IIW Guidelines on Weld Quality in Relationship to Fatigue Strength

These guidelines provide quantitative and qualitative measures of geometric features and imperfections of a weld to ensure that it meets the fatigue strength demands found in the recommendations of the iiw (international institute of welding). Welds found to meet these quality requirements can be assessed in accordance with existing IIW recommendations based on nominal stress, structural stress or notch stress. A second goal is to define a more restrictive acceptance criteria based on weld geometry features and imperfections which have increased fatigue strength. Fatigue strength for these welds is defined as S-N- curves expressed in terms of nominal applied stress or hot spot stress. Where appropriate, reference is made to existing quality systems for welds.§In addition to the acceptance criteria and fatigue assessment curves, this book also provides guidance on their inspection and quality control. Successful implementation of these methods depends on adequate training of operators as well as inspectors. It is anticipated that publication of the present IIW Recommendations will encourage the production of appropriate training aids and guidance for educating, training and certifying operators and inspectors.