop shall ensure that the speci-
of the vertical-down welds. fied welding parameters are adhered to and that the
welding work is expertly performed by competent
7. Welding sequence personnel (cf. 2.5 and 2.6).

7.1 The assembly and welding sequence shall be 8.5 Welds must have sufficient penetration and
chosen to allow shrinkage to take place as freely as must display a clean, regular surface with "gentle"
possible and to minimize shrinkage stresses in the transitions to the base material. Excessive weld rein-
component. Butt joints in areas of plating shall in- forcements and undercuts (cf. note to 3.3.2) together
variably be fully welded, at least on one side, prior to with notches affecting the edges of plates and cutouts
the fastening of girders, stiffeners, etc. are to be avoided.

7.2 Where individual plates are later welded into 8.6 Butt-welded joints must display full fusion
position in areas of plating (as in the case of erection over the entire cross section, unless a deviation from
holes in the deck or shell plating), the longitudinal this is authorized in a particular case. For this purpose,
seams shall be left unwelded, or shall be opened up, to the root shall normally be grooved and capped.
II - Part 3 Section 1 H Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–31

Following a successful welding procedure test con- (quenched and tempered) fine-grained structural
firmed by the Society, single-side welds, e.g. using steels. For the use and working of thermo-
ceramic backings, may be regarded as equivalent to mechanically rolled (TM) steels, see the appropriate
butt welds executed from both sides. Society rules 6.
Other joints welded on one side only, e.g. using per-
manent backings, are subject to approval by the Soci- 9.2 The welding process, welding consumables,
ety when scrutinizing the relevant drawings. For the weld build-up and thermal practice (preheating, heat
evaluation of such welded joints see G.10.3. input and interpass temperature) etc. shall be suited to
the base material being welded and shall be main-
8.7 Single- and double-bevel welds are to be tained within the appropriate limits during welding.
made according to the design specification either with These parameters must match those used during the
grooved roots as full-penetration welded joints or with welding procedure test. Any appreciable deviations
a permitted incomplete penetration at the root or a require the Society's consent and are normally contin-
defined, unwelded root face subject to the appropriate gent on additional tests. Wherever possible, multi-pass
reduction factors (cf. G.10.2). The type of weld is to welding shall be used (particularly for high-strength
be specified in the drawings in each case and must (quenched and tempered) fine-grained structural
have received the Society's approval when the draw- steels), the final pass being laid down as a "temper
ings were scrutinized. bead" run some 2 mm away from the base material.

8.8 With fillet welds, particular attention shall be 9.3 When welding high-strength fine-grained
given to good root penetration. The penetration must structural steels it may be necessary to verify not only
extend at least to the immediate vicinity of the theo- the preheating but also the heat input during welding 7
retical root point (cf. G.10.3.4 to 10.3.6). The ideal and the interpass temperatures. These checks shall
fillet weld section is that of an equal-sided flat-faced invariably be carried out and recorded when welding
weld with smooth (notch-free) transitions to the base high-strength quenched and tempered fine-grained
material. At the ends of web plates, at cutouts and at structural steels. The values must correspond to the
welding apertures, the fillet welds shall meet to form a energy per unit length of weld established during the
continuous seam around the root face. welding procedure tests and to be laid down in the
welding schedule.
8.9 Major cases of faulty workmanship or defects
in the material may only be repaired with the Sur- 9.4 Special attention is to be paid to the generally
veyor's agreement. Minor surface defects shall be more sensitive hardening properties and the increased
removed by shallow grinding. Defects which penetrate notch sensitivity of higher-strength steels, and espe-
more deeply into the material (e.g. cracks, or tears left cially of high-strength fine-grained structural steels.
by the removal of welded-on erection aids) shall be Unnecessary arc strikes on the surface of the plate,
cleanly machined, ground and repair-welded with an scarring of exposed edges, etc. are to be avoided at all
adequate heat input. costs. Where necessary, such blemishes shall be
cleanly ground out and inspected for incipient cracks.
The same applies analogously to auxiliary welds.
9. Welding of higher-strength hull structural
steels and high-strength (quenched and 9.5 Additional thermal treatments involving a
tempered) fine-grained structural steels high heat input (e.g. flame gouging and flame straight-
ening) shall not impair the properties of the materials
Preliminary remark: and welded joints and shall, if necessary, be avoided
The following provisions apply in analogous manner completely. In doubtful cases, proof of the satisfactory
to the welding of low-alloy steels tough at subzero performance of thermal treatments may be demanded.
temperatures used for structural members in ship-
building, e.g. for cargo tank supports on gas tankers. Note:
The tanks themselves are subject to the Rules for Con- Standard flame straightening carried out on higher-
struction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 6 "Liquefied Gas strength hull structural steels up to and including E 36
Tankers". See also Section 3 “Welding of Pressure may generally be regarded as acceptable provided
Vessels”. that the straightening temperature does not exceed
700 °C and that localized overheating or heating of
9.1 The steelmaker's instructions and recommen-
dations 5 and any conditions arising from the welding ––––––––––––––
procedure test shall be implemented when welding 6 Regulations for the use and working of thermo-mechanically
higher-strength hull structural steels and high-strength rolled (TM) steels issued by Germanischer Lloyd.
7 Determination of heat input (energy applied per unit length of
–––––––––––––– weld) "E":
5 See Stahl-Eisen-Werkstoffblatt 088 "Weldable fine-grained U [volts] ⋅ I [amps] ⋅ welding time [min] ⋅ 6 Λ
Μ Ο
ΝΠ
kJ
structural steels: instructions for use with special attention to
welding" issued by the German Iron and Steel Association.
E =
length of weld [mm] ⋅ 100 Θ
mm
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–32 GL 2000

the whole area over a longer period of time (e.g. using peratures, a sufficient area surrounding the welded
heating blocks) and abrupt cooling (e.g. with water) joint shall be uniformly preheated throughout the
are avoided. The same applies in analogous manner to section.
the flame straightening of thermo-mechanically rolled
(TM) steels. Prior to flame straightening of high- 11.2 Welding operations on steel castings and
strength (quenched and tempered) fine-grained struc- forgings shall be performed continuously and without
tural steels, special agreement with the steel manufac- interruption, if possible in a single heating cycle.
turer is required. Cf. also SEW 088 5. Cooling shall take place gradually and appropriate
measures shall be taken to prevent over-rapid cooling
10. Welding of stainless and clad steels (screening, wind protection).

10.1 During the entire construction period, suitable 11.3 Repair welds (production welds) on steel
measures shall be taken in transport, storage and fabri- castings and forgings may only be undertaken with the
cation to keep the surface of stainless steels free from Surveyor's consent. Where the work concerned is
impurities and extraneous metallic inclusions (due to relatively extensive, sketches and a description of the
abrasion from other components or auxiliary erection repair shall be submitted to the Society's head office
supports). for approval, together with details of the welding pro-
cess, welding consumables and auxiliary materials,
10.2 Welding processes and welding consumables heat treatment and composition of the base material.
shall be selected with due regard to strength and cor-
rosion aspects, taking into account the recommenda- 11.4 The Society may stipulate stress relief heat
tions of the makers of the steel and the welding con- treatment or, in special cases, normalizing heat treat-
sumables. Unalloyed welding consumables may not be ment of the components after welding (e.g. for rudder-
used for welding stainless steels. stocks). The preliminary remark to Chapter 1, Section
5, B. applies in analogous manner to the necessary
10.3 Edges are to be prepared mechanically by proof of the properties of the welded joint in heat-
cutting or planing. Where a thermal cutting technique treated condition.
such as plasma cutting has to be employed, the edges
shall subsequently be machined clean.
11.5 Welds uniting hull structural steels or compa-
rable forged or cast steels on the one hand to austenitic
10.4 Clad plates shall invariably be tack-welded
stainless steels on the other may not be heat-treated.
on the "black" side of the support material. Back-up
The same applies in analogous manner to build-up
plates are to be used sparingly and must be made of
welds made with austenitic stainless welding consum-
the material to which they are to be welded.
ables (e.g. on rudderstocks, pintles, etc.). Any post-
weld heat treatment which may be required for build-
10.5 On the side of the cladding and at the corner up welds made with other (e.g. heat-treatable) welding
joints of clad plates (as in the case of drain wells), at consumables shall be specified on a case-by-case
least two layers of stainless weld metal are to be laid basis.
down over the support material (cf. G.10.1.6). Where
necessary, different welding consumables shall be
used for the intermediate and final runs depending on 12. Welding of aluminium alloys
the base material.
12.1 The foregoing provisions relating to the weld-
10.6 Fused weld spatter is to be avoided for rea- ing of steels apply in analogous manner to the welding
sons of corrosion. Such fusion can be prevented by of aluminium alloys above and beyond the provisions
applying suitable media (e.g. milk of lime) to the sur- stipulated in the following paragraphs. Special atten-
face of the plate on both sides of the weld. Where tion is to be paid to cleanliness, thorough degreasing
necessary, weld spatter is to be machined off and the and the avoidance of extraneous metallic impurities.
area ground smooth. For the use of various types of steel-aluminium weld-
ing transition joints (especially the thermosensitivity
10.7 To achieve corrosion-resistant seams, post- of the boundary layer between the steel and alumin-
weld treatment (pickling or passivation) shall be car- ium), see Society’s working sheets.
ried out in accordance with the instructions issued by
the steelmaker or the manufacturer of the welding
consumables. 12.2 As a rule, welding grooves are to be thor-
oughly cleaned (e.g. with solvents and/or brushes)
immediately before welding. Tools and equipment
11. Welding of steel castings and forgings shall not be used for working on other materials and
shall not themselves leave behind extraneous metallic
11.1 With steel castings and forgings of large residues. Welding grooves, welding consumables and
section, difficult welding or structural conditions, auxiliary materials must at all costs be dry before
heavily distorted members and low workpiece tem- welding begins.
II - Part 3 Section 1 I Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–33

12.3 Welded joints on aluminium alloy structural drogen entering the weld metal may only be used with
components used in shipbuilding shall, wherever pos- the explicit authorization of the Society in each indi-
sible, be made by inert gas welding (MIG welding, or, vidual case (even if welding procedure approval has
possibly, TIG welding for small components) per- been granted) and then only for temporary repairs (e.g.
formed in welding bays protected from the weather. sealing welds) to components which are subjected to
The weld pool must be safely shielded by an adequate relatively low loads. Welds executed in this manner
supply of inert gas. Winds and draughts are to be shall be replaced by normal welds at the next available
avoided. Care shall be taken to achieve the optimum opportunity and until such a replacement is made the
welding speed and to minimize the effect of the heat Society may prescribe restrictions in the operation of
on the base material (softening). the vessel (e.g. in the operating area).

12.4 To avoid end-crater cracking, especially

when making intermittent fillet-welded joints, it is
advisable (unless welding equipment with crater- I. Inspection of Welded Joints
filling devices is used) to retract the bead somewhat
prior to withdrawal of the electrode or torch so that the
end crater is moved back from the end of the seam to a 1. General
point on the weld and to fill the crater.
1.1 In addition to the following provisions, the
inspection of welded joints in shipbuilding is governed
12.5 Extensive preheating of the faces to 100 °C –
by the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 4 concerning
200 °C is recommended when welding thick alumin-
the preparation and performance of non-destructive
ium alloy plates and sections. The welds are to be
weld tests.
executed in a suitable sequence, smoothly and speed-
ily and, if possible, without a break.
1.2 As stipulated in Chapter 2, Section 4, D., an
inspection schedule shall be submitted to the Society
12.6 Cold straightening operations should be per-
for approval before commencing the tests. The Society
formed only by pressing, not by hammering. Hot
reserves the right to modify this schedule even after it
straightening may only be carried out on alloys suit-
has been approved, and in particular to extend the
able for that purpose in accordance with the alumin-
scope of the tests and/or change the individual testing
ium producer's instructions. Heating and straightening
positions if necessitated by fabrication operations
are to be performed speedily. Temperatures are to be
and/or test results.
carefully monitored so as to prevent fusion of the
material.
2. Workshop inspections, visual examination
13. Underwater welding
2.1 Workshop inspections are to be carefully
performed by trained personnel (e.g. welding supervi-
13.1 Under certain conditions, the Society may
sors, cf. C. and H.2.) to ensure the professionally com-
approve the welding (normally fillet welds) of compo-
petent and satisfactory execution (appearance and
nents made of normal-strength hull structural steels
dimensional accuracy) and the integrity of the welds.
which have water behind them. The temperature of the
water or component should not be less than 5 °C. The
welding point must be dry and clean. At least two 2.2 After welding operations have been com-
passes must be laid down, the last of which shall be pleted and subjected to workshop inspection, the work
run as a "temper bead" over the first pass which has shall be presented to the Surveyor for checking at
been deposited on the "cooled" component such that it suitable stages of fabrication. For this purpose, welds
performs a "post-weld heat treatment" function. Welds shall be readily accessible and shall normally be un-
executed in this manner shall be subjected to a crack coated. Wherever possible, the results of non-
test. destructive tests shall be presented at this juncture.

13.2 As a general principle for underwater weld- 2.3 Where the previous inspection has been in-
ing, only those welding processes and/or welding adequate, the Surveyor may reject components and
consumables that guarantee a low hydrogen content in require that they be presented again after satisfactory
the weld metal shall be used. Welding should be per- workshop inspection and any necessary repair work
formed in a dry environment (chamber pressurized to has been performed.
1 bar or high-pressure chamber). The above applies in
analogous manner to the temperature of the compo- 3. Non-destructive tests
nent, the welding point and the crack test. For the
required welding procedure tests, see F. 3.1 The necessary weld quality as stipulated in
Table 1.9 shall be attested by non-destructive tests, the
13.3 Underwater arc welding in which the arc scope of which shall be at least that specified in 6.
burns in the water or in a small gas vessel and where Should these tests reveal defects of any considerable
allowance has to be made for a large amount of hy- extent, the scope of the tests shall be increased. Unless
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–34 GL 2000

otherwise agreed, tests shall then be performed on two 5.2 In special cases, and with the approval of the
further sections of weld of the same length for every Society, the hydrostatic tests stipulated for the leakage
weld section tested and found to be in need of repair. tests may be replaced by other methods (e.g. testing
Where it is not certain that a defect is confined to the under compressed air or vacuum, gas detection
section of weld under test, the adjoining weld sections method). The Society may call for such methods as an
shall be additionally tested. alternative or in addition to that stipulated.

3.2 The Society may stipulate further tests, espe- 6. Weld quality grades, scope of tests, test
cially in the event of doubts as to the professionally methods, requirements
competent and satisfactory execution of the welds. For
the purpose of monitoring and, where necessary, giv- 6.1 According to the nature and severity of the
ing instruction to welders, it is recommended that applied loads and their role in ensuring the soundness
from time to time radiographic inspections should also of the overall structure, welded joints are to be classi-
be carried out on components which are not subject to fied by reference to the influencing factors, their mate-
regular testing. rials, design and service environment (e.g. operating
temperature) into one of the three weld quality grades
3.3 The method of inspection to be applied in shown in Table 1.9 and shall be identified in the in-
each instance shall be selected with due consideration spection schedule.
for the test conditions (shape and dimensions of the
weld, nature and location of possible defects, accessi- 6.2 The individual welded joints are to be classi-
bility) so that any defects may be reliably detected. fied into quality grades according to their position in
The method of inspection requires the Society's the component concerned, i.e. their position in relation
agreement. The Society may stipulate that two or more to the direction of the main stress, as illustrated by the
inspection techniques be used in conjunction. examples cited in Table 1.9. Components and welded
joints not mentioned in the Table or in para. 6.5 shall
3.4 Subject to the provisions of Chapter 2, be classified in an analogous manner.
Section 4, the testing appliances and equipment used
shall conform to modern technical practice and the 6.3 The scope of the non-destructive tests to be
relevant standards. The tests are to be performed by applied to welded joints with quality grade 1 (radio-
properly qualified and experienced testers. For details graphic and ultrasonic inspection) shall be determined
of the prescribed proof of qualification of ultrasonic by the following formula according to the type and
testers see Chapter 2, Section 4, C.1.). construction of the ship. The number "A" of test posi-
tions to be determined refers in the first place to ra-
4. Production specimens diographs with a (film) length of 480 mm. Where, in
accordance with para. 6.10 or 6.11, ultrasonic tests are
4.1 Production specimens, i.e. test pieces welded performed instead of radiographic inspection, 1 metre
simultaneously at specified intervals during fabrica- of weld is to be tested in each case in place of the 480
tion, may be called for where the base material, the mm length of film.
welding process and/or the loading conditions require
proof to be provided that the mechanical or other
characteristics of the welded joints made under fabri-
β
A = 0,8 A L ⋅ c P A B ⋅ c B + A H ⋅ c H γ
cation conditions are adequate. where
L
4.2 Production specimens shall be welded and AL =
16 ⋅ a 0
tested in a manner analogous to that prescribed in
Chapter 1, Section 4 and in F., as applicable, in con- L = length of ship in [m]
nection with welding procedure tests. The scope of the a0 = L : 500 + 0,48 ≤ 1,0 in [m ]
tests and the requirements to be met shall be deter-
mined on a case-by-case basis. For production speci- cp = 1,5 with transverse frame construction
mens in connection with shop primers, see Chapter 1,
Section 6, C. cp = 2,0 with mixed transverse and longitudi-
nal frame construction (in the area of
the upper and lower girder)
5. Leakage tests
cp = 2,3 with longitudinal frame construction
5.1 Where required, leakage tests on welded
seams are normally to be carried out in accordance B
AB =
with the Rules for Classification and Construction, 2,5
Part 1, Chapter 1 (e.g. Section 8, B.9.; 12, H.24; A.15.,
B = breadth of ship in[m]
or the Rules for Construction of floating docks) prior
to the application of any paint or cement. cB = 1,0 for single-hull tankers and comparable
main frame cross sections
II - Part 3 Section 1 I Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–35

cB = 1,3 for dry-cargo freighters and bulk car- ity increased by 12 dB (see also Chapter 2,
riers Section 4, L.2.5).

cB = 1,5 for container ships and double-hull – Welds for which proof of fatigue strength is
(chemical) tankers required: weld quality grade and inspection de-
pend on detail category (cf. catalogue of notch
H categories, Rules for Construction of Seagoing
AH =
2,5 Ships, Chapter 1, Section 20, A.3. and Table
20.3).
H = depth of ship in[m]
cH = 0,5 for dry-cargo freighters 6.6 In the case of ships for which no special
proof of (longitudinal) strength has to be submitted
cH = 1,3 for tankers, container ships and bulk (generally ships less than 65 m long; cf. the Rules for
carriers Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section
5), the number "A" (of test positions) may be reduced
cH = 1,5 for double-hull tankers with additional to 70 % of the figure prescribed in para. 6.3 and 6.4.
longitudinal bulkheads The reduction shall be agreed with the Society in
every case and is to be specially indicated in the in-
6.4 The number "A" of test positions determined spection schedule.
in accordance with para. 6.3 shall be distributed in
such a way that roughly two-thirds of the number "A" 6.7 Where the conditions of fabrication remain
established are positioned on the welded joints with unchanged, i.e. where to a large extent the same weld-
quality grade 1 described in Table 1.9 and roughly the ers are employed in welding the same or similar com-
remaining third on those joints with quality grade 2. ponents (e.g. in repetition shipbuilding) by means of
Appropriate consideration shall be given to the indi- the same welding processes, welding consumables and
vidual components specified in para. 6.5. Depending auxiliary materials, the Society's head office may
on the loading conditions, a different inspection den- consent to a reduction of the scope of inspection speci-
sity (a different distribution of the total number of test fied in para. 6.3 and 6.4. This is conditional on proof
positions) for the various weld quality grades or com- being supplied of uniformly good results and a rela-
ponents may be expedient or may be demanded by the tively low incidence of repairs, as attested by the re-
Society. sults of all initial inspections performed on welded
joints prior to any repairs.
6.5 The welded joints of the particular compo-
nents listed below are to be classified and tested as 6.8 Where radiographic inspections are per-
follows: formed randomly, they are to be carried out chiefly at
the intersections of longitudinal seams and transverse
– Deck stringer/sheer strake joint within 0.5 L of joints, at sectional joints and at joints presenting diffi-
midship: weld quality grade 1, 100 % ultrasonic culty or requiring to be welded in a fixed position.
inspection if full-penetration welding is required Joints in girders and stiffeners are to be classified
in accordance with G.10.2.1. similarly to those in plating and are to be included in
– Deck stringer/sheer strake joint outside of 0.5 L the inspection.
of midship: weld quality grade 2, 10 % ultra-
sonic inspection if full-penetration welding is 6.9 Ultrasonic tests may be performed in place of
required in accordance with G.10.2.1. a proportion (to be specified in every case) of the
number of radiographs prescribed in paras. 6.3 and
– Joints between horizontal rudder coupling plate 6.4. For wall and plate thicknesses of 30 mm and over,
and rudder body (cf. Fig. 1.26): weld quality ultrasonic testing is to be preferred to radiography as a
grade 1, 100 % ultrasonic inspection and 100 % method of inspection.
surface crack inspection.
– Joints between rudderstock and horizontal cou- 6.10 In special cases, ultrasonic tests may be stipu-
pling plate (cf. Fig. 1.27): weld quality grade 1, lated as an alternative, or additionally, to radiographic
100 % ultrasonic inspection and 100 % surface inspection, e.g. where certain defects, owing to their
crack inspection. nature and location or to the configuration of the weld,
cannot be sufficiently reliably detected or assessed by
– Full-penetration single- and double-bevel T- radiography.
joints (cf. Fig. 1.13): weld quality grade 1 or 2
depending on position of weld, 100 % or 10 %
ultrasonic inspection respectively. 6.11 Surface crack inspections shall generally be
carried out following the welding of large sections,
– Restarting points in electroslag or electrogas particularly those of steel castings and forgings as well
welds: weld quality grade 1 or 2 depending on as in the case of welds made under stress or at low
position of weld, 100 % radiography or ultra- temperatures, large-volume single- or double-bevel
sonic inspection, the latter with the test sensitiv- welds (plate thicknesses of about 30 mm and over)
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–36 GL 2000

and thick fillet welds, e.g. on stern posts, after weld- 6.13 Welded joints and components not covered
ing-in of masts and welds on bulkhead stools. by the foregoing provisions shall undergo non-
destructive tests whose scope shall be specified in
6.12 For the inspection of particular components each individual case. Where certain components (e.g.
and their welded joints, see 6.5. The Society may, in the masts of cargo handling gear, liquefied gas tanks
addition, call for further tests in conjunction with the and the pressure hulls of underwater vehicles) are
approval of drawings. governed by special rules or codes of practice, the
provisions contained in these shall be implemented.
II - Part 3 Section 1 I Welding of Hull Structures Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 1–37

Table 1.8 Weld quality grades, scope of inspection, requirements

Weld quality grade 1 2 3

Loading, importance Welded joints which are Welded joints which are Welded joints which are
subjected to severe static or subjected to medium subjected to minor stresses
mainly dynamic stresses stresses and/or whose fail- and/or whose failure does
and/or which are essential ure entails the loss of func- not entail the loss of func-
to the soundness of the tion of individual compo- tion of important compo-
overall structure. nents without endangering nents.
the structure as a whole.
Components, position Transverse joints in the Longitudinal bulkheads 3 Joints in subordinate com-
of welded joints (for area of the upper and lower in the area of the upper ponents such as decks, par-
individual details re- flange plate 1 within 0,5 L and lower hull flange plate, titions and their stiffeners
lating to particular of midship 2, e.g. in the transverse joints in the area not included in the main
components and outer bottom incl. bilge outside 0,5 L of midship 2, strength structure, decks of
welded joints, see strake, longitudinal girders, and joints in the rest of the super-structures and deck-
para. 6.5) longitudinal frames, shell plating and in the houses, joints in bulwarks,
strength deck incl. sheer double bottom. etc.
strake. Longitudinal girders
Joints in watertight trans-
and beams, longitudinal
verse bulkheads of dry-
bulkheads incl. longitudinal
cargo freighters and in web
stiffeners, hatchway side
frames.
coamings incl. longitudinal
stiffeners. Joints in hatchway covers,
Joints in shell plating and end bulkheads of super-
strength deck in the imme- structures and deckhouses,
diate vicinity of fittings and and joints in transverse
fixtures (traversing the girders.
plate), e.g. rudder heels,
masts including the welds
uniting them to the first-
named items. Joints in the
flanges and webs of main
girders, e.g. in hatchway
covers, hatch or cantilever
girders and in cantilever
masts. Joints in tank bulk-
heads and the bottom
structures of bulk carriers
including the bulkhead
stools.
Joints in or on components
subjected mainly to dy-
namic loads, e.g. shaft
struts, rudder heels, rudder
couplings, (connecting
them to the rudder body)
and the main girders of en-
gine beds.
Chapter 3 Section 1 Welding of Hull Structures II - Part 3
Page 1–38 GL 2000

Table 1.9 Weld quality grades, scope of inspection, requirements (continuous)

Weld quality grade 1 2 3

Scope and method of Visual inspection and ran- Visual inspection, random Visual inspection
inspection dom dimensional checks. dimensional checks in
cases of doubt.
Non-destructive tests in ac- Non-destructive tests in ac- In cases of doubt, non-
cordance with 6. (random cordance with 6. (random destructive tests in accor-
checks with greater inten- checks with lesser intensity dance with 6.
sity of inspection). of inspection).
Leakage and other tests, Leakage and other tests, Leakage and other tests,
where required. where required. where required.
Requirements, weld Welded seams to be free Welded seams to be free Welded seams to be free
quality 4 from cracks, lack of fusion from cracks, major lack of from cracks, major root de-
and root defects, slag lines, fusion and root defects, fects and slag inclusions,
coarse pore clusters and long slag lines, coarse slag uninterrupted pores, severe
slag inclusions, prominent inclusions, uninterrupted undercutting, etc. in con-
undercuts, etc. in confor- pores, coarse pore clusters, formity with assessment
mity with assessment cate- major undercuts, etc. in category D in accordance
gory B in accordance with conformity with assess- with EN 25817/ISO 5817
EN 25871/ISO 5817 relat- ment category C in accor- relating to steel (Annex A
ing to steel (Annex A of dance with EN 25817/ISO of Chapter 2) and
Chapter 2) and EN 30042/ 5817 relating to steel (An- EN 30042/ISO 10042 re-
ISO 10042 relating to alu- nex A of Chapter 2) and lating to aluminium
minium (Annex B of EN 30042/ISO 10042 re- (Annex B of Chapter 2),
Chapter 2), as applicable.) 5 lating to aluminium as applicable.5
(Annex B of Chapter 2), as
applicable.5
1 In accordance with the Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 3, B., this is the area extending to at least 0.1 H and
0.1 H' above and below respectively. The inspection shall, however, invariably cover the entire sheer strake and bilge strake area to-
gether with continuous longitudinal members (e.g. hatchway side coamings and crane rails) above the strength deck. Where partial use is
made of higher-strength steel, the inspection shall embrace the whole area of this steel in terms of height, and in the case of container
ships and similar vessels it shall cover the entire area of the upper box girders.
2 In ships with large deck openings, i.e. ships with large hatches (such as container ships), the transverse joints in the upper hull girder
flange fore and aft of 0.5 L (generally the entire hatchway area) shall also be assigned to weld quality grade 1 where necessary (e.g. be-
cause of the torsional stresses imposed).
3 At weld intersections the adjoining 300 mm of longitudinal seam are to be classified identically with the relevant transverse joints.
4 See also the note to H.3.3.2. Comparable provisions contained in other standards, etc., may also be used for assessment purposes, subject
to the Society's consent.
Where components or welded joints have been dimensioned according to fatigue strength criteria on the basis of a specific detail cate-
gory ΔσR (see Rules for Construction of Seagoing Ships, Chapter 1, Section 20, Table 20.3), the quality grade must also meet the re-
quirements of this detail category. Code of practice 0705 issued by the Deutscher Verband für Schweißtechnik e.V. [German Welding
Society] contains instructions for the classification of individual irregularities in correlation to the assessment groups in conformity with
EN 25817/ISO 5817 relating to steel.
5 With regard to the requirements for ultrasonic testing, see Chapter 2, Section 4, L.5 (Table 4.4).
II - Part 3 Section 2 C Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–1

Section 2

Welding of Steam Boilers

Preliminary remark: B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Per-

sonnel
The following rules relating to the welding of steam
boilers comply with or incorporate the Technical
1. All welding shops intending to perform weld-
Rules for Steam Boilers (TRD). Subject to the ap-
ing work within the scope of these rules must satisfy
proval of the Society, other codes of practice such as
the requirements applicable to welding shops and
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section 1
personnel set out in Chapter 1, Section 2 and must
may also be adopted for the fabrication and testing of
have been approved by the Society. Applications for
welded steam boilers (the following rules being appli-
approval shall be submitted by the welding shops in
cable in analogous manner). Cf. also Chapter 1,
good time before starting the welding work, enclosing
Section 1, B.1.4.
the information and documentation prescribed in
Chapter 1, Section 2, A.3.

2. The welding personnel (welders and welding

A. General supervisors) and, where applicable, inspectors and
inspection supervisors must satisfy the requirements
set out in Chapter 1, Section 2, B.2., B.3. and B.4 and
1. Scope
be recognized by the Society. For the welder’s quali-
fication tests, see Chapter 1, Section 3.
1.1 These Rules apply to the fabrication and
testing of welded steam boilers, superheaters, feed
water preheaters and similar pressurized components
of the steam boiler installation.
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility

2. Other relevant rules 1. The manufacturer shall submit to the Society,

for inspection, drawings and other relevant documents
2.1 The provisions of the Rules for Construction containing at least the following information:
I, Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 7a shall also be complied – The materials and welding consumables to be
with in the design and dimensioning of steam boiler used,
components.
– The welding process and the location and shape
of the weld,
2.2 For the fabrication and testing of steam boiler
installations intended for ships sailing under the Ger- – The type of heat treatment, if required,
man flag, it is essential to comply with the "Tech- – The acceptable working pressure,
nische Regeln für Dampfkessel" (Technical Rules for
Steam Boilers) of series TRD 200 in conjunction with – The design temperature,
series TRD 100. – The operating temperature,
– The test pressure,
3. Assessment of welds
– The weld factor "V" used as a basis for calcula-
tion,
3.1 Tensionally stressed longitudinal welds may
– The nature and scope of the non-destructive
generally be assessed with a weld factor up to V = 0,8,
tests,
provided that they meet the requirements specified in
Chapter 1, Section 1 and 2 and the following para- – The nature and scope of the production tests.
graphs.
2. If the quality or good working order of a
3.2 A higher assessment up to V = 1,0 may be component cannot be guaranteed or is in doubt due to
applied if a production test and non-destructive testing inadequate or missing information in the manufactur-
in accordance with para. I.11. have been successfully ing documents (e.g. production drawings), the Society
performed on the finished component. may demand appropriate improvements.
Chapter 3 Section 2 E Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–2 GL 2000

3. The welding shops shall ensure by means of materials subjected to further processing shall be such
regular in-house quality inspections during fabrication that they are able to withstand the operating loads.
and on completion of the welding work that this work
has been performed competently and satisfactorily (cf.
Chapter 1, Section 1, F.). For the duties and responsi- 2. Welded structures may only be fabricated
bilities of the welding supervisor, see also EN 719/ using base materials of proven weldability. The in-
ISO 14731. tended materials must comply with the requirements
set out in the relevant sections of Part 1, Metallic Ma-
4. The welding shops are responsible for ensur- terials, Chapter 2. Other comparable materials may
ing that the welding work conforms to these Rules, the only be used after the Society has given its approval in
approved manufacturing documents, any conditions each individual case.
stipulated in the approval documents and the latest
state of welding practice. The inspections and checks
to be performed by the Society’s Surveyor do not
relieve the welding shops of this responsibility. E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Ma-
terials
5. With regard to quality inspections and the
responsibilities involved in awarding subcontracts to
1. The welding consumables must enable a
independent branches or suppliers or to approved or
welded joint to be made which is appropriate to the
non-approved outside firms working in the welding
base material, the operating temperature and the con-
shop (subcontractors), see Chapter 1, Section 1, F.
ditions of service. The suitability of the welding con-
Subcontracting of work or employment of temporary
sumables must also have been verified under the con-
workers shall be notified to the Society.
ditions prevailing in further processing.
6. The scope of the required quality inspections
depends on the construction project in question. It is 2. All the welding consumables and auxiliary
essential to ensure, however, that the intended materi- materials used (e.g. covered electrodes, wire-gas com-
als, welding consumables and auxiliary materials are binations, wire-flux combinations, etc.) must have
used and that the weld preparation, assembly, execu- been approved by the Society in accordance with
tion of the tack and final welds and the dimensional Chapter 1, Section 5. They may also, however, be
accuracy and completeness of the welded joints meets approved if tested at the same time as the welding
the requirements stated in para. 3. For non-destructive procedure and restricted to the user’s works (cf. Chap-
testing of the welded joints and production tests have ter 1, Section 4, B.3.2 and Section 5, A.1.4).
to be performed, see I.
3. For joints between different materials, the
7. Following internal inspection and, if neces- welding consumable shall wherever possible be
sary, repair by the welding shop, the components shall geared to the lower-alloyed material or the material
be presented to the Society's Surveyor for checking at with the lower strength.
suitable stages of fabrication. For this purpose they
shall be readily accessible and shall normally be un-
coated. Where the previous inspection has been inade- 4. Welding consumables and auxiliary materials
quate, the Surveyor may reject components and re- specified in a procedure approval document with a
quire that they be presented again after satisfactory maker’s or brand name (cf. F.3.5) may only be re-
workshop inspection and any necessary repair work placed by equivalent consumables approved by the
has been performed. Society with an appropriate quality grade if this is
explicitly stated in the respective approval document.
8. The Society is not responsible for guarantee- Failing this, the Society's agreement shall be obtained.
ing that all the components and welded joints in-
spected to the prescribed extent (generally on a ran- 5. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma-
dom basis) by its surveyors have been fabricated in terials may only be used in the approved welding
accordance with the conditions and meet the require- positions. The manufacturers' recommendations and
ments in every respect. Components or welded joints instructions for welding (e.g. type of current and po-
which subsequently turn out to be defective may be larity) shall be followed.
rejected or their repair may be demanded even if ac-
ceptance testing has already been carried out. 6. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma-
terials (especially hydrogen-controlled, basic-covered
electrodes and basic welding fluxes) shall be re-dried
before use in accordance with the manufacturer's in-
D. Materials, Weldability structions (observe maximum drying time!) and stored
in a dry place (in heated containers or the like) at the
1. The materials selected must be appropriate workplace.
for the intended purpose, with allowance made for
mechanical and thermal stresses. The characteristics of Note:
II - Part 3 Section 2 F Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–3

The DVS guideline 0504 "Handling, storage and re- 2.6 For welding of sockets, nipples, etc., the
drying of covered electrodes" and the DVS regulations following shall be made:
0914 "Use and storage of welding fluxes for sub-
merged-arc and electro-slag welding" issued by the – 2 socket welds in accordance with standard
German Welding Society (Deutscher Verband für workshop practice or
Schweißtechnik e.V) contain detailed instructions on – 2 test pieces as shown in Figs. 2.1a) and 2.1b).
this subject.
2.1a) 2.1b)

F. Welding procedure tests 20

200 ø

~200
Obstruction Obstruction 200 ø

~200
Preliminary remark: to welding to welding

20
In contrast to earlier issues of these Rules, welding
procedure tests shall be performed in accordance with ~400 ø
EN 288 or ISO 9956, as applicable. This paragraph 120 ø
essentially covers requirements applicable to the
welding of steam boilers over and above those set out Fig. 2.1 Test pieces for welding of sockets and
in EN 288-3 and ISO 9956-3. nipples, inserted (left) and through-type
(right)
1. General
Only those welding procedures shall be employed 3. Test principles, delimitation of scope
whose satisfactory operational handling and adequate The qualification of the welding procedure shall be
quality properties have been verified as part of a weld- ascertained in accordance with EN 288/ISO 9956 Part
ing procedure test under production conditions at the 1, para. 5.1.1 by means of welding procedure qualifi-
user’s works. The general requirements set out in cation tests, for steel in accordance with EN 288/ISO
Chapter 1, Section 4 shall be observed. The welding 9956 Part 3.
procedures must have been approved by the Society
for the particular welding shop in question. The test is valid within the limits described in para.
3.1 to 3.7.
2. Welding of test pieces, welding procedure The scope of the welding procedure test is specified
specification (WPS) by the Society in writing. Any exceptions require the
performance of a supplementary test, the scope of
2.1 A preliminary "manufacturer’s" welding
which shall be decided by the Society. Production
procedure specification (pWPS) setting out all the
tests may be recognized as supplementary tests.
major parameters shall be produced by the welding
shop for the welding of test pieces in accordance with
EN 288-2 or ISO 9956-2, as applicable (see Chapter 1, 3.1 Material groups
Annex D). Above and beyond the grouping system of EN
288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 8.3.1.1, Table 3, the fol-
2.2 The Society’s expert shall select one of the lowing provisions shall be observed:
welders whose names are to be supplied by the manu-
facturer to weld the test pieces. a) For materials which have to satisfy particular
corrosion conditions (e.g. resistance to caustic
2.3 The test pieces shall be made from materials cracking) the welding procedure tests shall be
whose properties are proven in accordance with the geared to these.
requirements specified in Part 1, Metallic Materials,
b) A welding procedure qualification performed on
Chapter 2. Their strength shall be at least 40 N/mm2
group 1 killed steel does not apply to unkilled
higher than the minimum tensile strength of the mate-
steels unless they were welded using basic cov-
rial group. Pre-treatment and after-treatment of the ered electrodes or wire-flux combinations with
welded joints by preheating, heat treatment and the basic flux.
like is only permitted if stipulated for these materials
during actual fabrication. c) The materials 15NiCuMoNb5 and 17MnMoV6-
4 shall be classified as group 2 materials.
2.4 The types of weld and welding positions
employed in the fabrication process shall be qualified Approval is also granted for the following further
in the welding procedure test. material combinations in addition to those stipulated
in EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, Table 4 but under the
2.5 The form and dimensions of the test pieces following conditions (see Table 2.1).
are specified in EN 288-3/ISO 9956-3 or, where appli- Deviating from EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, Table 4, a
cable, stipulated in para. 2.6. welding procedure test available for the combination
Chapter 3 Section 2 F Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–4 GL 2000

group 9 welded to group 2 does not incorporate the ment of the test piece shall be performed so that a heat
combination group 9 welded to group 3. treated condition is achieved which is comparable to
that of the component.
Depending on material composition and/or the type of
post-weld treatment required, the Society may also
limit the scope to the base material used in the weld- 3.7 Special cases
ing procedure test.
For special cases, for example projection welds, weld-
ing of clad steels, stud welds and difficult repairs to be
3.2 Welding process performed in the course of fabrication on steels which
Recognition applies only to the welding process em- are susceptible to cracking due to hardening of the
ployed in the welding procedure test. heat affected zone, welding procedure tests are neces-
sary which are geared to these particular cases. The
3.3 Gas welding tests required and their scope are specified by the
Society in each individual case.
In gas welding a test performed on the wall thickness t
shall apply to the wall thickness range 0,75 t to 1,25 t.
4. Tests, scope of tests
3.4 Welding parameters Testing comprises both non-destructive and destruc-
Welding procedure tests performed on multi-pass tive tests and shall be performed in accordance with
welds do not apply to single-pass welds. EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.

Deviating from EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.1 and

3.5 Welding consumables and auxiliary mate-
Table 1, the following specimens shall also be taken
rial
from the test pieces:
The requirements of EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para.
8.4.5 do not apply if the filler metal used is of the a) One all-weld metal tensile test specimen with a
same type and has been approved by the Society to be diameter of 10 mm and L0 = 5 d shall also be
under the scope of the welding procedure qualification taken in the case of test pieces more than 20 mm
(cf. E.4.). thick in materials where the effect of the weld
metal caused by the welded joints may be sig-
3.6 Heat treatment nificant.

The welding procedure test applies to the heat treated This applies to steels in material groups 4 and 6
condition existing at the time of the test. Heat treat- and also for the steels specified in para. 3.1.c.

Table 2.1

Welding procedure qualification available for a

Suitable for the following combination joints
steel group or combination joint

4 welded with 5 (13CrMo4-5)

5 (10CrMo9-10) welded with 4 4 welded with 1
4 welded with 2 (Re < 430 N/mm2)
5 welded with 1
5 5 welded with 2
6 welded with 5
6 welded with 4 6 welded with 2
6 welded with 1

b) Notched bar impact test specimens shall be – 14 MoV6-3 and X20CrMoV12-1 with a
taken from the centre of the weld metal for each nominal wall thickness > 10 mm,
welding position in the case of:
– 16 Mo 3 with a nominal wall thickness
> 20 mm,
– plates: all materials with a nominal wall
thickness > 5 mm – all other grades of steel conforming to DIN
17175 and DIN 17177 with a nominal wall
thickness > 30 mm,
– tubes:
II - Part 3 Section 2 G Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–5

– other grades of steel above the nominal wall 3. In the case of shells consisting of several
thicknesses as specified in the standards or in rings, the longitudinal seams shall be staggered.
the GL approval document for the base mate-
rial.
c) Micrographic specimen for alloy steels 1. The
structure shall be described and verified by
means of photographs.
4. Fillet welds on lapped joints are only permit-
d) Analysis of the weld metal for alloy steels 1. ted in special cases and are then to be made only as
double-sided circumferential welds up to a wall thick-
5. Test requirements ness of 15 mm.
The irregularities in the test piece must fall within the
limits specified for quality level B in accordance with
EN 25817/ISO 5817, exceptions being: excessive
weld reinforcement (butt and fillet welds), excessive
root reinforcement and excessive fillet weld thickness
which fall into quality level C. 5. Corner welds and similar welded joints which
For the mechanical and technological tests, Table 2.2 are subjected to considerable flexural stresses under
applies. adverse conditions of fabrication or service are only
allowed if the Society raises no objection to the
method of execution.
6. Storage of specimens
The tested specimens and the remaining portions of
the test pieces shall be stored until the report on the
welding procedure test has been completed (cf. also
Chapter 1, Section 4, C.3.).
6. Holes and cut-outs in or immediately adjacent
7. Validity, extension of welding procedure to welds, especially longitudinal welds, shall be
tests avoided wherever possible.
The validity of a welding procedure test is generally 1
year provided that the preconditions under which it
was granted have not significantly changed. It may be
continued by means of regular production tests (see
para. I.11).
7. Welding of components in cold-formed areas
In addition to production tests and tests performed on
where the outer fibres have been stretched by more
welded components (cf. para. I.) non-destructive tests
may, given certain preconditions, also be recognized than 5 % (Dm < 20 × s for cylindrical shell rings) is
by the Society for continuing the validity. only allowed if the effects of cold-forming have been
eliminated by means of appropriate heat treatment.
The welding procedure test shall be repeated if there is
a break in the fabrication of steam boilers or steam
boiler components lasting longer than one year.

This generally has to be accomplished by normalizing

G. Welding Technique heat treatment or quenching and tempering. This re-
quirement may be waived if proof is furnished that the
properties of the material are no more than insignifi-
1. Welds must exhibit full penetration over their
cantly impaired with regard to the intended use.
entire cross section and must not have any cracks or
lack of fusion defects. Wherever possible, the root
shall be grooved and capped.

2. When welding plates whose thicknesses dif-

fer by more than 20 % or more than 3 mm, the thicker
plate shall be bevelled to the thickness of the thinner 8. Every weld in a boiler component shall be
plate at a maximum angle of 30 °. marked in such a way that its location remains recog-
nizable and the welder concerned can be identified at
–––––––––––––– any time. Both of these may be evidenced either by
1 For the classification of steels (unalloyed and alloyed), see stamping the weld accordingly or by making entries in
EN 10020. drawings, welding schedules or other records.
Chapter 3 Section 2 G Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–6 GL 2000

Table 2.2 Requirements applicable to the mechanical and technological tests

Type of test Requirements

Tensile test As stipulated for the base material or in the test of product suitabil-
transversely to weld ity for the welding consumable.
Hot tensile test on a specimen As stipulated for the base material or in the test of product suitabil-
taken from the weld metal ity for the welding consumable.
As stipulated for the base material in transverse direction.
Notched bar impact test 1
on specimen from centre of weld For welded joints in austenitic steels, ≥ 40 J with ISO-V-notch speci-
mens..
The test shall be performed at room temperature.

Bending Mandrel
Strength category 2
angle diameter
Ferritic steels with a minimum ten- 2 ×a
sile strength < 430 N/mm2
180° 3
Minimum tensile strength 2,5 × a
≥ 430/Nmm2 to 460 N/mm2
High-temperature austenitic steels
Technological bend test 180° 3 Ferritic steels with a minimum ten- 3 ×a
sile strength ≥ 460/Nmm2

If a bending angle of 180 ° is not attained, the following applies:

Elongation (L0 = width of weld + thickness, sym-

≥ 90° metrical to weld) ≥ minimum elongation A5 of base
material.
Elongation over width of weld > 30 % 4 and faultless
or < 90°
appearance of fracture.
The macrographic specimen of the welded joint must reveal a satis-
factory weld build-up and full penetration of the weld.
The micrographic section is to be examined for cracks.
Metallographic examination
Cracks are not acceptable.
In the case of welded joints in austenitic steels, hot cracks are ac-
ceptable provided that they are few in number and widely scattered.
The hardness in the heat-affected zones shall not exceed 350 HV 10.
Hardness peaks in excess of this figure in narrow transition zones
Hardness testing
shall not give rise to complaints if the outcome of the technological
tests meets the requirements.
1 For specimens less than the standard 10 mm in width, the impact energy requirements decrease in proportion to the cross section of
the specimen.
2 The tensile strength applies to the area of least thickness.
3 The 180° requirement is deemed to have been met if the bend test was performed according to EN 910/ISO 5173 (DIN 50121) and
pressure was applied by the supports without cracks appearing.
4 Different values may be agreed on for steels not welded with matching filler.
II - Part 3 Section 2 H Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–7

H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment 2.2 The nominal wall thickness at the joints may
not exceed 30 mm.
1. Welded components must be heat-treated
after welding in accordance with the stipulations of 2.3 In the chemical composition (melt analysis)
the relevant standards or the Society's approval docu- of the base material and the weld metal, the following
ment. contents may not be exceeded:
1.1 The post-weld heat treatment shall normally – C 0,22 %, Si 0,50 %, Mn 1,40 %, Cr 0,30 %,
consist of stress relief heat treatment. Cu 0,30 %, Mo 0,50 %, Ni 0,30 %, V 0,20 %,
1.2 Components fabricated from steels which
In this context, the following conditions shall also be
have undergone normalizing heat treatment shall be
satisfied:
subjected to normalizing heat treatment if:
– the required characteristics of the welded joint – Cr + Ni ≤ 0,30 % und Mn + Mo + V ≤ 1,6 %.
can only be established by normalizing heat
treatment These conditions may be relaxed in the case of steels
or which have been rendered resistant to brittle fracture
and hardening by special metallurgical measures.
– the component has undergone hot-forming after Their suitability and properties shall be demonstrated
welding, unless hot-forming was completed to the Society after an adequate period of proving. The
within a temperature range equivalent to nor- steels' resistance to brittle fracture, resistance to hard-
malizing heat treatment. ening and weldability must be equivalent to those of
steels falling within the above analytical limits. For
1.3 Components fabricated from quenched and the weld metal, at a C content ≤ 0,10 % the Si content
tempered steels shall be subjected to quenching and
shall be ≤ 0,75 %, the Mn content ≤ 2,0 % and the
tempering if:
sum of the Mn, Mo and V contents ≤ 2,5 % if welding
– the required characteristics of the welded joint consumables are used which produce a weld metal
can only be achieved by quenching and temper- with a particularly high toughness, e.g. by using weld-
ing ing consumables with basic characteristics.
or
– the component has undergone hot-forming after 3. Post-weld heat treatment may be dispensed
welding. with for butt welds located in the flue gas stream in
tubes made of 13CrMo44 steel with no lower limit for
If, in the case of air-hardened and tempered steels, the the average wall temperature and in pipes made of
hot- forming of the component was on the whole per- 10CrMo9 10 steel above an average wall temperature
formed under the conditions applicable to normalizing of approx. 490 °C, provided that the outside tube di-
heat treatment, tempering alone is sufficient. ameter does not exceed 63,5 mm and the wall thick-
ness does not exceed 10 mm. Butt welds between the
1.4 For such welded joints, preheating and treat- tubes and tube nipples are included under this provi-
ment by quenching and tempering or by tempering sion, even if they are not located in the flue gas
alone should as a rule be carried out in accordance stream.
with the instructions of the material or consumable
manufacturer. A special means of heat treatment shall
be specified if, for instance, the material or the weld 4. Components shall generally be heat-treated in
metal is hardened to an unacceptable degree during their entirety. In the case of stress relief heat treatment
welding. and tempering heat treatment, an exception from sen-
For high-alloy steels with a ferritic or austenitic struc- tence 1 may be made if
ture, the need for and method of heat treatment shall
be determined on an individual basis. – in the case of cylindrical components, a suffi-
ciently wide cylindrical section or
2. Post-weld heat treatment may be dispensed
with if the following conditions are met: – in the case of longitudinal welds in open shell
rings without a circumferential weld, the weld
2.1 Prior to welding, the materials must be in the zone over a sufficient width
heat-treated condition specified in the relevant stan-
dards or in the Society's approval document. This is heat-treated by (continuous) uniform heating, on
condition is also deemed to be met if the required both sides if possible, provided that the Society's ex-
heat-treated condition is only attained during subse- pert raises no objection. In both cases, thermal stresses
quent fabrication. must not be allowed to shift to parts subject to flexural
stresses (e.g. flanges or cut-outs).
Chapter 3 Section 2 I Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–8 GL 2000

5. Welding of small parts into and onto the have been subjected to non-destructive testing by
walls of steam boilers shall generally be carried out appropriate means with satisfactory results.
prior to heat treatment. This especially applies if:
2.2 Where dished drums are fabricated from steel
– the nominal wall thickness of the basic structure
exceeds 30 mm (see para. 2.2), with a minimum tensile strength ≥ 440 N/mm2 2 and a
minimum yield strength at room temperature
– the contents specified in para. 2.3 are exceeded, ≥ 320 N/mm2 and the nominal wall thickness is
– cold forming takes place in conjunction with greater than 30 mm, following the final heat treatment
welding. three core samples shall be drilled out of the metal,
one being taken from each end of the cylindrical part
When welding in individual small parts, heat treat- and one from the middle of the drum. The exact loca-
ment may be dispensed with if the properties of the tion of the sampling points, which shall be offset rela-
materials to be joined and the welding process enable tive to each other by approx. 120° if possible, shall be
the making of a satisfactory welded joint which is indicated to the drum manufacturer by the steam
appropriate to the conditions of service and the work- boiler manufacturer in good time. The core samples
ing temperature. shall be at least 60 mm in diameter to enable one
specimen for tensile testing and one set of three
6. Documentary proof of the heat treatments specimens for notched bar impact testing to be pre-
described in para. 1.1 to 1.4 shall be provided by pared. The specimens shall be cut out transversely to
means of a works certificate to EN 10204 or ISO the direction of rolling of the plate; if possible, the
10474, as applicable (DIN 50049), which shall state tensile test specimen should be located 1/6 of the wall
the method, temperature and duration of the heat thickness below the surface. Of the three notched bar
treatment and the method of cooling. Any special heat impact test specimens, one shall be taken from each of
treatment, e.g. temporary cooling after welding prior the extremities and one from the middle of the core
to tempering treatment, shall be recorded in the works sample.
certificate.
2.3 Where cold-bent shell rings with a degree of
deformation > 5 %, hot-bent shell rings or dished
half-drums are fabricated from steel with a minimum
I. Inspection of Welded Components tensile strength ≥ 440 N/mm2 2 and a minimum yield
strength at room temperature ≥ 320 N/mm2 and the
1. Where no production tests are carried out on nominal wall thickness is greater than 30 mm, follow-
welded shell rings which have undergone hot bending ing heat treatment a sufficiently wide ring shall be cut
or heat treatment, for materials with a minimum ten- off, from which one specimen for tensile testing and
one set of three specimens for notched bar impact
sile strength ≥ 440 N/mm2 2 and alloy steels 1 a test
testing shall be taken transversely to the direction of
piece taken from the plate used and stamped by the
rolling of the plate. Alternatively, the procedure de-
Society's expert shall be subjected to the same treat-
scribed in para. 2.2 may be followed.
ment as the shell ring. A tensile test and a notched bar
impact test (three test specimens) shall be performed
on specimens from this test piece to establish the ulti- 2.4 If, in the situations described in para. 2.2 and
mate condition of the material of the drum or the shell 2.3, the final heat treatment consists solely of stress
ring. relief heat treatment or if working is carried out only
within the stress relief heat treatment range and is not
liable to change the properties of the material substan-
2. Fully welded drums for water-tube boilers tially, the specimens prescribed in para. 2.2 and 2.3
with upset or prewelded ends shall be subjected to the may be prepared beforehand and heat-treated in the
tests specified in para. 2.1 to 2.4. same manner. In this case, the temperature of the
specimens over their length and the extent of the
2.1 The drums shall be subjected by the Society's variation in temperature shall be measured and re-
expert to a hydraulic pressure test at 1,5 times the corded.
working pressure, subject to the limitation that the
resulting stress shall not exceed 0,9 times the yield
3. The requirements applicable to the mechani-
strength at 20 °C, taking into account the positive
cal and technological tests stated in para. 1. and 2. are
diameter tolerance and the negative wall thickness
governed by the provisions of Part 1, Metallic Materi-
tolerance. The component shall exhibit no leaks dur-
als, Chapter 2, Section 1, E. and Section 6, A.
ing the hydraulic pressure test and no permanent de-
formation afterwards. This test may be dispensed with In testing of the base material after heat treatment, a
if the complete longitudinal and circumferential welds negative tolerance of 5 % applies in individual cases
to the minimum yield strength and the minimum ten-
–––––––––––––– sile strength if a load in the area of the high-
2 The threshold may be raised to 470 N/mm2 if proof is fur- temperature yield strength is applied.
nished that stress relief heat treatment is not liable to result in
an unacceptable reduction in the yield stress.
II - Part 3 Section 2 I Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–9

The yield strength and tensile strength may be less from the shell line, as applicable, must not exceed 1 %
than the minimum by more than 5 %, up to 10 %, if of the length or width of the dent or bulge.
proof is furnished that
The out-of-roundness need not be determined where
– heat treatment has been satisfactorily carried the wall thickness is < 1 % of the nominal diameter.
out,
4.3 Camber or flattening
– the requirements applicable to the elongation of
the base material are met, The degree of camber or flattening in the area of the
longitudinal welds, measured as a deviation from the
– the requirements applicable to the impact energy
normal roundness with a template length of 500 mm,
of the base material are met,
may not exceed the dimension "a".
– the dimensional design based on the high- Depending on the ratio of the average diameter dm to
temperature yield strength established is still
the wall thickness se of the drum or shell ring, the
adequate.
following applies:
Where loads in the area of the creep strength are ap-
plied, the yield strength and the tensile strength may dm
– a ≤ 10 mm for shell rings: < 40
be less than the specified minimum by max. 10 %. se
dm
4. An internal and external inspection shall be – a ≤ 5 mm for shell rings: ≥ 40 .
se
carried out on the completed shell rings and drums,
and especially of the welds and adjacent areas and the 4.4 Axial non-linearity
dished ends. For the inspection, the components shall
have a smooth external and internal surface corre- The degree of axial non-linearity may be:
sponding to the condition as manufactured, to ensure
– For shell rings: up to 0,3 % of the cylindrical
that significant surface defects can also be detected;
length
the internal surface is to be descaled. At the same
time, measurements shall be carried out to determine: – For drums: up to 0,5 % of the cylindrical length

4.1 External circumference 4.5 Wall thickness of welds and adjoining

plate areas
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 m
intervals over the entire length of the component. The The wall thickness in the plate must lie within the
measurements of the external circumference shall be tolerance permitted for the plate.
used to determine the average outside diameter. The
outside diameter of the shell rings and drums may not 5. If special conditions of fabrication apply to
vary from the stipulated outside diameter by more the components stated in para. 1 and 2, i.e. where
than ± 1,0 %. large wall thicknesses or difficult-to-weld steels are
used, non-destructive testing of the welds may also be
4.2 Out-of-roundness necessary for an evaluation of up to V = 0,8. Welded
joints in steels which, according to the report of the
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 m Society's expert, are subject to a non-standard method
intervals over the entire length of the component. of heat treatment shall undergo the tests stipulated in
The out-of-roundness the report, especially hardness testing and ultrasonic

β γ ⋅ 100 %
inspection. Proof of the outcome of these tests shall be
2 ⋅ D max − D min provided by acceptance test certificate A or B to EN
U = 10204 or ISO 10474, as applicable (DIN 50049) in
D m ax + D min
accordance with the Society's report.
of the drums and shell rings following final heat
treatment shall be: 6. An acceptance test certificate A to EN 10204
or ISO 10474, as applicable (DIN 50049) showing that
– For non-heat-treated or stress relief heat-treated the requirements stated in para. 3. and 4. are met shall
drums and shell rings where the wall thickness be furnished where one of the following limits is ex-
is > 1 % of the nominal diameter: 1 % max. ceeded:
– For normalizing heat-treated, quenched and – Overall length of cylindrical shell ring in excess
tempered or dished drums: 2 % max. of 2500 mm,
In calculating the out-of-roundness, the elastic defor- – Specified external diameter in excess of
mations arising from the component's own weight 1200 mm,
shall be discounted. Isolated bulges and dents must
– Acceptable working pressure in excess of
also lie within the tolerances. In addition, the bulges
16 bar,
and dents must have a flat profile and their depth,
measured as a deviation from the normal roundness or – Weld factor higher than V = 0,8.
Chapter 3 Section 2 I Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–10 GL 2000

Below these limits, an acceptance test certificate B to shall not exceed:

EN 10204 or ISO 10474, as applicable (DIN 50049) is
sufficient. – For corrugated furnaces: 1,0 %

– For smooth furnaces: 1,5 % up to a maxi-

7. An internal and external inspection of the mum of 15 mm.
completed smooth or corrugated furnaces, and espe-
cially of the welds and adjoining areas, shall be car-
ried out. During the inspection the following shall be 7.4 Non-linearity
measured:
The non-linearity shall be measured by placing a
length of cord against the wall. It may not exceed
7.1 Deviation from specified external circum- 0,3 % of the cylindrical length of the shell rings.
ference
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 m 7.5 Wall thickness of welds and adjoining
intervals over the entire length of the components. The plate areas
permitted deviations from the external circumference
specified in the order in a measurement cross section The following tolerances apply to the wall thickness
are: of corrugated tubes: the average wall thickness must at
least equal the nominal wall thickness within the cor-
– For corrugated furnaces: rugation pitch. Localized deficiencies of up to 10 % in
non-corrugated portion ± 15 mm the wall thickness within the corrugation pitch are
permitted. The reduction in wall thickness is to be
corrugated portion compensated for when manufacturing the corrugated
– pull-through type + 0 mm tubes by means of an appropriate increase in the wall
– 75 mm thickness of the original tube. The area A calculated
– other corrugated tubes + 15 mm from the specified corrugation depth and the specified
– 60 mm wall thickness must be attained. With a corrugation
depth w of 75 mm, a deficiency of 5 % in the area A is
– For smooth furnaces: acceptable. In the flanged portion, a deficiency of up
to 20 % in the wall thickness is permitted. In the as-
at the ends of shell rings
sessment, defects which in the opinion of the Society's
over a distance of 250 mm ± 15 mm expert are clearly unimportant with regard to safety
in the remainder of the + 0 mm shall be disregarded. Smooth furnaces are subject to
cylindrical shell rings – 75 mm the tolerances applicable to plates.
– For smooth furnaces with
flanged ends: 8. Proof that the requirements stipulated in para.
cylindrical portion + 0 mm 7. are met shall be furnished by means of an accep-
– 75 mm tance test certificate A to EN 10204 or ISO 10474, as
applicable (DIN 50049). A hydraulic pressure test is
not required for furnaces.
7.2 For corrugated tubes, difference between
maximum outside diameter and associated
inside diameter 9. The cut-out areas of headers certified accord-
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 m ing to quality grade I under DIN 17175 (cf. Part 1,
intervals over the entire length of the components. For Metallic Materials, Chapter 2, Section 2, C.) shall be
corrugated tubes, the difference between the maxi- subjected to appropriate non-destructive testing by the
mum outside diameter and the inside diameter in the boiler manufacturer and the outcome of the testing
corrugations shall equal the specified dimension with shall be certified.
a maximum negative tolerance of 20 mm.
10. Repair welds
7.3 Out-of-roundness
Exceptions to the foregoing rules may be made for
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 m
repair welds in justified special cases, provided that
intervals over the entire length of the components. The
the Society's expert is informed of the nature and
wall thickness shall invariably be measured at the ends scope of the planned welds before work commences
of the shell rings and at any point where a decrease in
and he has no objections to the planned exceptions.
wall thickness is significant.
The out-of-roundness
11. Production test

U =
δ
2 ⋅ D m ax − D min ι ⋅ 100 % The production test comprises non-destructive testing
D max + D min of the component and quality inspection of test pieces
(mechanical and technological tests).
II - Part 3 Section 2 I Welding of Steam Boilers Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 2–11

11.1 Non-destructive testing f) Tensile test to EN 876 (DIN 50145) on a speci-

men from the weld metal (cylindrical specimen
All longitudinal and circumferential welds shall be
with L0 = 5 d to DIN 50125) for thicknesses
subjected to non-destructive testing over their entire
length. They shall also be examined for surface cracks ≥ 20 mm to determine the 0,2 % proof stress at
if necessary. The tests shall be performed in accor- the working temperature
dance with Chapter 2, Section 4. or
For circumferential welds where the wall thickness is g) Analysis of the weld metal with regard to the
< 30 mm, testing of 25 % of the length of the weld is constituents which determine the mechanical
sufficient; however, all junctions with longitudinal properties at elevated temperature
welds shall be tested.
as decided by the Society's expert.
The tests shall not be performed until the final heat
treatment of the component has been carried out. For materials with a minimum tensile strength of
≥ 440 N/mm2 and alloy 1 steels subjected to post-
The non-destructive tests shall not reveal any major
weld heat treatment, a tensile test and a notched bar
defects in the weld. Such defects include cracks, lack
impact test on specimens taken from the base material
of sidewall fusion and, in single-side welds, insuffi-
transversely to the direction of rolling shall also be
cient root penetration. Other defects such as pores and
performed on the test piece.
slag shall be assessed in accordance with recognized
codes, e.g. AD code HP 5/3 or the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code, Section I. 11.3 Number, removal and dimensions of the
test pieces for quality testing
The results of the non-destructive tests shall be docu-
mented and presented to the Society's expert for as- 11.3.1 Procedure for the first six shell rings
sessment at the time of the structural inspection.
If the higher evaluation is being made use of for the
first time or is being extended through the inclusion of
11.2 Quality testing of test pieces new types or grades of material, a test piece located at
The following tests shall be carried out on a test piece one end of each of the first six shell rings shall be
welded at the same time as the component as an ex- welded together with the shell ring and tested. Unless
tension of a longitudinal seam (cf. para. 11.3.6 and otherwise stipulated, the specimens stated in para.
11.4): 11.4 shall be taken from this test piece. The test pieces
required for these production tests shall be taken from
a) Tensile test on two specimens, shape of speci- the plates to be used for the component. Every melt
men according to EN 895 (DIN 50120, Fig. 1); shall be covered.
however, test length = width of weld + at least
80 mm. 11.3.2 Procedure from the seventh shell ring
b) Technological bend test to EN 910 (DIN 50121, onwards
Part 1, Fig. 2) on four transverse bending test The preparation and number of test pieces depends on
specimens (two specimens each with opposite whether or not post-weld heat treatment is necessary;
sides of the weld in tension). On the side in ten- cf. para. H.2.
sion, after machining off the weld reinforcement
the original surface of the test piece shall be pre- 11.3.3 For components where heat treatment is un-
served to the greatest possible extent. Sizeable necessary, the following applies, provided that the
depressions such as undercuts and root notches analytical limits stated in para. H.2.3. are not ex-
shall not be repaired. ceeded:
c) Notched bar impact test on ISO V-notch speci- a) Preparation:
mens to EN 875 (EN 10045) on three specimens
The test pieces may be taken from plates of the
taken from the centre of the weld metal with the
same type and strength category and approxi-
position of the notch vertical to the surface of
mately the same thickness as those used for the
the test piece.
shell ring; a difference of ± 5 mm is acceptable.
The test temperature and requirements are The characteristics of the plates must be verified
shown in Table 2.2. in accordance with Part 1, Metallic Materials,
Chapter 2.
d) Structure examination of a specimen (macro-
graphic specimen); for alloy 1 steels, a micro- b) Number of test pieces:
graphic specimen is also required. One test piece shall be welded as an extension of
e) A radiographic inspection to EN 1435 one of the longitudinal seams of each compo-
(DIN 54111) shall be carried out prior to sec- nent, irrespective of the number of shell rings.
tioning of the test piece.
11.3.4 For components where heat treatment is nec-
Also, if the working temperature exceeds 350 °C: essary, the following applies:
Chapter 3 Section 2 I Welding of Steam Boilers II - Part 3
Page 2–12 GL 2000

a) Preparation: pieces shall undergo a heat treatment which is demon-

strably similar to that applied to the component.
The test pieces shall be taken from plates to be
used for the component in question. 11.4.2 Number of test specimens
b) Number of test pieces:
From every welded test piece, specimens for the tests
One test piece shall be welded as an extension of prescribed in para. 11.2 shall be stamped by the Soci-
one of the longitudinal seams of each compo- ety's expert and removed. The specimens shall alter-
nent, irrespective of the number of shell rings. If nate with each other and lie adjacent to each other.
the component consists of material from several
The remainder of the test piece is intended for retests.
melts, one test piece shall be welded for each
It shall also be stamped and marked in such a way that
melt. If the analytical values differ only slightly,
its affiliation can be unequivocally established.
the Society's expert may reduce the number of
test pieces accordingly, even if a component
consists of material from several melts. 11.5 Requirements

11.3.5 The number and locations of the test pieces 11.5.1 Mechanical and technological tests
are shown in Table 2.3. The mechanical and technological tests are governed
After at least 50 production tests per material cate- by Table 2.2 in conjunction with para. I.3.
gory, relaxations may be agreed with the Society.
11.5.2 Retest specimens
11.3.6 Size of test pieces If one of the tests listed in para. 11.2 fails to achieve
The size of each test piece shall be such that the the required result, each unsuccessful test shall be
specimens prescribed in para. 11.4.2 and a sufficient repeated by testing two more specimens of the same
number of retest specimens can be taken from it. type taken from the remainder of the test piece. The
test conditions are met if the retest specimens meet the
11.4 Welding of test pieces, number and re- requirements.
moval of test specimens
11.6 Supplementary tests
11.4.1 Welding of test pieces
Further tests, e.g. notched bar impact tests with the
The seam of the test piece shall be welded in the fracture section in the transition zone or radiographic
course of fabrication together with the last 300 mm of inspections in various directions, shall be performed if
weld of the shell ring. The Society's expert has the considered necessary by the competent expert in spe-
right to be present while this weld is made. The test cial cases for assessment of the weld.
Table 2.3 Number and locations of test pieces

Heat treatment

unnecessary necessary

1st to 6th shell ring One test piece per shell ring taken form the plates to be used for the com-
ponent. Every melt is to be covered (see para. I.11.3.1)

From 7th shell ring and further

components consisting of

on shell ring One test piece per shell ring (see para. I.11.3.2)
two or more shell One test piece per component taken One test piece per component;
rings from plates of the same strength where different melts are used
category and approx. the same however, one test piece for each
thickness (difference of ± 5 mm melt from one of the plates to be
are acceptable). used for the components.

After at least 50 production tests Relaxations by agreement with the Society (cf. TRD 201, Appendix 3,
per material group para.6)
II - Part 3 Section 3 B Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–1

Section 3

Welding of Pressure Vessels

Preliminary remark: 2. Other relevant rules

The following rules relating to the welding of pres- 2.1 The provisions of the Rules for Construction
sure vessels comply with or incorporate the AD codes I, Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 8 shall also be complied
of practice. Subject to the approval of the Society, with in the design and dimensioning of pressure ves-
other codes of practice such as the ASME Boiler and sels and process equipment.
Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII may also be
adopted for the fabrication and testing of welded 2.2 Cargo tanks designed to carry chemicals are
pressure vessels (the following rules being applicable also subject to the provisions of the rules for Con-
in analogous manner). Cf. also Chapter 1, Section 1, struction I, Chapter 7 - Chemical Tankers, Section 1.
B.1.4.
2.3 Cargo tanks and process vessels designed to
carry cooled liquefied gases are also subject to the
A. General provisions of the Rules for Construction I, Part 1,
Chapter 6 - LPG Tankers.
1. Scope
3. Assessment of welds
1.1 These Rules apply to the fabrication and
testing of the following welded steel tanks, vessels 3.1 Tensionally stressed longitudinal welds in
and process equipment which are designed to with- pressure vessels and process equipment, except for
stand an internal working pressure: such welds in cargo tanks for carriage of liquefied
gases, may generally be evaluated according to a
1.1.1 Tanks, vessels and process equipment fabri- weld factor up to v = 0,85, provided that they meet
cated from unalloyed and alloyed ferritic steels with the requirements specified in Chapter 1, Section 1
nominal yield strengths up to 380 N/mm2. and 2, and in Sections D, E, G and H.
A higher evaluation up to v = 1,0 may be applied if a
1.1.2 Tanks, vessels and process equipment fabri- production test and non-destructive testing in accor-
cated from austenitic stainless steels. dance with I.4. have been successfully performed on
the finished component.
1.1.3 Cargo tanks 1 and process vessels fabricated
from steels tough at subzero temperatures for the 3.2 Cargo tanks for liquefied gases shall be so
carriage of cooled liquefied gases. constructed that their longitudinal welds can be
evaluated according to a weld factor of at least
1.2 Tanks, vessels and process equipment fabri- v = 0,95. A further condition is successful perform-
cated from other materials not mentioned in para. 1.1 ance of the production tests and non-destructive tests
may be manufactured and tested in accordance with specified in I.4.
technical codes recognized by the Society. Examples
of recognized technical codes are the more compre- A higher evaluation up to v = 1,0 may be applied if
hensive requirements set out in the AD Codes of the characteristics of the material, the type of the
Series HP published by the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft für welded joints, the welding process and the type of
Druckbehälter" (Pressure Vessel Manufacturing As- loading so permit and the Society has approved the
sociation). higher evaluation.

1.3 The design and testing of tanks, vessels and

process equipment joined by other processes (e.g.
brazed or bonded) shall be subject to agreement be- B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding
tween the manufacturer and the Society’s head office Personnel
in each individual case (cf. also Chapter 1, Section 1,
A.1.1). 1. All welding shops intending to perform
welding work within the scope of these rules must
satisfy the requirements applicable to welding shops
and personnel set out in Chapter 1, Section 2 and
–––––––––––––– must have been approved by the Society. Applica-
1 Independent "Type C" tanks. tions for approval shall be submitted by the welding
Chapter 3 Section 3 D Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–2 GL 2000

shops in good time before starting the welding work, 5. With regard to quality inspections and the
enclosing the information and documentation pre- responsibilities involved in awarding subcontracts to
scribed in Chapter 1, Section 2, A.3. independent branches or suppliers or to approved or
non-approved outside firms working in the welding
2. The welding personnel (welders and welding shop (subcontractors), see Chapter 1, Section 1, F.
supervisors) and, where applicable, inspectors and Subcontracting of work or employment of temporary
inspection supervisors must satisfy the requirements workers shall be notified to the Society.
set out in Chapter 1, Section 2, B.2., B.3. and B.4.
and be recognized by the Society. For the welder’s 6. The scope of the required quality inspections
qualification tests, see Chapter 1, Section 3. depends on the construction project in question. It is
essential to ensure, however, that the intended mate-
rials, welding consumables and auxiliary materials
are used and that the weld preparation, assembly,
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility execution of the tack and final welds and the dimen-
sional accuracy and completeness of the welded
joints meets the requirements stated in para. 3. For
1. The manufacturer shall submit to the Soci-
non-destructive testing of the welded joints and pro-
ety, for inspection, drawings and other relevant
duction tests have to be performed, see I.
documents containing at least the following informa-
tion:
7. Following internal inspection and, if neces-
– The materials and welding consumables to be sary, repair by the welding shop, the components
used, shall be presented to the Society's Surveyor for
checking at suitable stages of fabrication. For this
– The welding process and the location and shape
purpose they shall be readily accessible and shall
of the weld,
normally be uncoated. Where the previous inspection
– The type of heat treatment, if required, has been inadequate, the Surveyor may reject compo-
nents and require that they be presented again after
– The acceptable working pressure,
satisfactory workshop inspection and any necessary
– The calculated temperature or, in the case of repair work has been performed.
vessels fabricated from steels tough at sub-zero
temperatures, the minimum design temperature, 8. The Society is not responsible for guarantee-
ing that all the components and welded joints in-
– The operating temperature,
spected to the prescribed extent (generally on a ran-
– The test pressure, dom basis) by its surveyors have been fabricated in
accordance with the conditions and meet the re-
– The weld factor used as a basis for calculation, quirements in every respect. Components or welded
– The nature and scope of the non-destructive joints which subsequently turn out to be defective
tests, may be rejected or their repair may be demanded
even if acceptance testing has already been carried
– The nature and scope of the production tests. out.
2. If the quality or good working order of a
component cannot be guaranteed or is in doubt due to
inadequate or missing information in the manufactur-
ing documents (e.g. production drawings), the Soci- D. Materials, Weldability
ety may demand appropriate improvements.
1. The materials selected must be appropriate
3. The welding shops shall ensure by means of for the intended purpose, with allowance made for
regular in-house quality inspections during fabrica- mechanical and thermal stresses. The characteristics
tion and on completion of the welding work that this of materials subjected to further processing shall be
work has been performed competently and satisfacto- such that they are able to withstand the operating
rily (cf. Chapter 1, Section 1, F.). For the duties and loads.
responsibilities of the welding supervisor, see also
EN 719/ISO 14731. 2. Welded structures may only be fabricated
using base materials of proven weldability. The in-
4. The welding shops are responsible for ensur- tended materials must comply with the requirements
ing that the welding work conforms to these Rules, set out in the relevant sections of Part 1, Metallic
the approved manufacturing documents, any condi- Materials, Chapter 2. Other comparable materials
tions stipulated in the approval documents and the may only be used after the Society has given its ap-
latest state of welding practice. The inspections and proval in each individual case.
checks to be performed by the Society’s Surveyor do
not relieve the welding shops of this responsibility. 3. Materials for cargo tanks and process vessels
for liquefied gases must also meet the impact energy
II - Part 3 Section 3 F Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–3

requirements at the stipulated test temperature; cf. 7. The welding consumables and auxiliary
Table 3.3. materials (especially hydrogen-controlled, basic-
covered electrodes and basic welding fluxes) shall be
re-dried before use in accordance with the manufac-
turer's instructions (observe maximum drying time!)
and stored in a dry place (in heated containers or the
like) at the workplace.
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary
Materials Note:
The DVS guideline 0504 "Handling, storage and re-
drying of covered electrodes" and the DVS regula-
1. The welding consumables and auxiliary tions 0914 "Use and storage of welding fluxes for
materials must enable a welded joint to be made submerged-arc and electro-slag welding" issued by
which is appropriate to the base material, the operat- the German Welding Society (Deutscher Verband für
ing temperature and the conditions of service. The Schweißtechnik e.V) contain detailed instructions on
suitability of the welding consumables must also this subject.
have been verified under the conditions prevailing in
further processing and heat treatment.

F. Welding procedure tests

2. All the welding consumables and auxiliary Preliminary remark:
materials used (e.g. covered electrodes, wire-gas
combinations, wire-flux combinations, etc.) must In contrast to earlier issues of these Rules, welding
have been approved by the Society in accordance procedure tests shall be performed in accordance
with Chapter 1, Section 5. They may also, however, with EN 288 or ISO 9956, as applicable. This para-
be approved if tested at the same time as the welding graph essentially covers requirements applicable to
procedure and restricted to the user’s works (cf. the welding of pressure vessels over and above those
Chapter 1, Section 4, B.3.2 and Section 5, A.1.4). set out in EN 288-3 and ISO 9956-3.

1. General
3. Welding consumables for steels tough at Only those welding procedures shall be employed
subzero temperatures must also meet the impact en- whose satisfactory operational handling and adequate
ergy requirements for the weld metal at the stipulated quality properties have been verified as part of a
test temperatures; cf. Table 3.3. welding procedure test under production conditions at
the user’s works. The general requirements set out in
Chapter 1, Section 4 shall be observed. The welding
4. If it is necessary, in special cases, to use procedures must have been approved by the Society
welding consumables of dissimilar material where the for the particular welding shop in question.
strength of the resulting weld metal is lower than that
of the base materials, e.g. when welding 9 % nickel 2. Welding of test pieces, welding procedure
steel with austenitic consumables, appropriate allow- specification (WPS)
ance shall be made in the design calculations for the
vessels. 2.1 A preliminary "manufacturer’s" welding
procedure specification (pWPS) setting out all the
major parameters shall be produced by the welding
shop for the welding of test pieces in accordance with
5. Welding consumables and auxiliary materi- EN 288-2 or ISO 9956-2, as applicable (see Chapter
als specified in a procedure approval document with a 1, Annex D).
maker’s or brand name (cf. F.3.5) may only be re-
placed by equivalent consumables approved by the 2.2 The Society’s expert shall select one of the
Society with an appropriate quality grade if this is welders whose names are to be supplied by the manu-
explicitly stated in the respective approval document. facturer to weld the test pieces.
Failing this, the Society's agreement shall be ob-
tained. 2.3 The test pieces shall be made from materials
whose properties are proven in accordance with the
requirements specified in Part 1, Metallic Materials,
Chapter 2. Pre-treatment and after-treatment of the
6. The welding consumables and auxiliary
test pieces by preheating, heat treatment and the like
materials may only be used in the approved welding
is only permitted if stipulated for these materials
positions. The manufacturers' recommendations and
during actual fabrication.
instructions for welding (e.g. type of current and
polarity) shall be followed.
Chapter 3 Section 3 F Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–4 GL 2000

2.4 The types of weld and welding positions The scope of the welding procedure test is specified
employed in the fabrication process shall be qualified by the Society in writing. Any exceptions require the
in the welding procedure test. performance of a supplementary test, the scope of
which shall be decided by the Society. Production
2.5 The shape and dimensions of the test pieces tests may be recognized as supplementary tests.
are specified in EN 288-3/ISO 9956-3 or, where
applicable, stipulated in para. 2.6 and 2.7. 3.1 Material groups
2.6 The plate test pieces for cargo tanks de- Above and beyond the grouping system of EN
signed to carry liquefied gases shall be executed as 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 8.3.1.1, Table 3, the fol-
shown in Fig. 3.1. lowing provisions shall be observed:

2.7 For making fillet welds on tanks for the a) For materials which have to satisfy particular
carriage of liquefied gases, the following shall be corrosion conditions (e.g. resistance to caustic
made: cracking) the welding procedure tests shall be
– One fillet-welded test piece approx. 300 mm geared to these.
long for each welding position (see Fig. 3.2)
b) A welding procedure qualification performed
– One Y test piece approx. 300 mm long from the on group 1 killed steel does not apply to unk-
joint between the central longitudinal bulkhead illed steels unless they were welded using basic
and the tank walls for each welding position covered electrodes or wire-flux combinations
(see Fig. 3.3) (where applicable, e.g. for bilobe with basic flux.
tanks).
c) Approval is also granted for the following fur-
3. Test principles, delimitation of scope ther material combinations in addition to those
stipulated in EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, Table 4
The qualification of the welding procedure shall be but under the following conditions (see Table
ascertained in accordance with EN 288/ISO 9956 3.1).
Part 1, para. 5.1.1 by means of welding procedure
qualification tests, for steel in accordance with EN d) Deviating from EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, Table
288/ISO 9956 Part 3. 4, a welding procedure test available for the
combination group 9 welded to group 2 does
The test is valid within the limits described in para.
not incorporate the combination group 9
3.1 to 3.7.
welded to group 3.

B Z B B Z B

KM KS KS+1 KS+3 KS+5 G ZSch

Remainder
for retests
if required

~ 600

Fig. 3.1 Test piece for cargo tanks

II - Part 3 Section 3 F Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–5

2 macrographic specimens

³ 120
macrographic
specimen

³ 300 ³ 200

Fig. 3.2 Fillet-welded test piece

2 macrographic specimen
3.2 Welding process

Recognition applies only to the welding process em-

ployed in the welding procedure test.

50
3.3 Gas welding
~1
~200

In gas welding a test performed on the wall thickness

t shall apply to the wall thickness range 0,75 t to
Length of 1,25 t.
test piece ³ 300 mm
3.4 Welding parameters

Fig. 3.3 Y test piece Welding procedure tests performed on multi-pass

welds do not apply to single-pass welds.
e) Depending on material composition and/or the
type of post-weld treatment required, the Soci- 3.5 Welding consumables and auxiliary mate-
ety may also limit the scope to the base mate- rials
rial used in the welding procedure test.
The requirements of EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para.
f) For the materials used in the fabrication of 8.4.5 do not apply if the filler metal used is of the
cargo tanks and process vessels for liquefied same type and has been approved by GL to be under
gases, the test applies only to the grade of steel the scope of the welding procedure qualification (cf.
inspected. E.5.).

Table 3.1

Welding procedure qualification available

Suitable for the following combination joints
for a steel group of combination joints

4 welded with 5 (13CrMo4-5)

5 (10CrMo9-10) welded with 4 4 welded with 1
4 welded with 2 (Re < 430 N/mm2)

5 welded with 1
5
5 welded with 2

6 welded with 5
6 welded with 4 6 welded with 2
6 welded with 1
Chapter 3 Section 3 F Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–6 GL 2000

3.6 Heat treatment line in the heat affected zone (KS+1, KS+3, KS+52)
for plate test pieces for cargo tanks for the car-
The welding procedure test applies to the heat treated riage of liquefied gases; cf. Fig. 3.1.
condition existing at the time of the test. Heat treat-
ment of the test piece shall be performed so that a
heat treated condition is achieved which is compara- 5. Test requirements
ble to that of the component. The irregularities in the test piece must fall within the
limits specified for quality level B in accordance with
3.7 Special cases EN 25817/ISO 5817, exceptions being: excessive
weld reinforcement (butt and fillet welds), excessive
For special cases, for example projection welds, root reinforcement and excessive throat thickness
welding of clad steels, stud welds and difficult repairs (fillet welds) which fall into quality level C.
to be performed in the course of fabrication on steels
which are susceptible to cracking due to hardening of For the mechanical and technological tests, Table 3.2
the heat affected zone, welding procedure tests are applies. The impact energy requirements for cargo
necessary which are geared to these particular cases. tanks and process vessels designed to carry liquefied
The tests required and their scope are specified by the gases are given in Table 3.3.
Society in each individual case.
6. Storage of specimens
4. Tests, scope of tests The tested specimens and the remaining portions of
the test pieces shall be stored until the report on the
Testing comprises both non-destructive and destruc- welding procedure test has been issued (cf. also
tive tests and shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4, C.3.).
EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.
Deviating from EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.1 7. Validity, extension of welding procedure
and Table 1, the following specimens shall also be tests
taken from the test pieces:
The validity of a welding procedure test is generally
a) One all-weld metal tensile test specimen with a 1 year provided that the preconditions under which it
diameter of 10 mm and L0 = 5 d shall also be was granted have not significantly changed. It may
taken in the case of test pieces more than 20 be continued by means of regular production tests
mm thick in materials where the weld metal (see para. I.4.).
may be significantly affected by the welded In addition to production tests and tests performed on
joints. welded components (cf. para. I.) non-destructive tests
This applies to steels in material groups 2 (high may, given certain preconditions, also be recognized
temperature steels only), 4 and 6. This test by the Society for continuing the validity.
shall also be performed on group 7 materials The welding procedure test shall be repeated if there
where post-weld heat treatment is stipulated. is a break in the fabrication of pressure vessels or
pressure vessel components lasting longer than one
b) Notched bar impact test specimens shall always year.
be taken from the centre of the weld metal for
each welding position in the case of wall thick-
nesses greater than 5 mm
c) Notched bar impact test specimens shall also be
taken from the weld boundary for each welding
position in the case of material groups 2, 4, 5,
6, 7 and 9 (proportion of delta ferrite in the
weld metal ≤ 3 %) and wall thicknesses
≥ 10 mm.
d) Micrographic specimen for alloy steels 2. The
structure shall be described and verified by
means of photographs.
e) Analysis of the weld metal for alloy steels 2.
f) Contrary to the provisions of para. b) and c), 3
notched bar impact test specimens with the
notch perpendicular to the surface of the plate
shall each be taken from the centre of the weld ––––––––––––––
metal (KM), the weld boundary (fusion line KS) 2 For the classification of steels (unalloyed and alloyed), see
and also 1, 3 and 5 mm away from the fusion EN 10020.
II - Part 3 Section 3 F Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–7

Table 3.2 Test requirements applicable to welded joints in steel

Type of test Requirements

Tensile test Tensile strength as stipulated for the base material or in the assessment of suitability for the
transversely to weld welding consumable

Tensile test on a specimen Yield strength or 0,2 % proof stress, tensile strength and elongation as stipulated for the base
of the weld metal material or in the assessment of suitability for the welding consumable

Where temperature of medium 1 is – 10 °C or above:

As stipulated for the base material in transverse direction. Test temperature as in testing of the
base material, but not lower than – 10 °C. When using ferritic-austenitic, austenitic and nickel-
Notched bar impact test base welding consumables ≥ 40 J
on ISO V-notch specimen
taken from centre of weld Where temperature of medium 1 is lower than – 10 °C:

At minimum working temperature, ≥ 27 J 2 when using ferritic welding consumables, ≥ 32 J 2

when using ferritic-austenitic, austenitic and nickel-base alloy welding consumables

Where temperature of medium 1 is – 10 °C or above:

Notched bar impact test ≥ 27 J 2 ; test temperature as in testing of the base material, but not lower than – 10 °C
on ISO V-notched
specimen taken from Where temperature of medium 1 is lower than – 10 °C:
weld transition zone
≥ 16 J 2; at minimum working temperature

Bending Bending
angle, Strength category 3 mandrel
Degrees dia.

Ferritic steels with:

180 4 min. tensile strength < 430 N/mm2 2 × a
min. tensile strength ≥ 430 to 460 N/mm2 2,5 × a
Austenitic stainless steels and austenitic steels tough at 2 × a
Technological subzero temperatures,
bend test 180 4 high-temperature austenitic steels, 3 × a
ferritic steels, with a minimum tensile 3 × a
strength ≥ 460 N/mm2

If a bending angle of 180 degrees is not attained, the following applies:

≥ 90 Elongation (L00 = width of weld + wall thickness, symmetrical to weld)

≥ minimum elongation A5 of base materials

or < 90 Elongation over width of weld > 30 % 5 and faultless appearance of fracture
The macrographic specimen of the welded joint must reveal a satisfactory weld build-up and full
penetration of the weld.
Metallographic
The micrographic section is to be examined for cracks. Only hot cracks are acceptable, and then
examination
only if they are few in number and widely scattered and agreement has been reached with the
Surveyor as to their acceptability with regard to the material and the range of application.
The hardness in the heat-affected zones shall not exceed 350 HV 10. Hardness peaks in excess of
Hardness testing this figure in narrow transition zones shall not give rise to complaints if the outcome of the
technological tests meets the requirements.
1
Cargo tanks and process vessels for liquefied gases are subject to the impact energy requirements at the relevant test temperatures as
shown in Table 3.3.
2
Only one impact energy value may be lower than the minimum mean value, and only by max. 30 %.
3
The tensile strength value applies to the area of least thickness.
4
The 180-degree requirement is deemed to have been met if the bend test was performed according to EN 910/ISO 5173 (DIN 50121) and
pressure was applied by the supports without cracks appearing.
5
For steels welded with dissimilar consumables, e.g. X8Ni9, different values may be agreed with the Society.
Chapter 3 Section 3 G Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–8 GL 2000

Table 3.3 Impact energy requirements for cargo tanks and process vessels for liquefied gases

Minimum Thickness Notched bar impact test on ISO V specimen

design t
Type of steel temperature KV
[°C] [mm] Test temperature (J)
min.

Carbon-manganese t ≤ 20 0 °C
0
steels 20 < t ≥ 40 – 20 °C

Carbon-manga- t ≤ 25 5K below minimum

nese steel – 55 25 < t ≤ 30 10 K design temperature 1,
incl. 0,5 % 30 < t ≤ 35 15 K but not exceeding Centre of weld:
nickel steel 35 < t ≤ 40 20 K – 20 °C for ferritic consum-
Nickel alloy ables ≥ 27, for aus-
steels containing tenitic and nickel-
base alloy consum-
1,5 % Nickel – 60 t ≤ 25 5 K below (– 65 °C)
ables ≥ 32
2,25 % Nickel – 65 25 < t ≤ 30 10 K minimum (– 70 °C)
3,5 % Nickel – 90 30 < t ≤ 35 15 K design tem- (– 95 °C)
5 % Nickel – 105 35 < t ≤ 40 20 K perature 2 (– 110 °C) Weld boundary and
fusion line:
Nickel alloy
steels containing ≥ 27
5 % Nickel – 165 3
t ≤ 25 4 – 196 °C
9 % Nickel – 165 t ≤ 25 4 – 196 °C
Austenitic steels – 165 t ≤ 25 4 – 196 °C

1
For components subjected to stress relief heat treatment after welding, a test temperature of 5 K below the minimum design tem-
perature or – 20 °C, whichever is lower, may be adequate.
2
The test temperature shall not exceed the figures stated in brackets.
3
The steel type 5 Ni may only be used for design temperatures down to – 165 °C after a special test of product suitability.
4
For thicknesses > 25 mm, the requirements shall be agreed with the Society.

G. Welding Technique For vessels fabricated from clad plates, a smaller

edge misalignment tolerance may be necessary de-
1. Welds must exhibit full penetration over pending on the thickness of the cladding.
their entire cross section and must not have any
cracks or lack of fusion defects. Wherever possible,
the root shall be grooved and capped. 3. When welding plates whose thicknesses
differ by more than 20 % or more than 3 mm, the
If backing rings are used when making circumferen- thicker plate shall be bevelled to the thickness of the
tial welds, they must be removed after welding. This thinner plate at a maximum angle of 30°.
may be dispensed with in the case of small vessels,
the inside of which is no longer accessible.
4. In the case of shells consisting of several
2. When welding plates of the same thickness, rings, the longitudinal seams shall be staggered. As a
the edge misalignment shall not exceed the following guide, the amount of stagger should be 4 times the
values: plate thickness, but at least 100 mm.
– Seams welded on both sides:
0,15 × plate thickness (mm), subject to a 5. Lapped joints with fillet welds between shell
maximum of 3 mm rings, bottoms and tubes are only acceptable in indi-
– Seams welded on one side only: vidual cases as circumferential welds with a wall
thickness of 8 mm, provided that both sides of the lap
0,10 × plate thickness (mm), subject to a are welded. Such joints may not be used in cargo
maximum of 2 mm. tanks and process vessels for liquefied gases.
II - Part 3 Section 3 H Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–9

6. Corner welds and similar welded joints 14. Every weld in a pressure vessel component
which are subjected to considerable flexural stresses shall be marked in such a way that its location re-
under adverse conditions of fabrication or service are mains recognizable and the welder concerned can be
only acceptable if the Society raises no objection to identified at any time. Both of these may be evi-
the method of execution. denced either by stamping the weld accordingly or by
making entries in drawings, welding schedules or
7. Holes and cut-outs in or immediately adja- other records.
cent to welds, especially longitudinal welds, shall be
avoided wherever possible.

8. Butt-welded joints in walls under pressure H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment

shall not be intersected by fillet welds of fitments. If
intersection of fitments with vessel welds cannot be 1. Welded components must be heat-treated
avoided, sufficiently large cut-outs shall be made in after welding in accordance with the stipulations of
the fitments in the area of the butt welds in the vessel. the relevant standards or the Society's approval
document.
9. Weld preparation for welds between the
vessel wall and domes and between the domes and 1.1 The post-weld heat treatment shall normally
the corresponding nozzles shall be carried out in consist of stress relief heat treatment.
accordance with recognized standards.
1.2 Components fabricated from steels which
All welds on nozzles, domes and other components have undergone normalizing heat treatment shall be
which penetrate the pressure vessel and all welds subjected to normalizing heat treatment if:
between flanges and vessel or nozzle must be welded
with full penetration over the entire wall thickness of – the required properties of the welded joint can
the vessel or the nozzle. only be established by normalizing heat treat-
ment
As an exception, other joints without full penetration
or
may, with the Society's consent, be used for small-
diameter nozzles in the dome. – the component has undergone hot-forming after
welding, unless hot-forming was completed
within a temperature range equivalent to nor-
10. Bearings, tank mountings and other fitments
malizing heat treatment.
which may induce stresses in the walls of the vessel
shall be joined to the vessel wall with adequately
dimensioned doubling plates or transition pieces. 1.3 Components fabricated from quenched and
tempered steels shall be subjected to quenching and
tempering if:
11. Fillet welds of sockets, tank stiffeners and
fitments which may induce stresses in the walls of the – the required properties of the welded joint can
vessel shall be laid down in more than one pass. only be established by quenching and temper-
ing
12. Doubling plates, flanges, mountings, lifting or
lugs and other welded fitments must be adapted to the – the component has undergone hot-forming after
contour of the vessel. All parts must be welded prior welding.
to any heat treatment and before pressure testing. An
exception to this rule may be allowed in the case of If, in the case of air-hardened and tempered steels,
parts subsequently attached to doubling plates or the hot-forming of the component was on the whole
transition pieces. performed under the conditions applicable to normal-
izing heat treatment, tempering alone is sufficient.
13. Welding of components from ferritic steels 1.4 Cargo tanks for liquefied gases fabricated
in cold-formed areas where the outer fibres have been from carbon- manganese steels or 0,5 % nickel steels
stretched by more than 5 % (Dm < 20 ⋅ s for cylindri- and designed for service at temperatures below
cal shell rings) is only allowed if the effects of cold- - 10 °C shall be subjected to stress relief heat treat-
forming have been cured by means of appropriate ment, unless para. 2.4 applies.
heat treatment.
This shall generally be accomplished by normalizing 1.5 For high-alloy steels with a ferritic or aus-
heat treatment or quenching and tempering. This tenitic structure and nickel alloy steels tough at sub-
requirement may be waived if proof is furnished that zero temperatures with the exception of 0,5 % nickel
the properties of the material are no more than insig- steel, the need for and method of heat treatment shall
nificantly impaired with regard to the intended use. be determined separately (see also Chapter 2, Section
3, para. E.).
Chapter 3 Section 3 I Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–10 GL 2000

2. Except in the case of the tanks described in means of a works certificate to EN 10204 or ISO
para. 1.4, post-weld heat treatment may be dispensed 10474, as applicable (DIN 50049) which shall state
with if the following conditions are met: the method, temperature and duration of the heat
treatment and the method of cooling. Any special
2.1 Prior to welding, the materials must be in the heat treatment, e.g. temporary cooling after welding
heat- treated condition specified in the relevant stan- prior to tempering treatment, shall be recorded in the
dards or in the Society's approval document. This works certificate.
condition is also deemed to be met if the required
heat-treated condition is only attained during subse-
quent fabrication.

2.2 The nominal wall thickness at the joints may I. Inspection of Welded Components
not exceed 30 mm.

2.3 In the chemical composition (melt analysis) 1. All tanks, vessels and process equipment
of the base material and the weld metal, the following shall be subjected to a hydraulic pressure test at 1,5
contents may not be exceeded: times the working pressure in the presence of the
Surveyor, subject to the limitation that the resulting
C 0,22 %, Si 0,50 %, Mn 1,40 %, stress shall not exceed 0,9 times the yield strength at
Cr 0,30 %, Cu 0,30 %, Mo 0,50 %, 20 °C, taking into account the positive diameter tol-
Ni 0,30 %, V 0,20 %; erance and the negative wall thickness tolerance. This
In this context, the following conditions shall also be does not apply to cargo tanks of the type described in
satisfied: para. H.2.4. The component shall exhibit no leaks
during the hydraulic pressure test and no permanent
Cr + Ni ≤ 0,30 % and Mn + Mo + V ≤ 1,6 %. deformation afterwards.
These conditions may be relaxed in the case of steels
which have been rendered resistant to brittle fracture
and hardening by special metallurgical measures. 2. An internal and external inspection shall be
Their suitability and properties shall be demonstrated carried out on the completed vessels and process
to the Society after an adequate period of proving. equipment, and especially of the welds and adjoining
The steels' resistance to brittle fracture, resistance to areas. The components shall have a smooth external
hardening and weldability must be equivalent to and internal surface corresponding to the condition as
those of steels falling within the above analytical manufactured, to enable significant surface defects to
limits. For the weld metal, at a C content ≤ 0,10 % be detected. Vessels fabricated from austenitic steels
the Si content shall be ≤ 0,75 %, the Mn content must be pickled on the inside. At the same time,
measurements shall be carried out to determine:
≤ 2,0 % and the sum of the Mn, Mo and V contents
≤ 2,5 % if welding consumables are used which pro-
duce a weld metal with a particularly high toughness, 2.1 External circumference
e.g. by using welding consumables with basic charac-
teristics.
The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 – 2 m
intervals over the entire length of the component,
2.4 If, in the case of cargo tanks for liquefied depending on the length of the vessel. The measure-
gases fabricated from carbon-manganese steels or ments of the external circumference shall be used to
0,5 % nickel steels and designed for service at tem- determine the average outside diameter. The outside
peratures below minus 10 °C, heat treatment is on the diameter of the shell rings and vessels may not vary
whole not possible due to the dimensions of the tank, from the stipulated outside diameter by more than
mechanical destressing shall be carried out after
± 1,5 %.
welding.
For this purpose, individual components of complex
design, e.g. domes, sumps, rings and other compo- 2.2 Out-of-roundness
nents which penetrate the casing of the tank, must
first be welded to the adjoining shell or bottom plates The measurements shall be spaced at approx. 1 – 2 m
and subjected with them to stress relief heat treatment intervals over the entire length of the component.
before being attached to the tank structure.
The out-of-roundness
3. If carbon-manganese or nickel alloy steels
are welded with austenitic consumables, they shall
not be heat-treated after welding. U =
β
2 ⋅ D max − D min γ ⋅ 100 %
D max + D min
4. Documentary proof of the heat treatments
described in para. 1.1 to 1.4 shall be provided by shall not exceed the following values:
II - Part 3 Section 3 I Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–11

Table 3.4 4.1.1 Non-destructive testing of cargo tanks for

the carriage of liquefied gases
Ratio of wall thickness Maximum acceptable
4.1.1.1 The following welds shall be tested:
to diameter out-of-roundness
a) All butt welds in the pressure structure (shells,
s/D ≤ 0,01 2,0 % ends, domes, sumps) shall be subjected to X-
0,01 < s/D ≤ 0,1 1,5 % ray radiographic inspection over their entire
length. In addition, at least 10 % of the weld
s/D > 0,1 1,0 %
length shall be tested for surface cracks.
In calculating the out-of-roundness, the elastic de- b) Fillet welds at the joint between the central
formations arising from the component's own weight longitudinal bulkhead and the tank casing of
shall be discounted. Isolated bulges and dents must twin tanks or similar structures shall be sub-
also lie within the tolerances. In addition, the bulges jected to ultrasonic or, where this is not possi-
and dents must have a flat profile and their depth, ble, X-ray radiographic inspection over their
measured as a deviation from the normal roundness entire length. In addition, at least 10 % of the
or from the shell line, as applicable, must not exceed weld length shall be tested for surface cracks.
1 % of the length or width of the dent or bulge. c) 10 % of the butt-welded joints of supporting
rings in tanks shall be subjected to X-ray radio-
2.3 Axial non-linearity graphic inspection. In the case of fillet welds
The axial non-linearity shall not exceed 0,5 % of the between the web and the tank wall and between
cylindrical length. the web and the girder plate, at least 10 % of
the weld length shall be tested for surface
cracks.
2.4 Camber or flattening
d) All butt and fillet welds of nozzles weldments,
The degree of camber or flattening in the area of the e.g. sockets, domes, sumps, rings, and of rein-
longitudinal welds, measured as a deviation from the forcing plates around cutouts shall be tested for
normal roundness with a template length of 500 mm, surface cracks over their whole length.
may not exceed the dimension "a".
e) Fillet welds of fitments welded to the tank
Depending on the ratio of the average diameter dm to which may induce stresses in the tank wall, e.g.
the wall thickness se of the vessel or shell ring, the lifting lugs, feet, brackets, shall be tested for
following applies: surface cracks over their whole length.
dm f) Full root penetration nozzle connections in the
a ≤ 10 mm for shell rings < 40 , pressure structure shall undergo ultrasonic or
se
radiographic inspection if the attachment wall
dm thickness at the pressure structure is > 15 mm
a ≤ 5 mm for shell rings ≥ 40 .
se and the inside diameter of the nozzle is
≥ 120 mm.
2.5 Wall thickness of the welds and the ad- g) If cargo tanks are to be mechanically de-
joining plate areas stressed, all points with geometry-related stress
The wall thickness in the plate must lie within the concentrations, such as the seams of socket
tolerance permitted for the plate. weldments or fitments, shall afterwards be
tested for cracks by the magnetic particle or
dye penetrant method.
3. To show that the requirements stated in
paras. 1 and 2 are met, the manufacturer shall issue 4.1.1.2 If radiographic inspection is to be partly
an acceptance test certificate 3.1B to EN 10204 or replaced by ultrasonic inspection, the method and
ISO 10474, as applicable (DIN 50049 3.1B) and scope must be authorized by the Society beforehand.
present it to the Surveyor at the final acceptance
testing of the vessels. 4.1.1.3 Notwithstanding para. 4.1.1.2, the Society
may require radiographic inspection to be supple-
mented by ultrasonic testing and vice versa if consid-
4. Production tests ered necessary in special cases.
The production test comprises non-destructive testing 4.1.1.4 Isotopes (Ir 192) may only be used if the use
of the component and quality testing of test pieces of an X-ray tube is impossible for technical reasons.
(mechanical and technological tests).
4.1.2 Non-destructive testing of pressure
4.1 Non-destructive testing equipment with a weld factor v > 0,85
The performance of the tests is subject to the provi- 4.1.2.1 The following welds shall be inspected:
sions of Chapter 2, Section 4.
Chapter 3 Section 3 I Welding of Pressure Vessels II - Part 3
Page 3–12 GL 2000

a) Longitudinal welds shall be subjected to radio- ated section of the weld under the same conditions as
graphic inspection over their entire length and were used for the actual weld. The test pieces shall be
circumferential welds over 25 % of their stamped by the Society's expert before being re-
length. In addition, at least 10 % of the weld moved from the tank. The positions and numbers of
length shall be tested for surface cracks. the test pieces shall be marked on the tank and indi-
cated in the inspection schedule.
b) All butt and fillet welds of weld-in components
and reinforcing plates around cut-outs shall be
tested for surface cracks over their entire
length. The same applies to fitments if they are B B Z
capable of inducing stresses in the wall of the
vessel. KM KÜ G
c) The attachment welds of nozzles with an inside
diameter ≥ 120 mm and a thickness of the at-
tachment cross section > 15 mm shall undergo
radiographic or ultrasonic inspection.
4.1.2.2 Where the radiographic inspection is to be
replaced by ultrasonic inspection, the process and Remainder
for retests
scope of the test must be authorized by the Society it required
beforehand. The Society may prescribe an ultrasonic
inspection to supplement the radiographic inspection
where there are doubts in interpretation of radio-
graphic exposures. ³ 300

4.1.3 Non-destructive testing of pressure Fig. 3.4 Test piece for production tests
equipment with a weld factor v ≤ 0,85
4.2.1.2 The test pieces shall be subjected to the
The manufacturer shall test the components at ran- following tests (for shapes of specimens, see also
dom in the course of his quality assurance procedures Chapter 2, Section 5):
and shall present the results to the Surveyor at the
vessel inspection. For this purpose, around 2 % (10 % a) Tensile test on one specimen (Z), shape of
in the case of wall thicknesses over 15 mm) of the specimen according to EN 895 (DIN 50120,
longitudinal welds shall undergo radiographic or Fig. 1); however, test length = width of weld +
ultrasonic inspection, which shall include the junc- at least 80 mm.
tions between longitudinal and circumferential welds.
b) Technological bend test (B) to EN 910
4.1.4 Inspection criteria (DIN 50121, Part 1, Fig. 2) on two specimens
(one specimen each with opposite sides of the
The non-destructive testing shall not reveal any major
weld in tension). On the side in tension, after
deficiencies in the weld. These include: cracks, lack
machining off the weld reinforcement the
of sidewall fusion and, in the case of single-side
original surface of the test piece shall be pre-
welds, inadequate root penetration.
served to the greatest possible extent. Sizeable
Other defects, e.g. pores and slag, shall be assessed in depressions such as undercuts and root notches
accordance with recognized codes of practice, e.g. shall not be repaired.
AD Code HP 5/3 or the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code, Section VIII. c) Notched bar impact tests on ISO V-notch
specimens in accordance with EN 875
4.2 Quality inspection of test pieces (DIN 50115), taking from each test piece one
set of specimens with the notch in the centre of
4.2.1 Quality inspection of cargo tanks for the the weld metal (KM) and one set located at a
carriage of liquefied gases point in the heat-affected zone (KÜ) at which
the lowest impact energy values were measured
4.2.1.1 On all tanks for the carriage of liquefied in the welding procedure test.
gases, one test piece as shown in Fig. 3.4 shall be
welded on to every 50 m of butt weld (longitudinal d) Structure examination (G) of one specimen
and circumferential welds). The location of the test (macrographic specimen).
pieces shall be such that every welding position is
covered. Wherever possible, they shall be made as e) Hardness testing of the structure examination
extensions of the vessel seams and shall be welded specimen according to d).
together with the vessel seam in the same operation.
If this is not feasible in exceptional cases, the test f) A radiographic inspection in accordance with
pieces shall be attached beside the relevant tank weld EN 1435 (DIN 54111) shall be performed prior
and welded immediately on completion of the associ- to sectioning of the test pieces.
II - Part 3 Section 3 I Welding of Pressure Vessels Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 3–13

4.2.2 Quality inspection of pressure equipment

with a weld factor v > 0,85

4.2.2.1 In the fabrication of all vessels, a test piece

as shown in Fig. 3.4 is to be welded at the same time,
regardless of the number of melts used for the plates.
Two test pieces are required if there are more than
five rings per pressure vessel.

4.2.2.2 The test pieces shall be subjected to the

scope of testing described in para. 4.2.1.2; however,
the notched bar impact test specimens shall be pre-
pared as follows:

a) One set of notched bar impact test specimens

with the notch in the centre of the weld (KM)
shall be taken from each test piece.

b) In addition, one set of notched bar impact test

specimens shall be taken from the transition
zone (KÜ) for:

– all process pressure vessels with a design

temperature below 0 °C

– all alloy steels

– all unalloyed steels where the wall thickness

in the area of the weld is over 30 mm.

4.2.3 Quality inspection of pressure equipment

with a weld factor v ≤ 0,85

The manufacturer shall perform random quality in-

spections on his components as part of his quality
assurance procedures in accordance with para. 4.2.2.
These inspections shall cover 2 % of the components,
but shall be performed at least one test piece a year
for each material group and welding process. The
results of the quality inspections shall be presented to
the Society's expert at the acceptance testing of pres-
sure vessels.

4.2.4 Requirements

The requirements stated in Table 3.2 and, for cargo

tanks and process vessels for liquefied gases, also
those stated in Table 3.3 shall be met in the quality
inspection. Failing this, the associated section of weld
must be machined out and rewelded and its character-
istics must be verified by testing of a new test piece.
II - Part 3 Section 4 B Welding of Pipelines Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 4–1

Section 4

Welding of Pipelines

A. General other relevant rules, as applicable, in relation to the

particular pipe class.
1. Scope

1.1 These Rules apply to the fabrication and

testing of welded pipelines made of B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Per-
sonnel
– unalloyed steels
– high-temperature steels 1. All welding shops intending to perform weld-
ing work within the scope of these rules must satisfy
– steels tough at subzero temperatures
the requirements applicable to welding shops and
– stainless steels. personnel set out in Chapter 1, Section 2 and must
have been approved by the Society. Applications for
1.2 Welded pipelines fabricated from other mate- approval shall be submitted by the welding shops in
rials not listed in para. 1.1 (e.g. copper-nickel wrought good time before starting the welding work, enclosing
alloys) may be manufactured and tested to other rules the information and documentation prescribed in
or regulations issued by the Society for specific uses Chapter 1, Section 2, A.3.
or other engineering regulations recognized by the
Society. 2. The welding personnel (welders and welding
supervisors) and, where applicable, inspectors and
1.3 The design and testing of pipelines joined by inspection supervisors must satisfy the requirements
other processes (e.g. brazed or bonded) are subject to set out in Chapter 1, Section 2, B.2., B.3. and B.4. and
agreement between the manufacturer and the Society’s be recognized by the Society. For the welder’s qualifi-
head office in each individual case (cf. Chapter 1, cation tests, see Chapter 1, Section 3.
Section 1, A.1.1).
3. The scope of the approval is determined by
2. Other relevant standards the capabilities of the welding shop and by the in-
tended range of application (pipe class, materials,
2.1 The provisions of the Rules for Construction welding processes, welding positions, etc.). The in-
I, Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 11 shall also be complied tended range of application shall be specified in the
with in the design and dimensioning of pipelines sub- application for approval; cf. the form "Description of
ject to pressure. Welding Shop" enclosed at Chapter 1, Annex B. For
the period of validity of the approval, see Chapter 1,
2.2 Cargo lines on ships designed for the bulk Section 2, A.4. and A.5.
carriage of chemicals are also subject to the provisions
of the rules for Construction I, Chapter 7 "Chemical 4. Basic approval, extensions
Tankers", Section 1.
4.1 For the welding of class III pipelines, as a
2.3 Cargo and process lines on ships designed to general rule (basic) approval is granted first of all on
carry cooled liquefied gases are also subject to the the basis of a works inspection and, if necessary,
provisions of the Rules for Construction I, Part 1, welder’s qualification tests in accordance with Chap-
Chapter 6 "LPG Tankers". ter 1, Section 3 normally for the manual arc welding
(welding process 111), tungsten inert gas welding
3. Pipe classes (welding process 141), gas welding (welding process
311) and/or semi-mechanized metal-arc active gas
Depending upon the nature of the pipe and its content welding using solid and flux-cored wire (welding
(medium) and also the design pressure and design processes 135 and 136) of unalloyed tubular steels in
temperature, pipelines are classified into three pipe the strength category 360 and 410 (cf. Part 1, Metallic
classes, see Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter Materials, Chapter 2) and also comparable cast and
2, Section 11, Table 11.1. The type of pipe connec- forged steels. The range of wall thicknesses for these
tions, welding requirements, the need for post-weld is determined by the scope of the valid welder’s quali-
heat treatment and the scope of the non-destructive fication tests.
tests are stipulated in the following paragraphs or in
Chapter 3 Section 4 D Welding of Pipelines II - Part 3
Page 4–2 GL 2000

4.2 This does not apply to welding in the vertical 5. With regard to quality inspections and the
down position using these processes, for which weld- responsibilities involved in awarding subcontracts to
ing procedure tests shall be performed in every case. independent branches or suppliers or to approved or
Cf. F. non-approved outside firms working in the welding
shop (subcontractors), see Chapter 1, Section 1, F.
4.3 A basic approval may be extended to include Subcontracting of work or employment of temporary
any welding procedure approvals on the basis of the workers shall be notified to the Society.
welding procedure tests in accordance with Chapter 1,
Section 4, (cf. also F.); in exceptional cases, however,
6. The scope of the required quality inspections
a limited approval may also be granted, in conjunction
depends on the construction project in question. It is
with a welding shop inspection, for one specific mate-
essential to ensure, however, that the intended materi-
rial and/or one specific welding process only.
als, welding consumables and auxiliary materials are
used and that the weld preparation, assembly, execu-
tion of the tack and final welds and the dimensional
accuracy and completeness of the welded joints meets
C. Quality inspection responsibility the requirements stated in para. 3. For non-destructive
testing of the welded joints, see I.
1. The manufacturer shall submit to the Society,
for inspection, drawings and other relevant documents
7. Following internal inspection and, if neces-
containing at least the following information:
sary, repair by the welding shop, the components shall
– The type of pipeline/medium be presented to the Society's Surveyor for checking at
suitable stages of fabrication. For this purpose they
– The pipe grades and welding consumables to be
shall be readily accessible and shall normally be un-
used,
coated. Where the previous inspection has been inade-
– The welding process, welding position and quate, the Surveyor may reject components and re-
shape of the weld, quire that they be presented again after satisfactory
workshop inspection and any necessary repair work
– The type of heat treatment, if required, has been performed.
– The acceptable working pressure,
– The design temperature or, in the case of cargo 8. The Society is not responsible for guarantee-
and process pipelines for gas tankers, the mini- ing that all the components and welded joints in-
mum design temperature, spected to the prescribed extent (generally on a ran-
dom basis) by its surveyors have been fabricated in
– The operating temperature, accordance with the conditions and meet the require-
– The test pressure, ments in every respect. Components or welded joints
which subsequently turn out to be defective may be
– The nature and scope of the non-destructive rejected or their repair may be demanded even if ac-
tests, ceptance testing has already been carried out.

2. If the quality or good working order of a

component cannot be guaranteed or is in doubt due to
inadequate or missing information in the manufactur-
D. Materials, Weldability
ing documents (e.g. production drawings), the Society
may demand appropriate improvements.
1. The materials selected must be appropriate
3. Welding shops shall ensure by means of for the intended purpose, with allowance made for
regular in-house quality inspections during fabrication mechanical and thermal stresses. The characteristics of
and on completion of the welding work that this work materials subjected to further processing shall be such
has been performed competently and satisfactorily (cf. that they are able to withstand the operating loads.
Chapter 1, Section 1, F.). For the duties and responsi-
bilities of the welding supervisor, see also 2. Welded structures may only be fabricated
EN 719/ISO 14731. using base materials of proven weldability. Materials
for pipelines (pipes, flanges, adapting pieces, fittings)
4. The welding shops are responsible for ensur- must comply with the requirements set out in the rele-
ing that the welding work conforms to these Rules, the vant sections of Part 1, Metallic Materials, Chapter 2.
approved manufacturing documents, any conditions Other comparable materials may only be used after the
stipulated in the approval documents and the latest Society has given its approval in each individual case.
state of welding practice. The inspections and checks
to be performed by the Society’s Surveyor do not
relieve the welding shops of this responsibility. 3. Pipeline materials for cargo and process lines
for liquefied gases must also meet the impact energy
II - Part 3 Section 4 F Welding of Pipelines Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 4–3

requirements at the stipulated test temperature; cf. F. Welding procedure tests

Tables 4.1 to 4.3.
Preliminary remark:
In contrast to earlier issues of these Rules, welding
procedure tests shall be performed in accordance with
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Ma- EN 288 or ISO 9956, as applicable. This paragraph
terials essentially covers requirements applicable to the
welding of pipelines over and above those set out in
1. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma- EN 288-3 and ISO 9956-3.
terials must enable a welded joint to be made which is
appropriate to the pipeline material, the operating 1. General
temperature and the conditions of service. The suit-
ability of the welding consumables must also have Only those welding procedures whose suitability for
been verified under the conditions prevailing in any the application in question is evident from general
potential heat treatment. experience or has been verified by means of a welding
procedure test in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4
and the following provisions may be used. Table 4.1
2. All the welding consumables and auxiliary
in Chapter 1, Section 4 gives a list of necessary verifi-
materials used (e.g. covered electrodes, wire-gas com-
cations. The welding procedures must have been ap-
binations, wire-flux combinations, etc.) must have
proved by the Society for the particular welding shop
been approved by the Society in accordance with
in question as part of the welding shop approval (cf.
Chapter 1, Section 5. They may also, however, be
also B.).
approved if tested at the same time as the welding
process and restricted to the user’s works (cf. Chapter
1, Section 4, B.3.2 and Section 5, A.1.4). 2. Welding of test pieces, welding procedure
specification (WPS)
3. Welding consumables for steels tough at
subzero temperatures must also meet the impact en- 2.1 A preliminary "manufacturer’s" welding
ergy requirements for the weld metal at the stipulated procedure specification (pWPS) setting out all the
test temperatures; cf. Table 4.2. major parameters shall be produced by the welding
shop for the welding of test pieces in accordance with
EN 288-2 or ISO 9956-2, as applicable (see Chapter 1,
4. Welding consumables and auxiliary materials Annex D).
specified in a procedure approval document with a
maker’s or brand name (cf. F.3.5) may only be re- 2.2 The Society’s expert shall select one of the
placed by equivalent consumables approved by the welders whose names are to be supplied by the manu-
Society with an appropriate quality grade if this is facturer to weld the test pieces.
explicitly stated in the respective approval document.
Failing this, the Society's agreement shall be obtained.
2.3 The test pieces shall be made from materials
whose properties are proven in accordance with the
5. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma- requirements specified in Part 1, Metallic Materials,
terials may only be used in the approved welding Chapter 2. Pre-treatment and after-treatment of the test
positions. The manufacturers' recommendations and pieces by preheating, heat treatment and the like is
instructions for welding (e.g. type of current and po- only permitted if stipulated for these materials during
larity) shall be followed. actual fabrication.

6. The welding consumables and auxiliary ma- 2.4 The types of weld and welding positions
terials (especially hydrogen-controlled, basic-covered employed in the fabrication process shall be qualified
electrodes and basic welding fluxes) shall be re-dried in the welding procedure test.
before use in accordance with the manufacturer's in-
structions (observe maximum drying time!) and stored 2.5 The shape and dimensions of the test pieces
in a dry place (in heated containers or the like) at the are specified in EN 288-3/ISO 9956-3.
workplace.
3. Test principles, delimitation of scope
Note:
Except in the case of basic approvals for pipe class III
The DVS guideline 0504 "Handling, storage and re- (see B.4.1 and Table 4.1 in Chapter 1, Section 4), the
drying of covered electrodes" and the DVS regula- qualification of the welding procedure shall be ascer-
tions 0914 "Use and storage of welding fluxes for tained in accordance with EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 1,
submerged-arc and electro-slag welding" issued by the para. 5.1.1 by means of welding procedure qualifica-
German Welding Society (Deutscher Verband für tion tests, for steel in accordance with EN 288/ISO
Schweißtechnik e.V) contain detailed instructions on 9956 Part 3.
this subject.
Chapter 3 Section 4 F Welding of Pipelines II - Part 3
Page 4–4 GL 2000

The test is valid within the limits described in paras. 3.7 Special cases
3.1 to 3.7.
For special cases, for example difficult repairs to be
The scope of the welding procedure test is specified performed in the course of fabrication on steels which
by the Society in writing. Any exceptions require the are susceptible to cracking due to hardening of the
performance of a supplementary test, the scope of heat affected zone, welding procedure tests are neces-
which shall be decided by the Society. sary which are geared to these particular cases. The
tests required and their scope are specified by the
Society in each individual case.
3.1 Base materials, material groups
Above and beyond the grouping system of EN 4. Tests, scope of tests
288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 8.3.1.1, Table 3, the fol-
lowing provisions shall be observed: Testing comprises both non-destructive and destruc-
tive tests and shall be performed in accordance with
a) For materials which have to satisfy particular EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.
corrosion conditions (e.g. resistance to caustic Deviating from EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. 7.1 and
cracking) the welding procedure tests shall be Table 1, the following specimens shall also be taken
geared to these. from the test pieces:
b) A welding procedure qualification performed on a) Notched bar impact test on ISO V-notch speci-
group 1 killed steel does not apply to unkilled mens to EN 875 (DIN 50115) taken from the
steels unless they were welded using basic cov- centre of the weld metal (KM) (one set of speci-
ered electrodes. mens per welding position) as follows:
c) Depending on material composition and/or the – For cargo and process lines for gas tankers
type of post-weld treatment required, the Soci- where the wall thickness is ≥ 4 mm1
ety may also limit the scope to the base material
used in the welding procedure test. – For other alloy steels and fine-grained
structural steels where the wall thickness is
d) For cargo and process pipelines designed to ≥ 6 mm.
carry liquefied gases, the test applies only to the
grade of steel inspected. b) Notched bar impact test on ISO V-notch speci-
mens as above, but with the notch in the transi-
tion zone (KÜ) where the wall thickness is
3.2 Welding process
≥ 6 mm.
Recognition applies only to the welding process em-
For austenitic pipe steels, the test is only re-
ployed in the welding procedure test.
quired for wall thicknesses ≥ 10 mm.
3.3 Gas welding c) Macro- and micrographic specimens are re-
quired for alloy steels. In particular, micro-
In gas welding a test performed on the wall thickness t graphic specimens shall be examined for micro-
shall apply to the wall thickness range 0,75 t to 1,25 t. cracks. The metallographic structure is to be de-
scribed or verified by means of photographs.
3.4 Welding parameters d) An analysis of the weld metal, except for unal-
Welding procedure tests performed on multi-pass loyed steels.
welds do not apply to single-pass welds.
5. Test requirements
3.5 Welding consumables and auxiliary mate- The irregularities in the test piece must fall within the
rials limits specified for quality level B in accordance with
EN 25817/ISO 5817, exceptions being: excessive
The requirements of EN 288/ISO 9956 Part 3, para. convexity and excessive throat thickness (fillet welds)
8.4.5 do not apply if the filler metal used is of the which fall into quality level C.
same type and has been approved by the Society to be
under the scope of the welding procedure qualification For the mechanical and technological tests, Table 4.1
(cf. E.4). applies in conjunction with Table 4.2 which indicates
the impact energy requirements for cargo and process
3.6 Heat treatment lines for gas tankers.

The welding procedure test applies to the heat treated

condition existing at the time of the test. Heat treat-
ment of the test piece shall be performed so that a heat ––––––––––––––
treated condition is achieved which is comparable to 1 Size of specimen and requirements for wall thickness < 6 mm
that of the component. must be separate agreed.
II - Part 3 Section 4 G Welding of Pipelines Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 4–5

6. Storage of specimens of - 10°C and below, permanent backing rings may

not be used on principle.
The tested specimens and the remaining portions of
the test pieces shall be stored until the report on the
welding procedure test has been issued (cf. also Chap- 4. For butt-welded joints in lines with design
ter 1, Section 4, C.3.). temperatures below – 10°C and for all stainless pipe
steels, the root passes shall as a rule be laid down by
tungsten inert gas welding with gas shielding on both
7. Validity, extension of welding procedure
the inside and the outside of the pipe.
tests
The validity of a welding procedure test is generally 1 5. Wherever possible, adequately dimensioned
year provided that the preconditions under which it
pipe fittings shall be used for branches. Where out-
was granted have not significantly changed. It may be
ward flanged pipeline connections are used, the inside
continued by means of regular verifications of quality,
diameter ratio shall not exceed 0,8. Outward flanges
e.g. the results of non-destructive tests or production shall be made by established methods.
tests.
The welding procedure test shall be repeated if there is 6. The preparation of welds must conform to
a break in the fabrication of pipelines or pipeline com- recognized standards.
ponents lasting longer than one year.
Wherever possible, welding edges shall be prepared
by machining or with a mechanically guided cutting
torch. Slag, scale, drag lines and other irregularities
G. Welding Technique shall be removed. Where necessary, the same applies
to the heat-affected boundary zone in the case of aus-
tenitic steels. The welding edges of steel forgings and
1. Welds must exhibit full penetration over their castings must be machined.
entire cross section and must not have any cracks or
lack of fusion defects. The welds shall be made in the
workshop as far as possible. 7. Tack welds may only be made with consum-
ables which are also compatible with the pipe mate-
rial. Where tack welds are to be left in place, they
2. Permanent backing rings shall be of such a
must be of the same quality as the root welds. The
shape that they can neither impede the flow nor cause
rules for preheating shall also apply to tack welding.
corrosion. Backing rings shall be made of pipe steels
of the same composition as the base metal; with unal-
loyed and low-alloy pipe grades, they may also, where 8. Flange-pipe joints shall be chosen in accor-
appropriate, be made of low-carbon steels dance with the GL Rules I, Part 1, Chapter 2, Section
(C ≤ 0,10 %). 11, in relation to the pipe class.

3. In the case of pipelines fabricated from aus- 9. Pipeline sections to be welded must be axi-
tenitic steels and all other pipelines with working ally aligned. The internal misalignment of the pipe
pressures in excess of 10 bar and design temperatures ends may not exceed the values stated in Table 4.4.
Chapter 3 Section 4 G Welding of Pipelines II - Part 3
Page 4–6 GL 2000

Table 4.1 Requirements as per para. 5 for testing of welded joints in pipelines

Type of Test Requirements

Tensile test Tensile strength as stipulated for the base material or in the assessment of suitability for
transversely to weld the welding consumable

As stipulated for the base material, at least ≥ 27 J. Test tem-

All pipelines except perature as for testing of base material. When using ferritic-
Notched bar impact test 1 those indicated below austenitic, austenitic and nickel-base alloy welding consum-
on ISO V-notch ables, ≥ 40 J.
specimens taken
from the centre Test temperature as shown in Table 4.2. When using ferritic
of the weld metal Cargo and process lines welding consumables, ≥ 27 J 2; when using ferritic-austeni-
of gas tankers tic, austenitic and nickel-base alloy welding consumables,
≥ 34 J 2.
All pipelines except ≥ 27 J 2 test temperature as for testing of base material
1 those indicated below
Notched bar impact test
on ISO V-notch specimens Test temperature as shown in Table 4.2. ≥ 27 J for carbon-
Cargo and process lines
taken from the weld manganese steels, ≥ 34 J for nickel alloy steels, ≥ 41 J for
of gas tankers
transition zone austenitic steels.

Bending Bending
angle, Strength category mandrel
degrees diameter

Ferritic steels with

180 3 minimum tensile strength < 430 N/mm2 2 × a
minimum tensile strength ≥ 430 to < 460 N/mm 2
2,5 × a
Austenitic stainless steels and austenitic steels tough 2 × a
Technological at subzero temperatures
bend test
180 3 High-temperature austenitic steels 3 × a
Ferritic steels with a minimum tensile strength 3 × a
≥ 460 N/mm2

If a bending angle of 180 degrees is not attained, the following applies:

≥ 90 Elongation (L0 = width of weld + wall thickness, simetrically to weld)

≥ minimum elongation A5 of base material

or < 90 Elongation over width of weld > 30 % and faultless appearance of

fracture
The macrographic specimen of the welded joint must reveal a satisfactory weld build-
up and full penetration of the weld.
Metallographic Micrographic specimens are to be examined for cracks. Only hot cracks are acceptable,
examination and then only if they are few in number and widely scattered and agreement has been
reached with the expert as to their acceptability with regard to the material and the
range of application.
The hardness in the heat-affected zones shall not exceed 350 HV 10. Hardness peaks in
Hardness testing excess of this figure in narrow transition zones shall not give rise to complaints if the
outcome of the technological tests meets the requirements.
1
For the requirements applicable to specimens with a depth of less than 10 mm, see Table 4.3.
2
Only one impact energy value may be lower than the minimum mean value, and only by max. 30 %.
3
The 180-degree requirement is deemed to have been met if the bend test was performed according to EN 910/ISO 5173
(DIN 50121) and pressure was applied by the supports without cracks appearing.
II - Part 3 Section 4 G Welding of Pipelines Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 4–7

Table 4.2 Test temperatures for notched bar impact testing of pipe steels tough at subzero temperatures

Minimum design Test

Standard
Type of steel Standard temperature temperature
Designation
[°C] [°C]

5 K below mini-
Carbon and carbon- TT St 35 N – 40 mum design tem-
manganese steels TT St 35 V – 50 perature, but not
exceeding – 20 °C
Nickel alloy steels
containing DIN 17173
0,5 % Nickel 13MnNi63 – 55 – 60
3,5 % Nickel 10Ni14 – 90 – 95
5 % Nickel 12Ni19 – 105 – 110
9 % Nickel X8Ni9 – 165 – 196
Austenitic steels 1, 2
(AISI 304 L) X2CrNi19-11
(AISI 316 L) X2CrNiMo18-14-3 DIN 17457 – 165 – 196
(AISI 321) X6CrNiTi18-10 DIN 17458
(AISI 347) X6CrNiNb18-10
1 The designations in brackets are comparable pipe steels to AISI standards.
2 Where austenitic pipe steels are used for design temperatures not less than – 55 °C, a test temperature 5 K below the minimum
design temperature but not exceeding – 20 °C may be agreed upon.

Table 4.3 Impact energy requirements for specimens of reduced size

Required impact energy KV Required impact energy KV

for standard specimens 1 for specimen sizes 1

10 × 10 mm 7,5 × 10 mm 5 × 10 mm
[J] [J] [J]
27 (19) 22 (16) 18 (13)
34 (24) 28 (20) 23 (16)
41 (27) 34 (24) 27 (22)
1 Figures in brackets are for the minimum individual value.
Chapter 3 Section 4 H Welding of Pipelines II - Part 3
Page 4–8 GL 2000

10. Weld reinforcements shall lie within the H. Heat treatments after cold or hot working
following tolerances (cf.Fig. 4.1): and welding

Cover pass reinforcement: 1. Ferritic steel pipes

Ü D ≤ 1 + 0,1 B mm 1.1 Heat treatment after cold forming
Root pass reinforcement: 1.1.1 Pipes or pipelines shall normally be subjected
to heat treatment (normalizing heat treatment or
Ü W ≤ 1 + 0,3 b mm quenching and tempering) following cold forming
with a degree of deformation ≥ 5 % (rm ≤ 10 × Da) in
(cf. also EN 25817/ISO 5817, quality level B) accordance with the material specification.

B 1.1.2 Post-forming heat treatment may be dis-

pensed with in the case of unalloyed steel or fine-
ÜD

grained structural steel pipes with an outside diameter

Da ≤ 133 mm which are subjected to cold-bending
with a bending radius rm ≤ 1,3 × Da.
An exception applies to pipes fabricated from steels
ÜW

b tough at subzero temperatures with wall thicknesses

> 2,5 mm or pipes to which stressed components are
Fig. 4.1 Weld reinforcements welded outside the neutral fibres.

1.2 Heat treatment after hot forming

11. Welding of pipeline components made of
ferritic steels in areas subjected to cold forming where 1.2.1 Pipes and pipeline components shall be sub-
the outer fibres have been stretched by more than 5 % jected to heat treatment after hot forming in accor-
(e.g. where pipe bending is carried out with a radius dance with the material specification.
rm < 10 Da) is only allowed if the effects of cold- If the hot forming operation is begun and ended within
forming have been eliminated by means of appropriate the temperature range stated in the material specifica-
heat treatment. This shall generally be accomplished tion, normalizing heat treatment may be dispensed
by normalizing heat treatment or quenching and tem- with for normalized steels. Subsequent tempering is
pering. required in the case of air-hardened and tempered
steels.
This requirement may be waived if proof is furnished
that the properties of the material are no more than 1.2.2 If the pipe only undergoes localized heating
insignificantly impaired with regard to the intended in certain areas during bending, the provisions of para.
use or if the conditions specified in para. H.1. or H.2., 1.2.1 still apply; however, the entire pipe must be in
as applicable, are met. the prescribed heat- treated condition.

Table 4.4 Tolerances on internal misalignment of pipe ends

Inside diameter Wall thickness

Di t Tolerances on internal
Type of joint
misalignment
[mm] [mm]

with permanent backing

any any max. 0,5 mm
rings

Di < 150 t ≤ 6 t/4 max. 1 mm

150 ≤ Di < 300 t ≤ 9,5 t/4 max. 1,5 mm
without backing rings
300 ≤ Di any t/4 max. 2,0 mm
any t > 9,5 t/4 max. 2,0 mm
II - Part 3 Section 4 H Welding of Pipelines Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 4–9

2. Austenitic steel pipes 3. Heat treatment of pipe fittings

The provisions of Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 6, B.,
2.1 Heat treatment after cold forming Pipe Fittings, apply.

Heat treatment of pipes subjected to cold bending with 4. Post-weld heat treatment
a bending radius ≥ 1,3 × Da is normally not required.
4.1 Heat treatment shall be applied in accordance
2.2 Heat treatment after hot forming with Chapter 2, Section 3. Welded joints in pipelines
fabricated from ferritic steels shall be heat-treated
after welding in accordance with the stipulations of
Renewed heat treatment (solution heat treatment and
the relevant standards or the Society's approval docu-
quenching or stabilization heat treatment) in accor-
ment where the conditions stated in para. 4.1.1 and
dance with the material specification is normally re-
4.1.2 apply. Unless otherwise stipulated, the post-weld
quired after hot forming. If the heat treatment is car-
heat treatment shall consist of stress relief heat treat-
ried out at initial forming temperatures between
ment.
1000 °C and 1150 °C and if the forming operation is
completed at a temperature > 750 °C in the case of
stabilized steels or steels with a carbon content 4.1.1 Electrically fusion-welded pipe joints shall
undergo stress relief heat treatment if the limit wall
≤ 0,03 % and > 875 °C in the case of other steels,
thicknesses shown in Table 4.5 in relation to the type
follow-up heat treatment may be dispensed with. A
of pipe steel are exceeded.
condition of this is that the material must be rapidly
cooled down from the forming temperature.
4.1.2 Gas fusion-welded joints shall undergo nor-
malizing heat treatment or quenching and tempering,
2.3 Where more exacting corrosion resistance depending on the type of material, if the wall thick-
requirements apply, e.g. to pipelines for chemical ness of the pipe exceeds 3,2 mm or the outside diame-
tankers, the procedures described in para. 2.12 or 2.2, ter exceeds 88,9 mm.
as applicable, may only be followed if the pipeline
fabricator has proved by means of corrosion tests that 4.1.3 For pipes made of nickel alloy steels tough at
the required resistance is present after forming. Failing subzero temperatures, the need for post-weld heat
this, renewed heat treatment after cold or hot forming treatment and the limit wall thicknesses will be deter-
is required. mined during the welding procedure test.

Table 4.5 Limit wall thicknesses for stress relief heat treatment of ferritic steel pipelines

Wall thickness of
Heat treatment temperature
Steel the thicker element
[°C]
[mm]

Carbon and carbon-manganese

stells containing
Mn
C + ≤ 0,40 ≥ 20 1
6
Mn The provisions of Chapter 2,
C + > 0,40 ≥ 10
6 Section 3 apply
0,3 Mo ≥ 15

1 Cr 0,5 Mo ≥ 8

2,25 Cr 1 Mo all thicknessses 2

1 The limit wall thickness for heat treatment may be raised if the welding procedure test has proved that the welds of untreated test
pieces possess the required mechanical properties.
2 Stress relief heat treatment may be dispensed with where the operating temperature is at least 450 °C and where the outside diameter
and the wall thickness do not exceed 100 mm and 6 mm respectively.
Chapter 3 Section 4 I Welding of Pipelines II - Part 3
Page 4–10 GL 2000

4.2 For pipelines fabricated from austenitic and furnished that the results are consistently good
austenitic- ferritic steels, post-weld heat treatment is and that the percentage of repairs is relatively
generally unnecessary if the pipeline materials are in low.
the proper heat-treated condition prior to welding.
b) All cargo and process lines of gas tankers with
a service temperature below – 10°C: 100 %.
A reduction in the scope of the test may be
I. Inspection of Welded Pipelines agreed on application for pipelines with an in-
The inspection shall consist of an internal hydraulic side diameter ≤ 75 mm or wall thicknesses ≤ 10
pressure test and non-destructive tests. The non- mm provided that proof is furnished that the
destructive tests shall be performed in accordance results are consistently good and that the per-
with Chapter 2, Section 4. centage of repairs is relatively low.
c) All pipelines in pipe class II: 10 %.
1. Completed pipeline sections shall be sub-
jected to a hydraulic pressure test at 1,5 times the A reduction in the scope of the test may be
working pressure in the presence of the Surveyor. agreed on application for pipelines with an in-
The pipeline section may not exhibit any leaks during side diameter ≤ 100 mm provided that proof is
the hydraulic pressure test or any permanent defor- furnished that the results are consistently good
mation afterwards. and that the percentage of repairs is relatively
low.
2. An external and, wherever possible, also an d) Where the execution of welding operations
internal inspection of the completed pipeline sections gives rise to doubts as to the quality of the
and especially of the welds shall be performed. For welded joints, the Society may also call for a
the inspections, the sections shall have a smooth random radiographic test to be carried out on
external and internal surface corresponding to the as- the butt welds of pipe class III.
fabricated condition which enables major surface
defects to be detected, and pipelines fabricated from The radiographic inspection shall as a rule be per-
austenitic and austenitic-ferritic steels must be free formed with an X-ray tube. With the Society's con-
from harmful temper colours. sent, radiographic inspection may be replaced by
ultrasonic inspection for ferritic steel pipes with wall
3. The misalignment of pipe ends, the external thicknesses ≥ 20 mm.
weld reinforcements and - where accessible - the
internal weld reinforcements shall be checked. They 5. Fillet welds of flanges, sockets and nipples
must lie within the tolerances specified in para. G.9. of pipelines in class I, including cargo and process
and G.10. lines of gas tankers, shall be 100 % tested for surface
cracks.
4. The butt-welded joints of the following
pipelines shall be subjected to radiographic inspec- For pipelines in pipe class II and III, random testing
tion as follows: covering 10 % of the welds is required.

a) All pipelines in pipe class I: 100%. Note:

A reduction in the scope of the test may be The scope of the tests to be applied to series-
agreed on application for pipelines with an in- manufactured pipe fittings is specified separately; cf.
side diameter ≤ 75 mm, provided that proof is Part 1, Metallic Materials, Chapter 2, Section 6, B.
II - Part 3 Section 5 B Welding of Machinery Components Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 5–1

Section 5

Welding of Machinery Components

A. General

1. Scope
B. Approval of Welding Shops, Welding Per-
sonnel
1.1 These Rules apply to all welding work per-
formed during the fabrication and repair of machinery
components such as bedplates, frames, housings for 1. Works and works divisions
diesel engines, gear boxes, wheel bodies, steering
engine housings, quadrants and similar components 1.1 In the following paragraphs, the term "weld-
of a corresponding nature. ing shop" refers to the welding fabrication shop which
may be considered an independent unit with regard to
its physical and organizational situation.
Note:
1.2 Branches and subcontractors are thus gener-
Since the machinery components listed above are
ally deemed to be "independent" welding shops which
mostly "steel components" which are not significantly
have to satisfy the requirements prescribed below. In
different from hull structures in their materials, weld-
particular, every welding shop must have a welding
ing processes and welding works (cf. also Table 4.1 in
supervisor who is a permanent member of the welding
Chapter 1, Section 4), the specifications set out in
shop staff (cf. Chapter 1, Section 2).
Section 1 of this Chapter applicable to the welding of
hull structures may also be applied here where no
special provisions are prescribed in the following 1.3 Outside firms working in welding shops may
paragraphs. be granted approval as independent welding shops. On
this and on temporary workers, see also C.3. and
Chapter 1, Section 1, F.
1.2 They also apply to welding work performed
on machinery components such as axles or shafts,
pistons, propellers, hubs, machinery tanks, hydraulic 2. Requirements, scope of approval
cylinders, valve housings, valves etc. where the Soci-
ety has approved welding work to be carried out on 2.1 All welding shops intending to perform weld-
components of this kind either as a general approval or ing work covered by these rules must satisfy the re-
in an individual case. They apply to welding work quirements relating to the welding shop and its per-
performed in the course of new fabrications and also sonnel set out in Chapter 1, Section 2 and must have
to repair welds on machinery components. been approved for this work by the Society. Applica-
tions for approval shall be submitted by the shipyards
and welding shops in good time before starting the
1.3 For the use of welding as a production proc- welding work, enclosing the information and docu-
ess during the course of the manufacture of materials mentation prescribed in Chapter 1, Section 2, A.3.
and/or semi-finished products, such as the "fabrication
welding" of the forgings or castings used in machinery 2.2 Welding personnel (welders, operators and
components (e.g. propellers), see also the Rules for supervisory staff) and where applicable inspectors and
Metallic Materials and the Iron and Steel Material test supervisors must meet the requirements set out in
Specification (Stahl-Eisen-Werkstoffblatt) SEW 110, Chapter 1, Section 2, B.2., B.3. and B.4. and be recog-
welding procedure tests for production welds made on nized by the Society. For welder’s qualification tests,
cast steel. see Chapter 1, Section 3.

2. Other relevant rules and regulations 2.3 The scope of the approval is determined by
the capabilities of the welding shop and by the in-
The design and dimensions of welded joints and also tended range of application (components, materials,
the welding technique are subject to the provisions of welding processes, welding positions, etc.). The in-
the Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter 2 and tended range of application shall be specified in the
other rules or regulations issued by the Society for application for approval; cf. the form "Description of
specific ranges of application. For other relevant stan- Welding Shop" attached at Chapter 1, Annex B. For
dards, etc., see Chapter 1, Section 1, B. of these Rules the period of validity of the approvals, see Chapter 1,
for Welding. Section 2, A.4. and A.5.
Chapter 3 Section 5 C Welding of Machinery Components II - Part 3
Page 5–2 GL 2000

3. Basic approval, extensions independent branches or suppliers or to approved or

non-approved outside firms working in the welding
3.1 For welding machinery components, as a shop (subcontractors), see Chapter 1, Section 1, F.; the
general rule (basic) approval is granted first of all on "prime contractor" shall ensure that "subcontractors"
the basis of a works inspection and, if necessary, also meet the conditions specified in para. 1.
welder's qualification tests in accordance with Chapter
1, Section 3 (see also 4.) normally for manual arc 4. Where non-approved outside firms and tem-
welding (welding process 111) and/or for semi- porary staff are employed in the welding shop, the
mechanized metal-arc active gas welding using solid welding shop is responsible for carrying out quality
and flux-cored wire electrodes (welding processes 135 inspections and for compliance with the conditions
and 136) of normal-strength structural steels and other stated in para. 1. Subcontracting of work or the em-
comparable grades of forged and cast steel. The thick- ployment of temporary staff shall be notified to the
ness range is in this case determined by the scope of Society.
the valid welder’s qualification tests.

3.2 Welding procedure tests shall be performed 5. The scope of the required quality inspections
for other components, materials and/or welding proc- depends on the construction project in question. It is
esses, cf. F. Single-wire submerged arc welding essential to ensure, however, that the intended materi-
(welding process 121) may also be covered in the als, welding consumables and auxiliary materials are
basic approval described in 3.1 on the basis of docu- used and that the weld preparation, assembly, execu-
mentary proof of satisfactory operational handling (cf. tion of welding work and the dimensional accuracy
F.1.3) (for the normal welding in one run on each side and completeness of the welded joints meets the re-
[two-run technique] on plates 4 to 25 mm thick and quirements stated in para. 2. For non-destructive test-
for multi-pass welding up to 40 mm). ing of the welded joints, see I.

3.3 Basic approval may be extended to include 6. Following inspection and, if necessary, repair
any welding process approvals on the basis of welding by the welding shop, the components shall be pre-
procedure tests as set out in Chapter 1, Section 4 (see sented to the Society's Surveyor for checking at suit-
also F.); in exceptional cases, however, limited ap- able stages of fabrication. For this purpose they shall
proval may also only be granted (in conjunction with a be readily accessible and shall normally be uncoated.
works inspection) for a specific material and/or weld- Where the previous inspection has been inadequate,
ing process. the Surveyor may reject components and require that
they be presented again after satisfactory workshop
4. Welding staff (welders and supervisors) must inspection and any necessary repair work has been
meet the requirements set out in Chapter 1, Section 2, performed.
B.2. and B.3. and be recognized by the Society. For
welder’s qualification tests see Chapter 1, Section 3. 7. If the quality or good working order of a
component cannot be guaranteed or is in doubt due to
inadequate or missing information in the manufactur-
ing documents (e.g. production drawings), the Society
C. Quality Inspection, Responsibility may demand appropriate improvements. This applies
in analogous manner to supplementary or additional
1. Welding shops shall ensure by means of measures, even if these measures were not stipulated
regular in-house quality inspections during fabrication when the drawings were scrutinized or could not be
and on completion of the welding work that this work stipulated due to insufficiently detailed representation
has been performed competently and satisfactorily (cf. in the production documents.
Chapter 1, Section 1, F.). For the duties and responsi-
bilities of the welding supervisor, see also 8. Responsibility for the proper performance of
EN 719/ISO 14731 (DIN 8563 Part 2). quality inspections and compliance with the condi-
tions stated above lies with the welding shop. The
2. The welding shops are responsible for ensur- inspections and checks to be performed by the Soci-
ing that the welding work conforms to these Rules, the ety’s Surveyor do not relieve the welding shops from
approved manufacturing documents, any conditions this responsibility.
stipulated in the approval documents, good machinery
building practice and the latest state of welding prac- 9. The Society is not responsible for guarantee-
tice. The inspections and checks to be performed by ing that all the components and welded joints in-
the Society’s Surveyor do not relieve the welding spected to the prescribed extent (generally on a ran-
shops of this responsibility. dom basis) by its surveyors have been fabricated in
accordance with the conditions and meet the require-
3. With regard to quality inspections and the ments in every respect. Components or welded joints
responsibilities involved in awarding subcontracts to which subsequently turn out to be defective may be
II - Part 3 Section 5 F Welding of Machinery Components Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 5–3

rejected or their repair may be demanded even if ac- 4. Hydrogen-controlled welding consumables
ceptance testing has already been carried out. and auxiliary materials should also be used for com-
ponents which are subjected to full load immediately
after welding (e.g. lifting lugs or as a result of pressure
tests) or where allowance has to be made for a high
D. Materials, Weldability degree of residual stress due to the rigidity of the
structure and, where applicable, a high yield strength
or strength of a structure.
1. Welded structures may only be fabricated
using base materials of proven weldability. Materials
must comply with the Society’s Rules for Materials.
Other comparable materials (e.g. structural steels
conforming to the standards) may only be used after F. Welding procedure tests
the Society has given its approval in each individual
case. 1. General

2. Any conditions relating to working and weld- 1.1 Only welding procedures whose suitability
ing imposed by the approval certificate and the rec- for the application in question is evident from general
ommendations of the material producer shall be com- experience or has been verified by means of a welding
plied with. For the selection of materials for the ship's procedure test in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4
hull, see the Rules for Construction I, Part 1, Chapter and the following provisions may be used. Table 4.1
2 and in other rules and regulations issued by the So- in Chapter 1, Section 4 gives a list of the requisite
ciety for specific ranges of application. verifications. The welding procedure must have been
approved by the Society for the welding shop in ques-
tion as part of the welding shop approval (cf. also B.).
3. Steel castings and forgings shall comply with
the Rules for Materials and shall have been tested by
the Society. The carbon content of components made 1.2 Welding procedure tests supervised by the
from carbon and carbon-manganese steels or cast Society for verification of satisfactory operational
steels for welded structures shall not exceed 0,23 % C handling and a trouble-free execution of the proce-
at ladle analysis (check analysis: max. 0,25 % C). dure, and also adequate quality properties for the
welded joints made under production conditions at the
user's works are in general required for all materials
and welding processes other than those covered by the
(basic) approval as described in B.3.1.
E. Welding Consumables and Auxiliary Ma-
terials 1.3 For conventional single-wire submerged-arc
butt welding processes using solid wire electrodes for
1. All the welding consumables and auxiliary welding normal-strength structural steels, comparable
materials used (e.g. covered electrodes, wire-gas com- forged steels and cast steels from both sides, proof
binations, wire-flux combinations, etc.) must have prior to initial use of the reliability and technical suit-
been approved by the Society in accordance with ability of the method by means of trial welds and non-
Chapter 1, Section 5. The quality grade required de- destructive (e.g. radiographic) tests as directed by the
pends on the base materials to be welded and is shown Surveyor is sufficient. The welding consumables and
in the relevant tables in Chapter 1, Section 5. auxiliary materials used must have been approved by
the Society.
2. The welding consumables must enable a
welded joint to be made which is appropriate to the 1.4 The Society may additionally require welding
base material and the type of stress to which it is sub- procedure tests for specific (difficult) component
jected and also enable trouble-free further processing. shapes or combinations of materials, particular weld
For joints between dissimilar materials (with the ex- shapes, process variants or combinations, and also for
ception of high-alloy, austenitic steels), the welding particular welding consumables and auxiliary materi-
consumable should, wherever possible, be geared to als. The same applies in analogous manner to other
the lower alloyed material or the material with the joining processes or (surface) finishing operations
lower strength. such as thermal cutting or flame straightening.

3. For welding very thick-walled, rigid compo- 1.5 The information in the preceding and follow-
nents (approx. 30 mm and over) and welding of for- ing paragraphs, especially the information on test
gings and castings, hydrogen-controlled welding con- pieces, specimen shapes, tests and requirements, ap-
sumables and auxiliary materials shall be used wher- plies to the normal materials, welding processes and
ever possible, e.g. those of quality grade … H15(H) or weld shapes in current use in ship-machine building,
lower or …Y.. H10 (HH) or lower for higher-strength the behaviour of which under service conditions has
structural steels. been verified by experience and/or test results. In
cases of doubt, the Society may call for additional
Chapter 3 Section 5 F Welding of Machinery Components II - Part 3
Page 5–4 GL 2000

and/or different test pieces, specimen shapes or tests to dance with the foregoing provisions are specified
verify satisfactory suitability for use. separately in each individual case.

1.6 In the case of welding processes whose char- 3. Test pieces, fabrication (welding), (post-
acteristics result in weld shapes other than those veri- weld) heat treatment
fied by experience and/or test results (e.g. those with a
considerable notch effect), the influence of the weld
shape on the fatigue strength behaviour of the welded 3.1 For (steel) machinery components welding
joints may be investigated in addition to carrying out shall be performed on butt and fillet weld test pieces
the prescribed tests. The same applies in analogous (where these are encountered in the production proc-
manner to other characteristics of the welded joints, ess) in analogous manner to Section 1, F.3. or, by
e.g. corrosion resistance. agreement with the Society, in accordance with the
standards of the series EN 288/ISO 9956. Test pieces
for other components, particular welding processes or
2. Scope of tests, test schedule, limits of ap- applications shall be agreed with the Society in each
plication individual case.

2.1 Test schedule, test details 3.2 The direction of rolling of butt and fillet weld
test pieces shall generally be parallel to the direction
2.1.1 The scope of the welding procedure tests of the weld. The weld shapes shall correspond to those
(materials, test pieces, heat treatment, specimens, used in the fabrication process.
tests, etc.) shall be laid down in a test schedule to be
submitted for approval in good time prior to testing, in 3.3 For welding, the test pieces shall be made
accordance with Chapter 1, Section 4, B.1. Depending from materials whose properties may be unequivo-
on the nature and application of a welding process, the cally proved in accordance with the requirements
process details stipulated in Chapter 1, Section 4, specified in the Rules for Materials or approved mate-
B.1.1 shall be specified and taken into account in the rial specifications by the submission of certificates and
tests. by marking the material (stamping). In cases of doubt,
the Society may call for appropriate material examina-
2.1.2 Where no further details on the welding pro- tions to be carried out. Cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.3.
cedure tests are given in the following paragraphs, the
provisions of Chapter 1, Section 4 shall apply. The
standards of the series EN 288/ISO 9956 may be ap- 3.4 The welding parameters stipulated in the
plied, however the Society reserve the right to set preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS)
supplementary or different requirements above and shall be complied with (see Annex D in Chapter 1)
beyond the provisions stated in the following para- and it is necessary to record the parameters used in the
graphs, e.g. for the scope of application (materials, tests and specify these in the final welding procedure
weld types, welding positions, cf. 2.1.3). specification. Cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.5.

2.1.3 For welding procedure tests for the welding 3.5 Pre-treatment and after-treatment of the test
of (steel) machinery components, the provisions set pieces by preheating, heat treatment or the like is only
out in Section 1, F. relating to the welding procedure permitted if stipulated for these materials during actual
tests for (hull) structural steels shall apply in analo- fabrication. This treatment shall also be recorded and
gous manner. This shall also particularly apply with specified in the final welding procedure specification.
regard to weld types and welding positions. Accord- Cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.6.
ingly, both butt and fillet welds (or other particular
weld forms) are also covered in the welding procedure
4. Non-destructive tests
tests, as are all the welding positions encountered.
Prior to sectioning, the test pieces shall undergo com-
2.1.4 Welding procedure tests for the (repair) weld- prehensive non-destructive tests to detect welding
ing of propellers shall be performed in accordance defects or defects in the welding procedure. The test
with the provisions applicable to "production welds" method or methods (a combination) to be applied are
in the Rules for Materials issued by the Society. These determined by the nature of the test piece or weld and
must also be complied with for the welding consum- shall be agreed with the Society and stipulated in the
ables and heat treatment recommended and also the test schedule. Cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.7.
areas where welding is not permitted.

2.1.5 For special welding processes, such as flash 5. Sectioning of test pieces, type and number
butt welding, friction welding, electron-beam or laser of specimens
welding and also for special applications such as
build-up welding on shafts, pistons or valves, the type 5.1 The sectioning of test pieces and the prepara-
and scope (form and dimensions of the test pieces) of tion of specimens is subject to the provisions of Chap-
the welding procedure tests and their scope in accor- ter 1, Section 4, B.8.
II - Part 3 Section 5 F Welding of Machinery Components Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 5–5

5.2 Unless otherwise agreed in a particular case, mens. See also Chapter 2, Section 5. The details
one set of butt weld specimens shall comprise the of this test and the requirements (as a rule a
following specimens. The specimen shapes and di- qualitative assessment of the bending behav-
mensions shall conform to the provisions of the stan- iour) shall be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
dards or Chapter 2, Section 5 as applicable:
– 3 notched bar impact test specimens each
– 2 transverse tensile test specimens in accor- (Charpy V-notch specimens with the notch per-
dance with EN 895/ISO 4136 (for larger plate pendicular to the surface of the plate) in accor-
thicknesses a correspondingly greater number of dance with EN 875/ISO 9016, from the centre of
specimens shall be provided to cover the full the weld (VWT 0/1), from the fusion bound-
cross-section), ary/transition zone (VHT 0/1) and from the
– 1 round tensile test specimen by analogy to the heat-affected zone (VHT 2/1), taken from the
provisions of Chapter 1, Section 5, B.2.3 (Fig. last side welded. Where plate and castings are
5.1 and 5.2) taken lengthwise from the weld to be united, the notched bar impact test speci-
metal if welding consumables and auxiliary ma- mens shall be taken from the fusion bound-
terials not approved by the Society are to be ary/transition zone and heat affected zone of
used (cf. Chapter 1, Section 4, B.3.2), if differ- both materials. With very large plate thick-
ent materials are to be joined, if welds are made nesses, notched bar impact test specimens shall
using dissimilar welding consumables or if the be taken from the surface and back of the weld
characteristics of the welding process suggest and in the case of welding processes liable to
that the weld metal itself is likely to be consid- cause segregation in the central zone, an addi-
erably affected. tional 3 notched bar impact test specimens of
each type shall be taken from the same areas in
A round tensile test specimen is to be prepared middle of the plate thickness.
in every case (except for aluminium alloys)
where the mechanical properties of the weld The dimension "a" (cf. EN 875/ISO 9016) shall
metal are inferior to those of the base material be such that the point of intersection of the cen-
(e.g. when welding high-strength steels). The tre line of the specimen and the middle of the
diameter "d0" of the specimen shall be as large notch lies in the coarse-grained area of the heat-
as possible (but not more than 10 mm) and the affected zone. This dimension may be generally
gauge length "L0" shall be 5 × d0. The provi- taken as 2 mm. Where welding procedure tests
are performed on steels tough at subzero tem-
sions of Chapter 1, Section 5, B.2. are to be ap-
peratures, test specimens with notches located at
plied in analogous manner. For plate thicknesses
a = 1 mm, a = 3 mm and a = 5 mm shall be pre-
≤ 20 mm the Society may dispense with the pared, unless otherwise specified in an individ-
round tensile specimen. ual case.
– 4 transverse bend test specimens, in accor-
dance with EN 910/(ISO 5173) half to be bent Depending on the base material and welding
with the final pass in tension (FBB) and half process concerned, further notched bar impact
with the root pass in tension (RBB), test specimens from other areas may be stipu-
lated. Notched bar impact test specimens may be
or partly or wholly dispensed with where the re-
sults of these tests in connection with the use of
– 2 transverse bend test specimens (1FBB and
a particular welding process are of minor sig-
1RBB) as before and
nificance for certain materials, e.g. austenitic
2 side bend test specimens taken at right angles stainless steels or aluminium alloys (except for
to the butt weld (SBB) in accordance with EN low-temperature applications).
910/(ISO 5173) in the case of test pieces over
12 mm thick, or – 2 macrographic specimens for evaluating the
grain structure and if necessary (e.g. for alloy
– 4 side bend test specimens (SBB) in the case of steels) micrographic specimens.
test pieces more than 20 mm thick and welding
processes liable to give rise to segregations, so- – Hardness tests (Vickers HV5 or HV10) in
lidification cracking, lack of fusion or similar accordance with EN 1043-1 (EN 1043-2 in the
defects inside the weld (e.g. single-side and ver- case of laser welding) shall be carried out
tical-down welding) where, having regard to the base material and
the welding process, the possibility cannot be
Note:
discounted that preheating and/or the heat flow
In the case of pairs of materials which differ in during welding may affect the hardness values
strength, it may be advisable to use butt-welded in such a way as to impair the toughness or
longitudinal bend test specimens (FBB and strength characteristics of the weld. Hardness
RBB) in accordance with EN 910/ISO 5173 with measurements shall always be performed on
the weld seam in the centre of the specimen in- higher-strength structural steels and on high-
stead of butt-welded transverse bend test speci- strength (quenched and tempered) fine-grained
Chapter 3 Section 5 F Welding of Machinery Components II - Part 3
Page 5–6 GL 2000

structural steels with minimum yield strengths Z Z Z

of more than 355 N/mm2.
Reminder
– Weld metal analysis, if necessary and if agreed for retests
with the Society.
M M

ca. 400
5.3 Two or more macrographic specimens, as
applicable depending on the length of the test piece,
shall be taken from the simplified (T-jointed) fillet-
welded test pieces in accordance with EN 288/ISO
9956 to evaluate the penetration conditions, any ir-
regularities in the welded joints and the grain struc-
ture. If necessary, hardness measurements as de-
£50 ~35 ~35 ~35 £50
scribed in EN 1043-1 and -2 shall be performed (cf.
5.2) and (in the case of alloy steels) micrographic
Fig. 5.1 Set of double T-joint (cruciform) speci-
specimens taken. The remainder of the test pieces is
mens
to be divided into convenient portions which, after
removal of one of the welds, are to be broken open on
alternate sides for evaluation of the fracture (cf. EN
1320).

a1
5.4 A set of double T-joint (cruciform) fillet

2
a
3
a
weld test specimens according to Fig. 5.1 shall com-
prise the following specimens. The specimen shapes

a4
and dimensions shall conform to the provisions of
Chapter 2, Section 5:
– 3 cruciform tensile test specimens (Z) as a1 + a2 = fracture section S1/2
shown in Fig. 5.2 for determining the tensile- a3 + a4 = fracture section S3/4
shear strength of the weld metal
Breaking load F
– 2 macrographic specimens (M) for evaluating Tensile-shear strength =
SB × width of specimen
[N/mm2]
the penetration conditions, any irregularities in
the welded joints and the grain structure. If nec- SB = S1/2 o r S3/4 according to position of fracture
essary, hardness measurements (cf. 5.2) shall
be performed in accordance with EN 1043-1 and Fig. 5.2 Cruciform tensile test specimen, weld
-2. Where necessary (e.g. in the case of alloy cross-section
steels), micrographic specimens.
The remainder of the test pieces is to be divided into 5.5 The specimens and tests for particular com-
convenient portions which, after removal of one of the ponents, materials, welding processes and/or their uses
welds, are to be broken open on alternate sides for (cf. 2.1.5) will be specified separately in accordance
evaluation of the fracture (cf. EN 1320). with the foregoing provisions in each individual case.
II - Part 3 Section 5 F Welding of Machinery Components Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 5–7

Table 5.1 Requirements applicable to the testing of welded joints 1

Type of test Requirements

Tensile test Tensile strength as stipulated for the base material or in the assessment of suitability for the
transversely to weld welding consumable

Tensile test on a specimen Yield strength or 0,2 % proof stress. Tensile strength and elongation as for the base material
of the weld metal or as specified in the assessment of suitability for the welding consumable.

Notched bar impact test As specified for the base material in transverse direction or as specified in the assessment of
on ISO-V-notch suitability for the welding consumable. When using ferritic-austenitic, austenitic and nickel-
specimens taken from
base alloy welding consumables, ≥ 40 J 2
the centre of the weld

Notched bar impact test

on ISO-V-notch
70 % of the required value for the base material in transverse direction, but at least 20 J 2
specimens taken from
the weld transition zone

Bending angle Bending

Degrees Strength category mandrel dia.

Ferritic steels with

180 3 min. tensile strength < 430 N/mm2 2 × a
min. tensile strength ≥ 430 to 460 N/mm2 2,5 × a
Austenitic stainless steels and austenitic steels tough 2 × a
180 3 at subzero temperatures
Technological
bend test Ferritic steels with a minimum tensile strength 3 × a
≥ 460 N/mm2

If a bending angle of 180 degrees is not attained, the following applies:

≥ 90 Elongation (L0 = width of weld + wall thickness, symmetrical to weld)

≥ minimum elongation A5 of base material

or < 90 Elongation over width of weld > 30 % 4 and faultless appearance of fracture
The macrographic specimen of the welded joint must reveal a satisfactory weld build-up and
full penetration of the weld.
Metallographic Micrographic specimens are to be examined for cracks. Only hot cracks are acceptable, and
examintation then only if they are few in number and widely scattered and agreement has been reached
with the Surveyor as to their acceptability with regard to the materials and the range of
application
The hardness in the heat-affected zones shall not exceed 350 HV 10. Hardness peaks in
Hardness testing excess of this figure in narrow transition zones shall not give rise to complaints if the
outcome of the technological test meets the requirements
1
Where special welding precesses are used as described in para. 2.1.5, the values shall be agreed with the Society.
2
Only one impact energy value may be lower than the minimum mean value, and only by max. 30 %.
3
The 180-degree requirement is deemed to have been met if the bend test was performed according to EN 910/ISO 5173 (DIN 50121)
and pressure was applied by the supports without cracks appearing.
4
For steels welded with dissimilar consumables, different values may be agreed with the Society.
Chapter 3 Section 5 G Welding of Machinery Components II - Part 3
Page 5–8 GL 2000

6. Mechanical and technological tests, re-

quirements

6.1 The mechanical and technological tests shall 90°

be performed according to the provisions of Chapter 2,
Section 5 or to the standards stipulated therein. For
retests, see Chapter 1, Section 4, C.2.

6.2 The results of the mechanical and technologi-

cal tests must satisfy the requirements stated in Table Fig. 5.3 Welding round of stiffening plates or
5.1. The Society may stipulate different or supple- web plates
mentary requirements especially for the specimens
and tests described in para. 2.1.5 and 5.5.

7. Castings and forgings that are to be joined to

thin-walled components shall be provided with weld-
G. Design, Welding Technique ing flanges which have been cast or forged on. Before
welding, the welding edges of castings and forgings
must be metallically clean and bright and must have
1. The general design principles described in been inspected for material defects using a suitable
Chapter 2, Section 1 shall be observed. With regard to process.
design and dimensioning (particularly that of (steel)
machinery components in accordance with A.1.1), the
Society may call for application, in analogous manner,
of the provisions Section 1, G. of this Chapter. 8. Tack welds which are to be left in place as
part of the seam are subject to the same qualitative
requirements as root passes. Defective tack welds may
2. Butt welds which are critical to the strength
not be welded over. They are to be removed.
of the component must be executed as full-penetration
welds. This category includes, for example, the butt
welds joining the web and flange plates of engine
bedplates and the butt welds uniting bearing brackets 9. If the thickness of flange plates or web plates
and connecting plates. changes at butt joints, to give a better transition to the
thicker section the edges which stand proud by more
3. The fillet welds of load-bearing members, than 10 mm shall be bevelled off with a gradient of
e.g. the neck seams of plate girders for uniting flange 1:1 or shallower, as shown in Fig. 5.4. Differences in
and web plates, must be capable of being welded thickness less than 10 mm may be compensated for in
without a break. For this purpose, the stiffeners or web the weld.
plates are either to be added on close to the neck
seams at a later date or adequate welding apertures are
to be provided. :1
£1
£ 10 mm

4. Components shall be designed so as to avoid

seam intersections wherever possible. Individual com-
ponents of complicated shape which, if welded, would
result in a clustering of weld seams, e.g. bearing
brackets, should either be cast in steel or, if welded, a) Butt joint in flange plate
should undergo stress relief heat treatment. Cf. H.
£ 5 mm

5. All parts to be joined by welding have to be

:1
carefully aligned and mounted and tacked in such a £1
way that welding can be carried out with a minimum
of distortion and residual stress. Wherever possible,
welding should be performed in the downhand posi-
tion.
£ 5 mm

£1
:1
6. Wherever possible, stiffening plates and web
plates which are open at the ends are to be cut off at
the ends as shown in Fig. 5.3 (corresponding to the b) Butt joint in web plate
thickness of the weld) at an angle of 90° to the mount-
ing plane and welded round at the ends.
Fig. 5.4 Butt-welded joints in plates of different
thickness
II - Part 3 Section 5 I Welding of Machinery Components Chapter 3
GL 2000 Page 5–9

Where the loading transversely to the weld is pre- which the following shall be demonstrated to the So-
dominantly dynamic, the transitions are to be made ciety’s Surveyor:
shallower and in this case the provisions of Section 1,
G.3. of this Chapter shall be applied in analogous
manner. – Proper weld preparation and execution of weld-
ing work,
10. Welding may be performed in areas of com-
ponents where cold forming has been carried out,
including the adjoining surfaces over a width of 5 – The satisfactory external condition of the com-
times the plate thickness t, provided that the condi- ponents and especially of the welds,
tions (bending radii) specified in Section 1, G.8. of
this Chapter are met. Where components subjected to
cold forming undergo normalizing heat treatment prior – Use of the prescribed materials and dimensions
to welding, these conditions need not be adhered to. by presentation of the documents relating to ma-
terials,
11. Where approved by the Society allowing for
the relevant load conditions, build-up welds on ma- – The existence of relevant, valid welder's qualifi-
chinery components subject to dynamic loads (e.g. cation and welding procedure tests covering the
shafts) shall be executed in a circumferential direction range of application,
using a fully-mechanized welding process. The provi-
sions of Section 1, G.9. of this Chapter shall apply in
analogous manner.
– The proper performance of heat treatments by
presentation of the relevant records and/or cer-
tificates,

H. Post-Weld Heat Treatment

– Compliance with the specified dimensions and
1. Thick-walled, rigid components or those of tolerances by presentation of the records of di-
complicated design which exhibit high levels of resid- mensional data.
ual stress after joining must be heat-treated after
welding in accordance with the relevant standards or
the Society's approval document. Examples are bed-
plates for diesel engines, gear boxes and welded gear 2. The following components shall be subjected
wheels. Cf. also G.4. to non-destructive testing in every case. The Society’s
Surveyor may also demand additional tests, as fol-
lows:
Note:
Post-weld heat treatment (stress-relief heat treatment)
may be advisable whenever components have, subse- – Welded wheel bodies:
quently, to undergo machining and where therefore
there is a risk of stresses being produced during the
machining process leading to distortion of the compo- Ultrasonic and/or radiographic inspections to-
nents. gether with surface crack inspections of the
scope specified when the drawing was ap-
proved.
2. The heat treatment generally takes the form
of stress relief heat treatment. Depending on the mate-
rial, however, annealing heat treatment or quenching
and tempering may also be advisable or necessary. – Engine bedplates:
"Black to white" joints between unalloyed steels and
austenitic stainless steels may not be subjected to a
post-weld heat treatment. For the type and perform- Surface crack inspection and random ultrasonic
ance of the heat treatment, see Chapter 2, Section 3. tests applied to the transverse girder welds, es-
pecially those of the bearing brackets.

– Other components:
I. Inspection of Welded Components

1. The manufacturer shall present the compo- Testing of the scope specified when the draw-
nents for the required intermediate and final inspec- ings were approved or when individual approval
tions, (cf. also Chapter 1, Section 1, F.1. and G.) in was granted.