Guide for Welding

Effective from 1 January 2014

RINA
Via Corsica, 12 - 16128 Genova - Italy
Tel. +39 01053851 - Fax: +39 0105351000
E-MAIL [email protected] - WEB www.rina.org
© RINA S.p.A. - All rights reserved
 GENERAL CONDITIONS
Definitions: the responsibility of qualified service suppliers. Survey practices
"Rules" in these General Conditions means the documents below and procedures are selected by the Society based on its experi-
issued by the Society: ence and knowledge and according to generally accepted techni-
- Rules for the Classification of Ships or other special units; cal standards in the sector.
- Complementary Rules containing the requirements for product, Article 3
plant, system and other certification or containing the require- 3.1. - The class assigned to a Ship, like the reports, statements, cer-
ments for the assignment of additional class notations; tificates or any other document or information issued by the Soci-
- Rules for the application of statutory rules, containing the rules to ety, reflects the opinion of the Society concerning compliance, at
perform the duties delegated by Administrations; the time the Service is provided, of the Ship or product subject to
- Guides to carry out particular activities connected with Services; certification, with the applicable Rules (given the intended use and
- Any other technical document, as for example rule variations or within the relevant time frame).
interpretations. The Society is under no obligation to make statements or provide
“Services” means the activities described in Article 1 below, ren- information about elements or facts which are not part of the spe-
dered by the Society upon request made by or on behalf of the cific scope of the Service requested by the Interested Party or on its
Interested Party. behalf.
“Society” or “RINA” means RINA Services S.p.A. and/or all the 3.2. - No report, statement, notation on a plan, review, Certificate
companies in the RINA Group which provide the Services. of Classification, document or information issued or given as part
“Surveyor” means technical staff acting on behalf of the Society in of the Services provided by the Society shall have any legal effect
performing the Services. or implication other than a representation that, on the basis of the
“Interested Party” means the party, other than the Society, having checks made by the Society, the Ship, structure, materials, equip-
an interest in or responsibility for the Ship, product, plant or sys- ment, machinery or any other item covered by such document or
tem subject to classification or certification (such as the owner of information meet the Rules. Any such document is issued solely
the Ship and his representatives, the ship builder, the engine for the use of the Society, its committees and clients or other duly
builder or the supplier of parts to be tested) who requests the Ser- authorised bodies and for no other purpose. Therefore, the Society
vices or on whose behalf the Services are requested. cannot be held liable for any act made or document issued by
“Owner” means the registered Owner, the ship Owner, the man- other parties on the basis of the statements or information given by
ager or any other party with the responsibility, legally or contractu- the Society. The validity, application, meaning and interpretation
ally, to keep the ship seaworthy or in service, having particular of a Certificate of Classification, or any other document or infor-
regard to the provisions relating to the maintenance of class laid mation issued by the Society in connection with its Services, is
down in Part A, Chapter 2 of the Rules for the Classification of governed by the Rules of the Society, which is the sole subject
Ships or in the corresponding rules indicated in the specific Rules. entitled to make such interpretation. Any disagreement on techni-
“Administration” means the Government of the State whose flag cal matters between the Interested Party and the Surveyor in the
the Ship is entitled to fly or under whose authority the Ship is carrying out of his functions shall be raised in writing as soon as
authorised to operate in the specific case. possible with the Society, which will settle any divergence of opin-
"Ship" means ships, boats, craft and other special units, as for ion or dispute.
example offshore structures, floating units and underwater craft. 3.3. - The classification of a Ship, or the issuance of a certificate or
Article 1 other document connected with classification or certification and
1.1. - The purpose of the Society is, among others, the classifica- in general with the performance of Services by the Society shall
tion and certification of ships and the certification of their parts have the validity conferred upon it by the Rules of the Society at
and components. the time of the assignment of class or issuance of the certificate; in
The Society: no case shall it amount to a statement or warranty of seaworthi-
- sets forth and develops Rules; ness, structural integrity, quality or fitness for a particular purpose
- publishes the Register of Ships; or service of any Ship, structure, material, equipment or machin-
- issues certificates, statements and reports based on its survey ery inspected or tested by the Society.
activities. 3.4. - Any document issued by the Society in relation to its activi-
1.2. - The Society also takes part in the implementation of national ties reflects the condition of the Ship or the subject of certification
and international rules and standards as delegated by various Gov- or other activity at the time of the check.
ernments. 3.5. - The Rules, surveys and activities performed by the Society,
1.3. – The Society carries out technical assistance activities on reports, certificates and other documents issued by the Society are
request and provides special services outside the scope of classifi- in no way intended to replace the duties and responsibilities of
cation, which are regulated by these general conditions, unless other parties such as Governments, designers, ship builders, man-
expressly excluded in the particular contract. ufacturers, repairers, suppliers, contractors or sub-contractors,
Article 2 Owners, operators, charterers, underwriters, sellers or intended
2.1. - The Rules developed by the Society reflect the level of its buyers of a Ship or other product or system surveyed.
technical knowledge at the time they are published. Therefore, the These documents and activities do not relieve such parties from
Society, though committed, also through its research and develop- any fulfilment, warranty, responsibility, duty or obligation (also of a
ment services, to continuous updating, does not guarantee they contractual nature) expressed or implied or in any case incumbent
meet state-of-the-art science and technology at the time of publi- on them, nor do they confer on such parties any right, claim or
cation or that they meet the Society's or others' subsequent techni- cause of action against the Society. With particular regard to the
cal developments. duties of the ship Owner, the Services undertaken by the Society
2.2. - The Interested Party is required to know the Rules on the do not relieve the Owner of his duty to ensure proper maintenance
basis of which the Services are provided. With particular reference of the Ship and ensure seaworthiness at all times. Likewise, the
to Classification Services, special attention is to be given to the Rules, surveys performed, reports, certificates and other docu-
Rules concerning class suspension, withdrawal and reinstatement. ments issued by the Society are intended neither to guarantee the
In case of doubt or inaccuracy, the Interested Party is to promptly buyers of the Ship, its components or any other surveyed or certi-
contact the Society for clarification. fied item, nor to relieve the seller of the duties arising out of the
The Rules for Classification of Ships are published on the Society's law or the contract, regarding the quality, commercial value or
website: www.rina.org. characteristics of the item which is the subject of transaction.
2.3. - The Society exercises due care and skill: In no case, therefore, shall the Society assume the obligations
- in the selection of its Surveyors incumbent upon the above-mentioned parties, even when it is
- in the performance of its Services, taking into account the level of consulted in connection with matters not covered by its Rules or
its technical knowledge at the time the Services are performed. other documents.
2.4. - Surveys conducted by the Society include, but are not lim- In consideration of the above, the Interested Party undertakes to
ited to, visual inspection and non-destructive testing. Unless other- relieve and hold harmless the Society from any third party claim,
wise required, surveys are conducted through sampling as well as from any liability in relation to the latter concerning the
techniques and do not consist of comprehensive verification or Services rendered.
monitoring of the Ship or of the items subject to certification. The Insofar as they are not expressly provided for in these General
surveys and checks made by the Society on board ship do not nec- Conditions, the duties and responsibilities of the Owner and Inter-
essarily require the constant and continuous presence of the Sur- ested Parties with respect to the services rendered by the Society
veyor. The Society may also commission laboratory testing, are described in the Rules applicable to the specific Service ren-
underwater inspection and other checks carried out by and under dered.
Article 4 and International Arbitration of Milan. Arbitration will take place
4.1. – Any request for the Society's Services shall be submitted in in Genoa, Italy.
writing and signed by or on behalf of the Interested Party. Such a 6.2. - However, for disputes concerning non-payment of the fees
request will be considered irrevocable as soon as received by the and/or expenses due to the Society for services, the Society shall
Society and shall entail acceptance by the applicant of all relevant have the right to submit any claim to the jurisdiction of the Courts
requirements of the Rules, including these General Conditions. of the place where the registered or operating office of the Inter-
Upon acceptance of the written request by the Society, a contract ested Party or of the applicant who requested the Service is
between the Society and the Interested Party is entered into, which located.
is regulated by the present General Conditions. In the case of actions taken against the Society by a third party
4.2. – In consideration of the Services rendered by the Society, the before a public Court, the Society shall also have the right to sum-
Interested Party and the person requesting the service shall be mon the Interested Party or the subject who requested the Service
jointly liable for the payment of the relevant fees, even if the ser- before that Court, in order to be relieved and held harmless
vice is not concluded for any cause not pertaining to the Society. according to art. 3.5 above.
In the latter case, the Society shall not be held liable for non-fulfil- Article 7
ment or partial fulfilment of the Services requested. In the event of 7.1. - All plans, specifications, documents and information pro-
late payment, interest at the legal current rate increased by 2% vided by, issued by, or made known to the Society, in connection
may be demanded. with the performance of its Services, will be treated as confidential
4.3. - The contract for the classification of a Ship or for other Ser- and will not be made available to any other party other than the
vices may be terminated and any certificates revoked at the Owner without authorisation of the Interested Party, except as pro-
request of one of the parties, subject to at least 30 days' notice to vided for or required by any applicable international, European or
be given in writing. Failure to pay, even in part, the fees due for domestic legislation, Charter or other IACS resolutions, or order
Services carried out by the Society will entitle the Society to imme- from a competent authority. Information about the status and
diately terminate the contract and suspend the Services. validity of class and statutory certificates, including transfers,
For every termination of the contract, the fees for the activities per- changes, suspensions, withdrawals of class, recommendations/
formed until the time of the termination shall be owed to the Soci- conditions of class, operating conditions or restrictions issued
ety as well as the expenses incurred in view of activities already against classed ships and other related information, as may be
programmed; this is without prejudice to the right to compensa- required, may be published on the website or released by other
tion due to the Society as a consequence of the termination. means, without the prior consent of the Interested Party.
With particular reference to Ship classification and certification, Information about the status and validity of other certificates and
unless decided otherwise by the Society, termination of the con- statements may also be published on the website or released by
tract implies that the assignment of class to a Ship is withheld or, if other means, without the prior consent of the Interested Party.
already assigned, that it is suspended or withdrawn; any statutory 7.2. - Notwithstanding the general duty of confidentiality owed by
certificates issued by the Society will be withdrawn in those cases the Society to its clients in clause 7.1 above, the Society's clients
where provided for by agreements between the Society and the hereby accept that the Society will participate in the IACS Early
flag State. Warning System which requires each Classification Society to pro-
Article 5 vide other involved Classification Societies with relevant technical
5.1. - In providing the Services, as well as other correlated infor- information on serious hull structural and engineering systems fail-
mation or advice, the Society, its Surveyors, servants or agents ures, as defined in the IACS Early Warning System (but not includ-
operate with due diligence for the proper execution of the activity. ing any drawings relating to the ship which may be the specific
However, considering the nature of the activities performed (see property of another party), to enable such useful information to be
art. 2.4), it is not possible to guarantee absolute accuracy, correct- shared and used to facilitate the proper working of the IACS Early
ness and completeness of any information or advice supplied. Warning System. The Society will provide its clients with written
Express and implied warranties are specifically disclaimed. details of such information sent to the involved Classification
Therefore, except as provided for in paragraph 5.2 below, and also Societies.
in the case of activities carried out by delegation of Governments, 7.3. - In the event of transfer of class, addition of a second class or
neither the Society nor any of its Surveyors will be liable for any withdrawal from a double/dual class, the Interested Party under-
loss, damage or expense of whatever nature sustained by any per- takes to provide or to permit the Society to provide the other Clas-
son, in tort or in contract, derived from carrying out the Services. sification Society with all building plans and drawings, certificates,
5.2. – Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph 5.1 above, documents and information relevant to the classed unit, including
should any user of the Society's Services prove that he has suffered its history file, as the other Classification Society may require for
a loss or damage due to any negligent act or omission of the Soci- the purpose of classification in compliance with the applicable
ety, its Surveyors, servants or agents, then the Society will pay legislation and relative IACS Procedure. It is the Owner's duty to
compensation to such person for his proved loss, up to, but not ensure that, whenever required, the consent of the builder is
exceeding, five times the amount of the fees charged for the spe- obtained with regard to the provision of plans and drawings to the
cific services, information or opinions from which the loss or dam- new Society, either by way of appropriate stipulation in the build-
age derives or, if no fee has been charged, a maximum of one ing contract or by other agreement.
hundred thousand Euro. Where the fees charged are related to a In the event that the ownership of the ship, product or system sub-
number of Services, the amount of the fees will be apportioned for ject to certification is transferred to a new subject, the latter shall
the purpose of the calculation of the maximum compensation, by have the right to access all pertinent drawings, specifications, doc-
reference to the estimated time involved in the performance of the uments or information issued by the Society or which has come to
Service from which the damage or loss derives. Any liability for the knowledge of the Society while carrying out its Services, even
indirect or consequential loss, damage or expense is specifically if related to a period prior to transfer of ownership.
excluded. In any case, irrespective of the amount of the fees Pursuant and owing to Italian legislative decree 196/2003, the
charged, the maximum damages payable by the Society will not Interested Party declares that it has read the information sheet con-
be more than 1 million Euro. Payment of compensation under this cerning the processing of personal data published on the society's
paragraph will not entail any admission of responsibility and/or website and gives its consent to such processing, also for commer-
liability by the Society and will be made without prejudice to the cial information purposes.
disclaimer clause contained in paragraph 5.1 above.
5.3. - Any claim for loss or damage of whatever nature by virtue of Article 8
the provisions set forth herein shall be made to the Society in writ- 8.1. – Should any part of these General Conditions be declared
ing, within the shorter of the following periods: THREE MONTHS invalid, this will not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
from the date on which the Services were performed or THREE 8.2. - In the event of doubts concerning the interpretation of these
MONTHS from the date on which the damage was discovered. General Conditions, the Italian text will prevail.
Failure to comply with the above deadline will constitute an abso- Article 9
lute bar to the pursuit of such a claim against the Society. 9.1. – When the Society provides its Services to a consumer - i.e. a
Article 6 natural person who does not act within the scope of his business
6.1. - Any dispute arising from or in connection with the Rules or or professional activity - the following provisions do not apply: art.
with the Services of the Society, including any issues concerning 3.2. (as far as the Society is solely entitled to the interpretation of
responsibility, liability or limitations of liability of the Society, will the Rules); art. 4.2., (as far as the payment of the fees is also due
be determined in accordance with Italian Law and settled through for services not concluded due to causes not attributable to the
arbitration assigned to a board of three arbitrators who will pro- Interested Party); art. 5.1. (as far as the exclusion of liability is con-
ceed in compliance with the Rules of the Chamber of National cerned); art. 5.2.; art. 5.3.; and art. 6.1. (as far as the jurisdiction
of a Board of Arbitrators based in Genoa is concerned).
 GUIDE FOR WELDING

Chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6
Appendix 1

Chapter 1 General
Chapter 2 Type of Connections and Preparation
Chapter 3 Specific Weld Connections
Chapter 4 Workmanship
Chapter 5 Modifications and Repairs During Construction -
Repairs on Ships in Service
Chapter 6 Inspections and Checks
Appendix 1 IACS Rec. No. 47 "Ship Building and Repair Quality Standard”
C HAPTER 1 G ENERAL

1 Scope and field of application 7

1.1 Scope
1.2 Field of application
2 Base material 7
2.1 General
3 Welding consumables and procedures 7
3.1 General
4 Personnel and equipment 7
4.1 Welding operators
4.2 Organisation
4.3 NDE operators
4.4 Technical equipment and facilities
5 Documentation to be submitted 8
5.1 General
6 Design considerations 9
6.1 General
6.2 Plate orientation
6.3 Overall arrangement
6.4 Distances between welds
6.5 Doublers

C HAPTER 2 T YPE OF C ONNECTIONS AND P REPARATION

1 General 11
1.1
2 Butt welding 11
2.1 Plating
2.2 Root gap
2.3 Butt welding on permanent backing
2.4 Sections, bulbs and flat bars
3 Fillet welding 13
3.1 Size requirements for deep penetration welding
4 Partial and full T penetration welding 13
4.1 General
4.2 Lamellar tearing
5 Lap-joint welding 13
5.1 General
5.2 Gap
5.3 Dimensions

Guide for Welding 2010 3

 6 Slot welding 14
6.1 General
6.2 Dimensions
7 Plug welding 14
7.1 General

C HAPTER 3 S PECIFIC W ELD C ONNECTIONS

1 Corner joint welding 15

1.1 General

C HAPTER 4 W ORKMANSHIP

1 Forming of the plates 16

1.1 Cold forming
1.2 Hot forming and line heating
2 Welding procedures and consumables 16
2.1 General
2.2 Manual welding processes with electrodes
2.3 Semiautomatic welding process
2.4 Submerged arc welding
2.5 Inert gas welding of stainless steels and aluminium alloys
2.6 Electroslag welding
3 Welding operations 19
3.1 Weather conditions
3.2 Butt connection edge preparation
3.3 Surface condition
3.4 Assembling
3.5 Gap in fillet weld T connections
3.6 Plate misalignment in butt connections
3.7 Misalignment in cruciform connections
3.8 Preheating and interpass temperature
3.9 Welding sequences
3.10 Interpass and final cleaning; bead sequences
3.11 Stress relieving

4 Guide for Welding 2010

C HAPTER 5 M ODIFICATIONS AND R EPAIRS D URING
C ONSTRUCTION - R EPAIRS ON S HIPS IN
S ERVICE

1 General 24
1.1
2 Gap and weld deformations 24
2.1 Butt-joints
2.2 Fillet weld T-joints
2.3 Weld deformations
3 Defects 25
3.1 General
3.2 Surface defects of plating
3.3 Defects in the welds
3.4 Cracks and fractures
3.5 Repair criteria
4 Repairs on structures already welded 25
4.1 Welding of inserted elements
4.2 Plugging of openings

C HAPTER 6 I NSPECTIONS AND C HECKS

1 General 27
1.1
2 Visual and non-destructive examinations 28
2.1 General

Appendix 1 IACS Rec. No. 47 "Ship Building and Repair Quality Standard”

Guide for Welding 2010 5

6 Guide for Welding 2010
 Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL

1 Scope and field of application Minor imperfections within the limit of Appendix 1, IACS
Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 1, [4.3.2] are allowed and may
be left unrepaired.
1.1 Scope
Rectification of defects by welding is to be made according
1.1.1 The aim of this Guide is to provide indications for to the requirements given in Part D, Ch 2, Sec 1, [2] of the
welding construction, modifications and repairs on new Rules.
and existing ships. In the case of forgings and casting, the repair criteria are
It also intends to provide additional clarifications of the given in Part D, Ch. 2, Sec 3, [1] and Part D Ch. 2 Sec 4 [1]
requirements set out in Part B, Ch 12, Sec 1, "Welding and of the Rules.
weld connections" of the Rules for the classification of ships
(hereafter referred to as the "Rules"). 3 Welding consumables and proce-
In this Guide reference has been made to IACS Rec. No. 47 dures
"Ship building and Repair Quality Standard", the complete
text of which has been introduced for ready reference in 3.1 General
Appendix 1.
Provisions of equivalent recognised standards may be 3.1.1 When welding higher strength steels to normal
strength steels, due consideration is to be given to the use of
accepted at RINA's discretion.
welding procedures adequate to the higher strength steels
(preheating etc) .
1.2 Field of application In the case of welding of stainless steels, the selection of
consumables and base metals which can be welded is indi-
1.2.1 This Guide applies to welding construction, modifi- cated in Part D, Ch.5, Sec 4, [3] of the Rules.
cations and repairs on new and existing ships.
In the case of welding aluminium alloys, the selection is to
be made on the basis of corrosion resistance and strength as
2 Base material indicated in Part D, Ch.5, Sec 4, [5] of the Rules.
The approved welding procedure specification (WPS) is to
2.1 General be accompanied by a certificate of approval or authorisa-
tion for the use of the welding process giving limits and
2.1.1 In the case of steel plates, sections and bars, refer- conditions for the application of the process as appropriate.
ence is to be made to the requirements in Part D, Ch 2, Sec
1, [2] of the Rules. 3.1.2 For higher strength steels and quenched and tem-
pered steels, the welding consumables and/or processes
In the case of aluminium alloys, reference is to be made to may be required to be approved for the individual specifica-
Part D, Ch 3, Sec 1 of the Rules. tion of the higher strength steel to be used. This depends on
The test certificates of materials are to be submitted to the the properties of the steel and particularly applies in the
Surveyor. Spot checks to verify the correspondence between case of special high heat input welding processes, such as
certificates and material are, in general, performed by the one side submerged arc, electrogas and electroslag proc-
Surveyor. esses or, when specially required by RINA, for steels manu-
factured by thermo-mechanical controlled rolling
The Surveyor should verify, by means of checks, as deemed processes.
necessary, that the shipyard adopts adequate procedures to
ensure that only material tested as required by the Rules is
employed. 4 Personnel and equipment
Moreover, it is to be ensured that plates are marked and
identified as appropriate at the time of the supply to the 4.1 Welding operators
workshop in order to avoid confusion between steel grades.
4.1.1 Personnel manning automatic equipment are to be
As far as surface conditions are concerned, the visual exam- fully aware of the operating conditions and parameters of
ination performed after blasting may reveal surface imper- the welding process employed; furthermore, depending on
fections/defects which may not always be easily detected the applications such personnel may be required to be spe-
beforehand. cially certified by RINA.

Guide for Welding 2012 7

Chapter 1

4.2 Organisation 40%, temperature not less than 10°C (recommended

15°C )
4.2.1 When welding activity is subcontracted, the shipyard • ovens for drying and for the conservation of fluxes
organisation is responsible for the correct application of the and electrodes at the required temperatures, porta-
requirements also as regards the subcontractors; to this end ble heating equipment for electrodes etc
it is to perform the appropriate quality inspections. • ·provisions for handling and conservation of con-
sumables are given in [4.2.2].
4.3 NDE operators
5 Documentation to be submitted
4.3.1 RINA procedures and the main standards, such as
EN 473, ASNT- TC-1A are based on three levels of certifica-
tion 1- 2 - 3 of increasing duties. 5.1 General
Certification equivalence between the various standards is 5.1.1 It is recommended that in addition to the plans of
to be examined on a case-by-case basis. shell and main decks, the plans of other main parts indicate
Only operators certified to at least level 2 may be author- the structures for which grades of steels higher than grade A
ised to interpret the results of tests performed. /AH are fitted.
In particular for structures made of higher strength steel, the
Certificates of operators are to be available upon request. plans should provide indications relative to specific work-
In the case of particular applications, additional tests may ing conditions, welding processes used and preheating,
be required with or without the attendance of the Surveyor. where employed.
As far as welding procedures and details are concerned, the
4.4 Technical equipment and facilities information relevant to welding details and welding specifi-
cation should be usefully collected in a welding book,
4.4.1 which should then be submitted to the Surveyor for his
ready reference.
a) Calibration
Each type of welding represented in the welding book is to
Calibration of welding equipment is a normal duty; contain the reference to the welding procedure specifica-
checks may be required in particular where the quality tion (WPS) applied and to the relevant procedure qualifica-
of the weld is very dependent upon the reliable setting tion report (PQR).
of welding parameters (current, voltage, speed gas flow
etc). It follows from this that while, in general, calibra- The welding book enables the Surveyor to:
tion is important for special (automatic and semiauto- a) identify each important weld with edge preparation,
matic) welding processes, for manual metal arc welding process, welding parameter treatments and controls
the welders do not generally need the help of measuring (WPS)
instruments, unless there are specific requirements for
b) identify the need for a welding procedure qualification
heat input control essential for the properties of the
test (WPQT) to be performed in order to cover the types
welded joint (note that heat input control may also be
of welds proposed
carried out with the control of the run length).
c) identify problems that may arise in the execution
Note 1: Heat input (Hi: energy input for unit length of weld in
Joules/cm) applied during welding is given by the fol- d) verify whether the proposed welds will conform to the
lowing formula: design requirements or to the Rules before execution.
The welding book, when required, is to be submitted by the
V × I × 60
Hi = ------------------------
Manufacturer to the local RINA office for review.
s
As a rule, the welding book should be submitted at least in
where: the following cases:
V = voltage, in volts, • normal strength steels for thicknesses > 30 mm
I = welding corrent, in ampères • high strength hull steels with yield strength up to
390N/mm2 or equivalent for thickness > 15 mm
s = welding speed in, cm/1'.
• high strength steels with yield strength > 390 N/mm2 for
b) Heating equipment all thicknesses.
The Manufacturer should submit to the Surveyor the list
of heating equipment - torch, gas heaters, gas or electri- The fillet welds are quoted by their throat thickness or by
cal strip heaters - and the temperature control and the leg length of the weld fillet.
recording devices. The type of quoting is to be clearly understandable in the
The list of drying ovens and equipment is to include at drawings.
least:
5.1.2 Mention of the alterations made to the approved
• facilities for the storage of consumables at appropri- plans, if relevant together with the reasons, will be made by
ate temperature and humidity (humidity lower than the Surveyor in the final report.

8 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 1

6 Design considerations joints, back welded on the reverse side. Brackets and
diamond plates may be required in such cases.
6.1 General The same requirements are applicable to the ordinary
and primary supporting members of the deck.
6.1.1 Some typical occurrences and relevant provisions Frames, vertical stiffeners and beams are generally to be
are listed in the following items a) to e). welded to the associated plating by web, i.e. in case of
angles not by lap welding the flange to the plating.
a) Crossing of welded joints
The size of welds is to be in accordance with the appli-
Unless otherwise agreed with RINA in special cases,
cable requirements of Part B, Ch 12 of the Rules.
stiffening members of shell and deck plating (frames,
beams and longitudinals) or more in general structuram- Connection of members to end brackets is to be in
embers welded to plating, where crossing a butt-joint of accordance with the applicable requirements of Part B
that plating, are to be provided with scallops in way of of the Rules.
welded joints of the plating; alternatively, welding In the case of built-up members, the face plates are pref-
sequences and procedures are to be adopted such as to erably to be continued over the edge of end brackets
ensure the proper execution and adequate continuity of and welded to form their face plates.
the welded joint of the plating to the satisfaction of the For single bottom ships, the floors are to be suitably
Surveyor. Similar scallops are generally to be provided connected at the end with the frame bracket; the detail
in way of the ends of butt-joints of stiffening members of the welded connection between the flanges or face
(frames, beams or longitudinals). plates of the floor and the frame bracket is potentially
In the case of members connected by T- or corner joints, critical; it is to be carefully designed and fabricated min-
suitable means are to be adopted to ensure the possibil- imising notches.
ity of welding with continuity and soundness the butt- d) Primary supporting members
joint of each of the said members at the point of cross- For primary supporting members forming ring systems, it
ing/meeting of the T/corner joint assembling the two is recommended that face plates (rather than flanges)
members. should be adopted to be carried over end brackets. The
Wherever possible, therefore, slots of sufficient radius butts of the web and those of the face plates are to be
(preferably circular and, in any case, with rounded staggered.
edges) are to be provided at such points. Where this is The detail of such crossing is potentially critical; there-
not practicable, a suggestion is to: fore, in particular when flanged members are adopted,
• to chamfer (at least locally) at the T/corner connec- the details at the corners are to be carefully designed
tion, the member representing the web and fabricated minimising notches.
• to weld first the butt-joint in the web-member (the e) slots
back welding would be easier at the crossing point Slots through floors and other primary supporting mem-
due to the presence of the chamfer in the web edge) bers for the passage of ordinary members such as beams
• to complete the T/corner connection in way of the and longitudinals are to be well rounded and of suitable
crossing by a local full penetration T weld. shape; the ordinary members passing through such slots
are to be welded to the primary members directly or by
In the case of butt-joints between composite elements of
means of lugs or brackets as required (see Part B of the
structures having a T or double T section, when the slots
Rules).
(mentioned above) at the ends of the butt-joint repre-
senting the web element are not practicable, the joint of
the web element should be staggered with respect to the 6.2 Plate orientation
joints of the face element and an adequate welding 6.2.1 In order to ensure compliance with the requirement
sequence followed (longitudinal seam as the last). for orientation, for example, in the case of insert plates at
b) Weld interferences the corner of openings, it may be necessary to adopt provi-
It is always recommended and in the case of highly sions for the identification of the direction of rolling after
stressed structures or items of outfitting (for instance, the inserts are cut from the original plates.
with connections for cargo handling attachments) it may
be required that interference should be avoided 6.3 Overall arrangement
between two welds of reasonable size (i.e., one weld
should not be deposited over the other). 6.3.1 Particular consideration is to be given to the follow-
ing items a) to h):
c) Connection of structural members
a) The overall arrangement and structural details of highly
The floor webs are to be welded with a T-joint to the stressed parts (such as structures contributing to the lon-
continuous longitudinal bottom girder. gitudinal strength of the hull girder for an adequate
In ships not fitted with a double bottom, the continuous extension about amidships - in general, for not less than
face plate of such girders is generally to overlap the face 0,6 L amidships - and zones where structural disconti-
plate of the floors and be welded to it by fillet welds; nuities are present, such as the ends of superstructures)
when face plates of floors and girders are arranged on are to be designed so as to avoid structural notches. Par-
the same plane, their connections are to be by butt- ticular attention is to be paid to the structures in the

Guide for Welding 2012 9

Chapter 1

upper part of the hull, likely to be exposed to low cli- In addition to the above-mentioned items the following is to
matic temperatures. be considered, in particular when higher strength steels are
used in details subject to fatigue:
b) The details of structures or outfitting items connected to • intermittent fillet and scalloping are generally to be
the sheerstrake or strength deck are to be designed, fab- avoided
ricated and inspected so to avoid possible points of • fillet welds with concave profile reduce stress concen-
crack initiation. tration at the weld toe and the risk of undercuts (of
course the required fillet size is to be complied with)
c) It is recommended that bulwarks, as well as outfitting • care is to be given to the execution of small attachments
items for 0,6 L amidships, should not be welded directly and fittings which are required to be welded with ade-
to the sheerstrake. quate preheat and heat input; large diameter electrodes
providing adequate heat input may be suitable.
d) Tapered plates at the ends of superstructures, when
welded directly to the upper edge of the sheerstrake, are 6.4 Distances between welds
to be accurately faired and realised in compliance with
(b) above. 6.4.1 It is recommended that welds running close and par-
allel or almost parallel should be kept a sufficient distance
e) The ends of longitudinal members welded to the shell apart depending on dimension and thickness (generally not
and deck are to be properly faired and reasonably free less than 200 mm, preferably 300 mm when both joints are
from undercuts or other surface defects around the end butt-joints and not less than 80 mm when one of the welds
of the weld; as an improvement, the adoption of a local is a fillet weld). For secondary members or small thick-
nesses, lower distances are acceptable. See also Appendix
length of full penetration weld may be considered in
1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 8.7.
some cases.

f) Where members contributing to the longitudinal 6.5 Doublers

strength of the hull need to be wholly or partially inter-
6.5.1 In the case of permitted doublers welded along the
rupted or their continuity is established through trans- edges and having a width in relation to their thickness also
verse members by welds other than direct full requiring internal connection with the overlapped plating
penetration butt-welds, the details of such interruptions (see Part B Ch 12, [2] of the Rules), such connection will be
and the relevant fabrication procedure are to be made by means of slots welded all around (not filled with
approved. welding). See also Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part B,
[6.3].
g) The toes of the bracket ends should not be positioned In lieu of doublers in way of openings, or at corners of
on unstiffened plating. openings in plating of primary importance, insert plates of a
thickness suitably increased to compensate the opening are
h) At the ends of scallops, brackets and stiffeners, wrap generally preferred (however, doublers may be preferred
around fillet welds should be used, with accurate shap- where the compensation requires insert plates having thick-
ing in order to avoid stress concentration. ness in excess of 45 mm).

10 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 TYPE OF CONNECTIONS AND PREPARATION

1 General 2.2 Root gap

2.2.1 Where the gap between the edges of two parts to be

1.1 welded exceeds the limits of normal good welding practice
for the specific type of joint, welding process and welding
1.1.1 Indications as regards the appropriate geometry of position, suitable corrective measures are to be adopted to
the joint preparations, the surface standards of the cut avoid the creation of excessive residual stresses (see 5.2.1).
edges, and the tolerances may be found in Appendix 1,
IACS Rec. No. 47.
2.3 Butt welding on permanent backing

2 Butt welding 2.3.1 This type of joint is in general to be avoided on the

strength deck.

2.1 Plating
2.4 Sections, bulbs and flat bars
2.1.1 It is always recommended that X (double-V) edge 2.4.1
preparations, when applied to butt-welds of primary plat-
ing, should be of the non-symmetrical type, namely with The edge preparation of abutted sections (i.e. angles and
the depth of the two bevels equal to 2/3 and 1/3 of the bulbs) is to be suitable so as to attain even in the zone of
variable thickness and at the ends of the joint the full pene-
thickness, respectively, the shallower bevel preferably hav-
tration and soundness of the weld.
ing a wider enclosed angle (for instance 90° instead of 60°).
Particular care is required for the welding of butt-joints of
The side with the deeper bevel (with the enclosed angle
ordinary members having an L section, due to the difficult
60°) should be welded first, so the back gouging at the root
access for chipping at the inside of the L-angle; it may be
is facilitated by the wider enclosed angle of the bevel and a convenient, when the joint is accessible from both sides, to
more balanced welding thereby results. resort to an X edge preparation and weld from the inside
first; the joint is then to be completed by root gouging and
The side with the deeper bevel (with the enclosed angle
welding from the outside.
60°) should be welded first, so the back gouging at the root
is facilitated by the wider enclosed angle of the bevel and a Where the L sections are already welded to the plating, with
more balanced welding thereby results. consequent restricted accessibility to the inside of the angle,
it may be convenient to use a single-V edge preparation
Preparations on one edge only (half-V and K preparations) with a backing strip on the inside of the angle; the bevel
are generally to be avoided due to their tendency to should preferably be without root face and, in any case, the
develop defects such as lack of fusion in the right edge. gap sufficient to ensure complete penetration.

For joints of minor importance when welding on the reverse In general, in the case of butt-welds of L- or T-angles or bulb
side is impracticable, a single V edge preparation is to be plates, a hole or suitably shaped scallop should be pro-
adopted and the welding procedure is to be suitable to vided, whenever possible, in the web - flange (or bulb) fair-
obtain a satisfactory full penetration at the root as agreed ing zone, in order to avoid welding difficulties at such
with the Surveyor. locations (where possible, such joints may be combined
with end brackets).
When in particular cases the Y preparation is converted to X
Depending on the importance of the members in the case of
preparation by gouging the reverse side before re-welding,
butt-joints of bulb angles or small flat bars (i.e. of a depth up
suitable non-destructive examinations are to be carried out
to 100 mm), suitable doublers fitted as shown in Figures 1,
to check the satisfactory mutual penetration of the passes.
2 and 3 may be required in way of the joint.
In the case of butt-joints of particular importance and/or of The cross-sectional area of the doubler in way of the joint
considerable thickness, it is recommended and may be should not be less than about 75% of the cross-sectional
required that the joint should be provided with extensions, area of the flat bar, face plate, flange or bulb joined; in the
so that the welding may be started and ended beyond the case of bulbs, to avoid welding difficulties in the area of the
actual joint; such extensions are then to be suitably bulb, the latter may be suitably tapered in way of the joint
removed. and the butt-joint restricted to the web (see Figure 2).

Guide for Welding 2012 11

Chapter 2

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

12 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 2

In the case of T-sections that are composite by welding, the 5 Lap-joint welding
butt-joints of the web and face plate are to be preferably
staggered and a scallop provided at the end of the web
joint; doublers are generally not required.
5.1 General
5.1.1 The main application of lap welded joints is the con-
3 Fillet welding nection of doublers.
Otherwise, lap welded joints may be permitted for struc-
3.1 Size requirements for deep penetration tures of secondary importance (members subject to moder-
welding ate stress).
In the case of structures contributing to the longitudinal
3.1.1 Deep penetration means important fusion of the par- strength of the hull, RINA may consider the acceptance of
ent metal, particularly in automatic and semiautomatic lap welded joints on a case-by-case basis.
welding.
For the above structures, as well as for doublers around
Deep penetration is measured, and is to be found satisfac- openings in the shell and strength deck, the fillets are to be
tory, during the welding procedure qualification tests (see of the elongated type (leg length of the base approximately
Part D, Ch 5, Sec 4, [2.3] of the Rules). 1,5 times the other leg length) for a sufficient length of the
periphery of the doublers in the fore-and-aft direction.
During the procedure tests, it is to be demonstrated that,
due to the greater penetration, the proposed process and The fillet is to provide a sectional area equivalent either to
welding conditions systematically produce a fillet weld hav- the cross-sectional area of the joined elements or to the sec-
ing a throat thickness not less than 0,7 times the normal leg tional area of the doublers.
length required for manual welding. In the case of doublers having a cross-sectional area consid-
The Surveyor may require a check of the regularity of deep erably in excess of the area necessary to compensate the
penetration fillet welding on macrographic sections made opening, the size of fillet welds may be based on the cross-
on production check samples. sectional area of the plating lost as a consequence of the
opening.
4 Partial and full T penetration welding In specific instances this type of joint may be permitted for
the seams of unstressed plating.

4.1 General
5.2 Gap
4.1.1 The use of partial/full penetration T welds is gener-
5.2.1 The surfaces of lap-joints are to be in sufficiently
ally required for members over 12 mm thick constituting the
close contact; alignment is to be within 2 mm; for higher
whole or part of engine seating.
values up to 5 mm, weld leg length is to be increased by the
In any case, partial penetration T-joints are subject to same amount as the increase in the gap.
acceptance by RINA, as detailed in the relevant approved For higher values, members are to be realigned (see Appen-
drawings. dix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 9.1).
The use of a bevelled edge may also be necessary in spe-
cific cases where the web and face plate forming the T are 5.3 Dimensions
inclined (in general, at an angle of 90° ± 20°).
As a rule, welding on a bevelled edge is to be continuous 5.3.1 General guidelines for lap welded connections pro-
and back welded on the reverse side, except when welding vided that minimum applicable sizing is satisfied:
on one side only is permitted, as in the event of inaccessi- a) When the connection is subject mainly to shear stresses,
bility. the requirements for T connection apply in accordance
with Part B, Ch 12, Sec 1, [2.3] of the Rules;
4.2 Lamellar tearing b) For connections of webs in primary members subject to
bending stresses, the size and shape of fillet welds are
4.2.1 To prevent or minimise the phenomenon, it is advis- established case by case. The fillet welds are to be made
able in critical cases to take adequate precautions concern- continuous on the edges of the overlapping elements,
ing the quality of the steel employed (Z quality type as per on both sides of the overlap. The leg length of the weld
Part D, Ch.2, Sec 1, [9] of the Rules) and/or use fabrication on the edge of the overlapping element is to be not
techniques suitable both to prevent cold cracking (such as greater than the thickness of the same element reduced
preheating, sufficient heat input, and softening welding by 0,5 - 1,0 mm.
passes) and to reduce through thickness stresses (such as c) For butts of members subject to tensile or compressive
downhand welding with few and large passes and butter- stresses along the edge transverse or inclined to the
ing, either as a preliminary operation or consequent to direction of the main stress, fillet welds having unequal
welding sequences). leg lengths are preferably to be used, the greater leg
With particularly susceptible base materials, this defect may being that deposited on the overlapped member; the
also appear on thickness lower than 20 mm. minor leg length "l" of the fillet is generally to be as fol-

Guide for Welding 2012 13

Chapter 2

lows, depending on the thickness s of the thinner of the 6.2 Dimensions

members to be joined:
6.2.1 If possible, the slots are to be aligned in the preferen-
• for t = 10 mm: l = t - 1 mm tial direction of the stresses.
• for t > 10 mm:l = t - 2 mm. The size of the weld fillet to be deposited around the edge
of the slot is to be determined in each case, depending also
d) Welding along edges of doublers for compensation of on the thicknesses of the parts to be connected.
openings.
Reference may also be made to shape and dimensions as
The leg length of the fillet welds is in general to be not shown in Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 8.6.
less than 0,65 times the thickness of the doubler. Should the slots on the doublers be fitted in more than one
Along the edges of doublers which are transverse to or row, they are preferably to be staggered. Unless otherwise
form a certain angle with the fore-and-aft direction, fillet specified in the individual cases, the slot welds are nor-
welds having unequal legs are to be used; in this case mally to be fitted so that the distance from the centre of the
the value of 0,65 times the doubler thickness refers to slots to the edge of the doubler, and from centre to centre of
the lesser leg length, i.e. to the leg on the side of the two adjacent slots, in any direction, is not greater than
doubler's edge. approximately 15 times the doubler thickness or 500 mm,
whichever is the lesser.
On the edges of both sides of doublers having two sides
parallel to the fore-and-aft aft direction, fillet welds may
be adopted having leg length equal to 50% of the dou- 7 Plug welding
bler thickness but in no case less than 6 mm.
7.1 General
Fillet welds of a different size from that specified above
and based on direct calculation of the area of weld 7.1.1 Where possible, a slot is preferably to be adopted as
(obtained by multiplying the length by the throat thick- an alternative to a plug.
ness) will be specially considered by RINA; in this If possible, the plugs are to be aligned in the preferential
regard, the length of the weld included as deemed direction of the stresses.
appropriate in an angle between 90° and 120° to the
fore-and-aft direction is to be considered. 7.1.2 In the case of plug welding of thick plates, it is pref-
erable not to completely fill in the hole with filler metal. It
can be filled in with polyester resin or neoprene type coat-
6 Slot welding ing.
The shape and dimensions of plug welds are shown in
6.1 General Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 8.6.
For thickness t > 25mm, the shape of the plug weld is to be
6.1.1 Slot welding on immersed structures (such as that specially agreed with RINA.
used to connect closing plates of rudder plating to internal
The distance L between two consecutive plug welds is to be
rudder structures) is generally permitted provided the slots
not greater than a maximum which is to be defined on the
are not completely filled with deposited metal but only fillet
basis of:
welded around the slot; for this purpose, the edges of struc-
tural members to which the slotted plating is to be con- • the distance between two adjacent plug weld lines
nected will be provided, where necessary, with a strip of • the importance of the stress
suitable width, T-welded to the same edges. • the structure located below the plate.

14 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 SPECIFIC WELD CONNECTIONS

1 Corner joint welding possible deficiencies of the outside fillet due to inaccurate
assembly.
1.1 General
1.1.2 In the case of structural arrangements where the
1.1.1 Corner joints are, as a rule, not recommended. It is inside corner is not accessible, full penetration welding on
preferable to use the ordinary T-joints obtained by protrud- bevelled edges will be substituted for ordinary fillet welds.
ing one of the two elements beyond the edge of the other by
an amount sufficient to accommodate a fillet weld on both However, in such cases the use of a single fillet joint may
sides of the joint. still be permitted, depending on the stresses and subject to
When corner joints are accepted, it is advisable to adopt strict assembly tolerances, to ensure the possibility of
some increase in size for the inside fillet to compensate for depositing an external fillet weld of adequate size.

Guide for Welding 2012 15

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 WORKMANSHIP

1 Forming of the plates The mandrel radius determines the deformation rate in the
bend (therefore, the greatest possible radius should be
adopted in order to distribute the steel deformation over the
1.1 Cold forming
greatest area).
1.1.1 Cold bending, depending on bend radius, may pro- Guidance for the minimum bending radius that should be
duce severe and localised deformation in the bent area and guaranteed by Manufacturers for structural steels is given in
due to the ageing effect, depending also on the grade of Table 1 for transverse (T) and longitudinal (L) bending, i.e.
steel, may lead to a consistent diminution of impact proper- respectively parallel and longitudinal to the rolling direc-
ties. tion.

Table 1 : Permissible bending radius (according to EN 10025 Standard)

Bending
Steel grade direction Minimum permissible bending radius for steel plates having thickness t (mm)
(1)
>5 >6 >7 >8 > 10 > 12 > 14 > 16 > 18
≤6 ≤7 ≤8 ≤ 10 ≤ 12 ≤ 14 ≤ 16 ≤ 18 ≤ 20
Normal T 10 12 16 20 25 28 32 40 45
strength
L 12 16 20 25 32 36 40 45 50
Higher T 10 12 16 20 25 32 36 45 50
strength
L 12 16 20 25 32 36 40 50 63
(1) T = transverse; L = longitudinal

Up to thickness 12 mm the bending radius is the same for Particular attention is to be given to the hot forming temper-
normal and higher strength steels. atures and to the procedures for temperature control.
For thickness higher than 20 mm the minimum bending For line heating, indications on maximum heating tempera-
radius is defined on a case-by-case basis (in general 5 times tures on the plating surface are given in Appendix 1, IACS
the plate thickness). Rec. No. 47, Part A, Table 6.5.
In order to avoid the ageing effect (i.e. resulting sometimes
in the event of heating after work hardening), it is recom- 2 Welding procedures and consuma-
mended as far as possible that all welding should be
bles
avoided near the bent area (the distance between the bent
area and any weld is to be at least 5 times the plate thick-
ness); the use of killed and fine grain steel grade is also rec- 2.1 General
ommended and is required if welding on the bent zone
cannot be avoided. 2.1.1 Indications relevant to the use of the manual welding
process with covered electrodes, automatic welding proc-
Welding on cold formed steel having permanent deforma- esses, one side welding, and inert gas welding of alloys
tion greater than 5% should be evaluated on a case-by-case steels and aluminium alloys are given in [4.2.2] to [4.2.6].
basis.
The permanent deformation (deformation of the outer fibre 2.2 Manual welding processes with elec-
(A%) ) is determined with the following formula: 50 t /Rm,
trodes
where t is the thickness and Rm the radius at mid-thickness.
2.2.1
1.2 Hot forming and line heating
a) Type of consumables
1.2.1 Hot forming may be used when cold forming cannot Low hydrogen electrodes (basic coating) are required to
be performed (due to great thickness and/or small forming be used among other applications, in particular on butt-
radius). joints on mild and low alloy carbon manganese steels.

16 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 4

Basic electrodes are used in Direct current electrode notches, in order to avoid any subsequent defects during
positive (DCEP) unless use also with alternating current back welding.
is specified by the Manufacturer. For the first pass of butt- and T-joints, where carried out
The basic electrodes are characterised by good impact other than in the flat and flat-horizontal position, elec-
properties at low temperatures and resistance to hot trodes of diameter of 3,25 mm are recommended; this
cracking. size is compulsory for butt-joints welded with basic
Due to their hygroscopic coating, basic electrodes are covered electrodes.
very sensitive to moisture and must be properly stocked The completion of the joint is then made with larger
and, if applicable, dried before use. electrode diameters and by weaving or straight tech-
Non-basic electrodes may be used when permitted by nique depending on the position and in accordance
the Rules (see Part B, Ch 12, Sez 1, [1.3]). with the procedure specification.
In the case of welding of stainless steels which require When weaving technique is adopted, it is recom-
good resistance to corrosion in service, careful finishing mended and may be required that the weave should not
of welded surfaces is always required. be wider than 4 times the diameter of the electrode; this
The ease in handling the electrodes plays an important prevents slag getting trapped in the weld and reduces
role. the heat input
Such ease depends on the type of coating and decreases As a rule, welds in the vertical position are to be carried
from rutile coating to rutile-basic coating to basic coat- out upwards, except where electrodes specially
ing. approved for the downward technique are employed.
Rutile basic electrodes are, in general, used for welding In particular, the downward technique may be used for
stainless steels since they are not affected by the same circumferential joints of pipes with cellulosic electrodes
metallurgical problems (cold cracks) as hull structural specially approved for such technique.
steels.
b) Storage and preservation conditions 2.3 Semiautomatic welding process
The following provisions apply to the storage and con-
servation of electrodes. 2.3.1 The semiautomatic welding process (i.e. the welder
holds the gun through which the wire is fed automatically)
Drying of low hydrogen electrodes at 300-350°C for at
is generally used under gas shield; in the case of particular
least 2 hours is generally required for welding of higher
flux cored wires, the shielding is assured directly by the flux
tensile steels and high thickness (>25 mm) unless elec-
and the gas may not be required.
trodes are purchased in hermetically sealed containers.
CO2 or Argon/CO2 mixture is generally used as the shield-
Electrodes are to be dried before use if the hermetically
sealed container shows evidence of damage. ing gas for mild and low alloy steels.

The electrodes are then to be stocked in conservation Depending on the welding parameters (ampere and volts),
ovens at 120-200°C; each welder is to be provided with two welding techniques are used: short-circuiting or dip
portable heating equipment to maintain the electrodes transfer (low voltage 18-22V and low current) and spray
at about 80°C. technique, which is used downhand due to the difficulties
in controlling the weld pool in position welding.
Electrodes from their original containers may be used
without particular treatment for welding normal struc- The spray arc technique is characterised by high current
tural steels (while for high strength steels, the stocking of density (in general >150A/mm2).
the electrodes in conservation ovens at approximately
The typical current range for short arc technique with 1,2
120-200°C is generally required).
mm wire diameter is 100-180A.
The Manufacturers' instructions for drying of electrodes
should be followed in all cases. Particular attention is to be paid to the possibility of welding
defects, such as lack of fusion, especially when the joint is
The handling of consumables and return of unused elec-
welded in a position other than flat with too low current.
trodes are to be supervised by the organisation of the
Yard One side welding may also be performed with semiauto-
matic gas metal arc welding; welders performing one side
c) Welding procedure
welding on refractory backing (ceramic) are, in general, to
The type of current and amperage are to be appropriate be certified for this particular technique.
to the particular electrode, size and welding position.
Electrodes are to be used according to the limits of size,
2.4 Submerged arc welding
welding position and welding conditions indicated at
the time of their approval. 2.4.1
The back gouging at the root of the joint before back
welding is to be well centred and extended, in general, a) Type of consumables
for a depth of not less than 3 mm and, in any case, such The flux plays the same role of protection of the weld
as to reach sound metal. Suitable tools are to be used pool as the coating of the electrodes and, as for coated
and the resulting bevel is to be well rounded and free of electrodes, fluxes may be basic, neutral or acid.

Guide for Welding 2012 17

Chapter 4

Fluxes are classified in two categories: perform a preliminary manual weld of the final length of
1) melted the joint in order to have a supplementary restraint.
2) agglomerated. Unless otherwise stated, initial and final lengths are
generally to be submitted to systematic radiographic or
Melted fluxes generally have a vitrified shining appear- ultrasonic examination for adequate repair of any
ance, are practically insensitive to humidity and may be
defects.
kept without particular precautions in their original
packages. e) Automatic welding processes; run-off pieces
Agglomerated fluxes have the appearance of a granu- Care is to be taken to avoid defects in the start and stop
lated blend of bright colour; they are sensitive to humid- parts of the joint or in the case of restarts. To this end, at
ity and must be kept in dry places. the ends of butt-joints, and in line with them, suitable
pieces to start and end the weld outside the joint (having
b) Preservation
a thickness corresponding to that of the joint to be
Drying of fluxes, unless otherwise indicated by the Man- welded and a sufficient length, with respect to the weld-
ufacturer, is generally performed at a temperature of ing procedure and parameters) should generally be fit-
300-400°C for agglomerated fluxes and 200-400°C for ted so the terminal crater may be brought well beyond
melted fluxes, for 2-10 hours. the end of the joint.
c) Automatic welding The welding equipment is to be set in advance to the
Submerged arc welding is generally used for welding on required parameters; only minor adjustments to achieve
both sides with multi-run or two run technique; one side the required parameters should be performed, within
welding on back support is also used on panel lines. the starting end piece.
Higher impact properties in butt-joints are more likely In automatic submerged arc processes, when it is practi-
to be obtained with multi-run technique than with two cally impossible to fit end pieces, as for instance in the
run technique. case of circumferential joints of vessel shells, the weld-
When two run technique is used, particular care is to be ing equipment is to be preliminarily adjusted to the cor-
taken to ensure accurate fit up, with setting of correct rect welding parameters before welding; the end run is
welding parameters assuring penetration between the to overlap as necessary the existing part and the crater
opposite passes without a burn through of the first one. and the overthickness are to be subsequently removed;
this also applies, generally, to multiple-run welding.
When the fit up is not accurate (gap higher than
0,5mm), proper repair may be allowed by manual weld-
ing to obtain good backing for the first pass. 2.5 Inert gas welding of stainless steels and
The influence of the parameters on welding is given as a aluminium alloys
general indication in Table 2.
2.5.1 When using inert gas processes for welding stainless
steels and aluminium alloys, it is essential that the parts to
Table 2
be welded, including backing strips when used, and the
Welding parameters Increase Decrease wire are free of dirt or other substances in view of the dele-
terious effects on the soundness of the finished weld with
Voltage V to get a wider to get higher penetra- respect to porosity. Welding surfaces are to be carefully
bead tion cleaned with strong stainless steel brushes just prior to start-
to avoid undercuts ing the welding; in general, the parts to be welded are to be
Welding current l to get higher to get a flatter bead subjected to an initial cleaning by means of suitable chemi-
penetration to avoid undercuts cal agents (in particular in the case of aluminium alloys).
The surface of the welding wire is to have been suitably pro-
Welding speed v to get higher penetra-
tected by the Manufacturer using special treatments and the
tion
wire is to be supplied under conditions such as to exclude
the possibility of contact with foreign matter and mishan-
d) One side welding
dling; it is then to be properly stored so as to maintain such
With one side automatic welding processes, edge prep- conditions.
arations are to be within the tolerance limits stated in
In order to avoid the presence of oxide inclusions in the fin-
their approval, and back supports are to be carefully
ished weld, butt-joints are to be carefully gouged out at the
positioned and kept tight to the joint by appropriate
root using proper means before back welding; gouging may
means (compressed air tube, magnetic flask, etc.) such
not be required, however, where a correct root pass is car-
as to avoid breaking through or irregular shape on the
ried out, as may be the case when backing strips are used or
back of the joint.
when welding is satisfactorily performed with non-fusible
For one side technique and for the first pass in multi-run electrodes (TIG).
technique, where cracks are possible at the end of the
joint due to the so-called "scissor effect", the weld The arc stops are to be performed by techniques aimed at
should be stopped approximately 1 m before the end, filling the end crater.
then the crater defects removed, the bevel suitably pre- Except for particular applications for which TIG welding
pared and the weld completed proceeding in the oppo- (the non-fusible electrode process) is specially intended
site direction; alternatively, it may be advisable to (such as the first pass of pipe welding), general preference is

18 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 4

to be given to MIG welding (the fusible continuous wire 3 Welding operations

process); other than the aforesaid cases, TIG welding is suit-
able for joints which, due to their position and/or the com-
plex shape and variable thickness of the pieces to be joined,
3.1 Weather conditions
are not suitable for the fusible continuous wire process. 3.1.1 When welding is performed in the open, it is advisa-
ble to dry welding edges by heating in the case of unfavour-
2.6 Electroslag welding able weather conditions and in cold weather (below about
5°C) to avoid condensation.
2.6.1 In electroslag welding processes with consumable See also the provisions for preheating in [4.3.8].
insert, the latter is to be centred with respect to the edges
before the second sliding block is arranged.
3.2 Butt connection edge preparation
Any accidental interruptions to welding are always be
marked on the piece, which is to be subsequently subjected 3.2.1 The following methods of edge preparation may be
to suitable non-destructive examinations. adopted:
Where it is practically impossible to fit end pieces (e.g. butt- a) cutting by shearing
joints of web girders or vertical joints of shell plating), the b) gas cutting (manual and mechanised)
welding equipment is to be adjusted to the correct welding
parameters before welding. In such cases the initial and c) plasma cutting
final lengths of the joint are to be carefully examined after d) laser beam cutting
welding and, if necessary, removed and properly restored In the case of cutting by shearing, grinding of sheared edges
with manual welding; in some cases systematic removal is always recommended and may be required. It is to be
may be required. The same applies in the case of incidental verified that plate edges are free from cracks or flaws.
restarts. Auxiliary pieces may be fitted at the ends of joints
with particular procedures, and are then to be removed. For gas and plasma arc cutting, recommendations relevant
to the slope and roughness of cut edges and provisions for
In the particular application of electroslag welding (ES proc- deviations are given in Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part
ess) for butt-joints of webs of longitudinals, care is to be A, [5.1].
taken in the execution of the last part of the joint in way of
the horizontal element (e.g. in way of the deck or face plate All edges to be welded are to be visually inspected by the
joint); the applicable procedure, including the tests and yard and at random by the Surveyor to detect possible
examinations, is to be approved for the individual ship- defects, such as in particular:
builders. a) oxycutting or grinding defects
The welding techniques specified in the following items (a) b) cracks, laminations or segregations at mid-thickness.
and (b) were found suitable: When required, a check of the soundness of the edges is to
a) be made by a penetrant or magnetic particle test (supple-
mented if necessary by an ultrasonic inspection in longitu-
• the vertical ES weld is stopped just below the hori- dinal waves).
zontal element;
As far as the bevel forms are concerned, typical edge prepa-
• the end of the joint is subsequently removed by a rations for ordinary manual welding and for automatic arc
slot; and welding are given in Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47.
• the welding of the horizontal element is completed Consideration is also to be given to the following:
by a local smooth groove, filled by welding and
back re-welded. • excessive gaps and angles are to be avoided (an exces-
sive volume of deposited metal, consequent heating and
b) shrinkage may be the cause of deformation and cracks)
• the vertical ES weld process is continued above the • gaps and angles which are too closed may produce lack
thickness of the horizontal element by means of an of penetration or cracking
auxiliary piece suitable to retain the molten metal • correct edge preparation has great influence on the suc-
exceeding the joint; cess of the welding.
• the excess metal is removed down to the sound
material; Therefore, the Surveyor will verify by checks as necessary
that the Manufacturer employs adequate procedures to
• the length of the joint in way of the horizontal ele- ensure correct execution.
ment is locally removed by a smooth groove; and
• the butt-joint of the horizontal element is then com- 3.3 Surface condition
pleted, filling the groove by welding and back re-
welding as necessary, with the usual precautions. 3.3.1 Shot blasting is generally used for surface cleaning of
In all cases adequate tests, to the satisfaction of RINA, are to the plates.
be carried out at the facilities of the individual users; the In the absence of a shot blasting machine, cleaning may be
production joints are then to be subjected to appropriate carried out by sandblasting or flame descaling followed by
non-destructive examinations. scrubbing using a rotative scrubber.

Guide for Welding 2012 19

Chapter 4

Particular care is to be taken to remove the rust by suitable Adjustment of the various members during assembly is to be
means in the assembly for fillet T-joints. made properly such as to avoid inducing high stresses or
damage.
Painting with protective primers should be usefully per-
formed directly when plates are removed from the shot The acceptance of butt-joints to be completed after assem-
blasting machine. bling may be subject to the outcome of suitable non-
destructive examinations.
Primers may contain components (e.g. zinc aluminium
oxides) liable to cause defects, particularly porosity in
3.5 Gap in fillet weld T connections
welded joints. This is first checked in the approval of prim-
ers. 3.5.1 When the gap g is higher than the maximum
In particular, zinc primers are more likely to produce poros- allowed (up to 5 mm), the required leg length is to be
ity than iron oxide primers. increased to: leg length + (g-2mm). When the gap is higher
than 5 mm, the repair provisions in [5.2.2] apply.
The porosity in the weld depends on the gas developed by
the primer due to the welding heat.
3.6 Plate misalignment in butt connections
The possibility that gas has to escape from the welding pool
is affected by different parameters such as joint configura- 3.6.1 When the misalignment exceeds the admitted toler-
tion, welding process and heat input. ances, members are to be released and adjusted.

Porosity generally affects more fillet than butt-welding; in

double fillet welding the second fillet is, in general, more
3.7 Misalignment in cruciform connections
sensitive to porosity.
3.7.1 The value of misalignment on cruciform joints of pri-
High heat input, with consequent lower cooling rate, may mary structures (strength members) should be limited to t/3
as a rule be favourable giving gases the possibility to (where t is the minimum thickness of the abutting member).
escape.
3.8 Preheating and interpass temperature
3.4 Assembling
3.8.1 Rapid cooling and shrinkage, due to condition of
restraint, may cause cracks in the weld metal and cold
3.4.1 Tack welds in way of bevels are to be avoided or,
cracks in the heat affected zone.
when permitted, are to be removed as the welding pro-
ceeds, unless the submerged arc welding process is used. Cold cracks in the heat affected plate thickness mainly
depend on:
When tack welds are not removed they are to be performed
with the same grades of consumables used for the welding a) cooling rate (heat input, thickness)
of the joints, and deposited in sufficient length (i.e. at least b) steel chemical composition (Ceq and max carbon con-
75mm) by qualified welders. tent)
When not removed, tack welds are to be visually inspected c) restraint conditions
for freedom from defects; when they are removed, the d) diffusible hydrogen of the welding consumables and
removal is not to damage the material. environmental conditions (moisture).
Tack welds intended to be removed are preferably to be car- Preheating, retarding the cooling rate, reduces the risk of
ried out with lower strength consumables, in particular in cracks in the heat affected zone and weld metal and pro-
the case of high restraint conditions. motes metallurgical structure less likely to have hard zones.
Moreover, by removing moisture from the plate surface it
In the case of stainless steels, tack welding at closer spacing
allows lower hydrogen content in the weld area, and by
than for mild steel should generally be adopted.
reducing the cooling rate after welding it allows better
Tacking by Tee welded auxiliary pieces bridging the joint removal of hydrogen by diffusion.
and scalloped in way are in general preferably used and In the welding of thick wall and/or complex and restrained
they should be arranged across the joint at 45° to its axis. components, in addition to proper preheat and interpass
Their removal after welding is to be carried out by chipping temperature, the following methods are advisable to pre-
or cutting without damaging the material surface; hammer- vent cold cracks:
ing is not permitted. The same applies to temporary lifting • slow (or delayed) cooling after welding
lugs or attachments. • holding at 250 °C for a convenient time prior to cooling
For important structures the remaining plate surface should • heat treatment immediately after welding without inter-
be ground smooth and is to be checked for freedom from mediate cooling.
defects.
Preheating is to be applied uniformly over a distance of
Where post-weld heat treatment is applied, the removal of about four times the plate thickness (but not more than 100
attachments and rectification of scars by welding are to be mm) on both sides of the weld; localised overheating is to
carried out before the heat treatment. be avoided.

20 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 4

In cold weather conditions (ambient temperature below welds in bevels. Dryness of the welding zone is to be
approximately 5°C), when welding with low heat input or ensured in all cases.
in the case of thick components and restraint, preheating is Wherever possible, no welding should be performed at
recommended or may be required depending on the type of ambient temperature below -10°C.
steel.
Unless otherwise specified on the approved drawing, the
In addition to the type of steel and its chemical composi- recommended minimum preheat temperature for manual
tion, the necessity and amount of preheating are also metal arc welding of butt-joints between ferritic steels using
dependent on the thickness and the conditions of restraint, low hydrogen electrodes is given in Table 3.
the hydrogen content of the consumables, the heat input, For automatic welding processes utilising higher heat input
the importance of the structure and the climatic conditions. (such as submerged arc welding), a reduction of up to 50°C
This also applies to welding of auxiliary pieces and to tack of the prescribed preheat temperature may be considered.

Table 3 : Recommended minimum preheat temperature for manual metal arc welding of butt-joints
between ferritic steels

Recommended minimum preheat temperature in °C

Steel Grade or Ceq for thickness t mm (3)
≤ 25 25 < t < 35 t > 35
Normal strength hull All grades (1) - - -
structural steel
< 0,43 - 50 100
< 0,45 50 100 125
Higher strength hull structural Ceq.
steels (2) < 0,47 100 125 150
< 0,50 125 150 175
High temperature steels 510 - 100
C- Mn steels
Cr- Mo steels 0,3 Mo 150 200
1Cr 0,5 Mo

2,25 Cr1 Mo 200 250

Low temperature Ni steels 0,5 Ni- 1,5 Ni 100
3,5 Ni- 5 Ni 100

9 Ni 100

(1) In particular when welding at temperature lower than 5° C, preheating may be recommended for thickness > 25 mm or under
condition of restraint or in order to eliminate moisture and/or condensation.
(2) High strength structural steels are generally to be preheated if the temperature of the work piece is lower than 5° C.
(3) In the case of T fillet welding or cruciform joints, the value of 't' to be entered in the table is to be calculated, respectively, by
the following formulae: t= t1+t2/2 or t= t1+t2/2 +t3/2, where t1 is the thickness of the continuous plate and t2 and t3 are the
thickness of the abutting plates.

The temperature during welding is to be not higher than the Any completed weld is to be left to cool naturally, without
interpass temperature adopted in the welding procedure accelerating its cooling rate; moreover, it should not be sub-
approval or lower than the required preheat temperature. mitted to stresses or vibrations.
Special consideration is to be given in the welding of Any restrained or very thick weld should be carried out
quenched and tempered steels, where accurate control of practically without interrupting the welding and cooled
preheating and interpass temperature is always required. slowly as under isolating glass wool.
As a related recommendation, a multi-run weld should not
be left incomplete when only the first run is completed; at 3.9 Welding sequences
least one third of the thickness should be welded before any 3.9.1
interruption. Assembling and welding sequences are to be carefully
planned. In order to limit welding shrinkage stresses, weld-
ing should proceed to free edges; where possible, welding
is to commence from the centre of the joint or the centre of

Guide for Welding 2012 21

Chapter 4

an assembly and proceed outwards towards the perimeter 3.10 Interpass and final cleaning; bead
to give each part freedom to move. sequences
Provisions to limit welding shrinkage or deformation and to
facilitate the various operations may include in particular: 3.10.1
disconnecting adjacent structures, use of straight joints, a) Cleaning
possible avoidance of interlocking connections, adoption of Crater cracks are to be avoided by appropriate welding
pre-deformations. technique or, if present, removed.
In particular, stiffening members which cross unwelded The welder at the arc extinction should take care to feed
butt-joints of the respective plating are to be disconnected, the bead properly by slowing down the electrode in a
as far as practicable, for a convenient length across the butt- back motion.
joint. Weld spatter is to be removed with a scraper or chip-
Butt-joints of major importance should be welded without ping hammer or by grinding as appropriate.
interruption, as far as possible; when of considerable length In the case of welding on stainless steels, spatter impairs
they should preferably be welded simultaneously by various the pitting corrosion resistance due to local breakdown
welders at different locations. of the passivity film.
When two butt-joints cross, one being continuous and the Provisions are to be taken, by anti-spatter products, to
other having its end at the cross, the continuous joint is to avoid the adhesion of spatter to the surface or to clean
be left unwelded at least locally for a length of about 300 the surfaces by grinding as necessary.
mm before the cross, the other joint is to be completed Appropriate grinding wheels and steel brushes are to be
down to the bevel of the first and the welding of the latter is employed, taking care that they have not been previ-
then to be completed, after restoring the bevel at the cross- ously used on carbon steel.
ing.
b) Bead sequence
The same applies when butt-joints cross in a cruciform pat-
In the case of welding of higher strength steels, the bead
tern; the first joint is to be left unwelded (or is to be discon-
sequence is to be appropriate to minimise hardening in
nected) to a distance of about 200 mm from the crossing,
the heat-affected zone.
then the second joint is welded and, after restoring the
bevel, the weld of the first joint is completed. To this end a suggested technique for the V butt-joints is
to deposit the beads alternately on opposite sides of the
In the case of automatic welding on panel lines, in order to bevel in order to temper the parent metal hardened by
limit the handling and turning over of the unstiffened pan- the previous bead. Final additional beads are to be
els, the welding of the butt-joints may be carried out on the deposited on the weld metal of the last beads at the
upper side only and then the stiffeners fitted and welded. sides without touching the base metal.
The welding of such butt-joints will then be completed on In the case of T fillet welds made by three beads, the last
the second side either in the workshop or even in the dry bead should be deposited in the centre bridging the pre-
dock, of course always taking care when handling. vious two.
If this method is used, care should be taken to ensure that Welding technique (string bead or weaving) is to be in
the fit up and welding of stiffeners do not create heavy accordance with indications given in the WPS.
stresses in the first run on the second side.
Unless otherwise required, weld beads are not to be too
Transverse cracks in particular may occur in these welds at widely weaved (in general the maximum is four times the
the crossing (their junction) with a stiffener welded on the diameter of the electrodes).
opposite side and also in the case of defective fit up of stiff-
ening components. 3.11 Stress relieving
The Surveyor should therefore randomly check the chipped
surface of this root run before the weld on the second side 3.11.1
of the panel is carried out. a) Carbon and carbon manganese steels
When panels made of one length plates are to be turned Post-weld heat treatment relieves the stresses due to
over before their completion, the turning should be done on welding and softens the structure in way of HAZ. Any
an axis perpendicular to the weld lines. stress relieving heat treatment is to comply with the
When abutting panels have the respective butt-joint shifted indications of the relevant specification; as a rule, the
at the crossing joint, it is recommended that the longitudi- following indications apply.
nal joints should be left unwelded for a length of 100-200 After being kept at the prescribed temperature for the
mm depending on the plate thickness. required holding time (in general 2 minutes/mm), the
material is to be slow cooled to 300°C in the furnace or
At the connection of abutting panels, the fillet welds at the
in heat treatment devices, and then in still air.
extremity of stiffeners in way of their butt-joints must be left
unwelded for a length of about 100 mm to be then welded Lower heat treatment temperatures and increased hold-
after completion of the butt-joint between the panel plates; ing time may be recommended in order to avoid distor-
it is also advisable to increase the above length up to 500- tion during cooling.
700 mm in order to facilitate the correction of possible mis- The stress relieving is preferably to be carried out in the
alignment. furnace.

22 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 4

An accurate control of the temperature is always The registered temperature, indicated by the heat treat-
required and the temperature recording curve is to be ment curve, is to be that of the piece and not that of the
supplied to the Surveyor. furnace; to this end the locations of thermocouples on
The temperature of loading and unloading (300°C maxi- the heat treated piece are to be verified.
mum), the heating and cooling rate (maximum 5500°C The cooling of the piece after its removal from the oven
divided by the thickness in mm per hour with min 55°C is to be in still air.
/hour and max 220°C/ hour), and the holding tempera-
When, due to the dimensions of the components, treat-
ture at 550-620°C and time, 1 hour per 25mm with a
ment in the furnace is not possible, local heat treatment
minimum of one hour, are to be registered and verified.
(by gas burners, heating coils or electrical resistance
The range of holding temperatures may be required to heaters) may be considered on a case-by-case basis tak-
be further restricted to a maximum of 580°C where ing into account the geometry of the part involved. Post-
strength properties of the steel may be impaired by weld heat treatment with a hand torch is not permitted.
higher temperature (for instance, TM steels).
The temperature within the heated piece must be uni- b) Austenitic and austeno-ferritic stainless steels
form (recommended maximum difference from one For austenitic and austeno-ferritic stainless steels, stress
point to another of 40°C). relieving is generally not required or recommended.

Guide for Welding 2012 23

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 MODIFICATIONS AND REPAIRS DURING

CONSTRUCTION - REPAIRS ON SHIPS IN
SERVICE

1 General In any event, the fitting of the above kind of doublers is gen-
erally not allowed in cargo areas or in the case of tensile
stress perpendicular to the flat bar.
1.1 As an alternative to the above or for higher values of the
gap, a new plate of minimum 300 mm width is to be
1.1.1 Some guidelines in addition to possible requirements inserted in the web of the T-joint (see Appendix 1, IACS
on a case-by-case basis are given in following articles. The Rec. No. 47, Part A, Tables 9.6 and 9.7).
recommendations of Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47 are also
to be taken into account. 2.3 Weld deformations
2.3.1 Excessive welding deformations in way of butt-joints
2 Gap and weld deformations of plates of major importance, such as outer shell and
strength deck plates, is to be eliminated or restricted within
acceptable limits.
2.1 Butt-joints
In order to reduce the deformations, an appropriate proce-
dure is, in general, to apply uniform heating over a suitably
2.1.1 When the gap exceeds the required limits by no
large area, in association with progressive straightening. The
more than one and half times the plate thickness or 25 mm,
internal structures in way of the area affected by the heating
whichever is the lesser, a building up by welding on one or
may be required to be disconnected. In some cases, it may
both sides for a thickness not exceeding half the plate thick-
be advisable to remove the weld reinforcements from the
ness (with use of a backing strip or other adequate tech-
butt welds in way of the heated zone.
nique, as necessary), may generally be allowed. The bevel
edges are to be restored by chipping and grinding before Caution is to be used in the case of higher strength steels; in
completing the welding of the joint. particular, it is to be ensured that the base metal and
welded joint do not suffer from prejudicial deterioration
When the gap exceeds the above allowances, repair with (excessive work hardening, decrease of toughness, etc).
an insert plate is required (see Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. For hot straightening by means of flame with or without
47, Part A, Tables 9.4 and 9.5.)Metodo di prova. mechanical help the following applies:
a) it is never to exceed 650°C
2.2 Fillet weld T-joints b) accelerated cooling by compressed air or water should
be avoided on high strength steels susceptible to hard-
2.2.1 When an excessive gap occurs in a fillet welded T- ening
joint (up to 16 mm), the edge of the non-continuous ele- c) hot straightening is not allowed on quenched and tem-
ment of the T is generally to be chamfered for penetration pered steels.
welding; a backing strip will be used at the root, as appro-
Flame straightening is not allowed on stainless steels as
priate.
there is a significant risk of precipitation of chromium car-
If the gap is too wide for such kind of repair, depending on bide at the temperature to be reached for efficient straight-
the structure at the Surveyor's discretion, the fitting in the ening (600-650°C).
gap of a flat bar as a doubler of the plating or face plate may Cold straightening by means of a press or jack is tolerated
be allowed. Such flat is to have adequate thickness; in gen- only on ordinary steel of low thickness; visual examination
eral, the thickness is to be not less than that of the lesser of and non-destructive examination may be required.
the two parts to be joined and the width is not to exceed the
Any large deformations are to be repaired by cutting the
minimum necessary to accommodate the fillet welds on the joints, straightening the plates and re-welding the joint with
two sides of the web; the flat bar is to be connected to the
a suitable procedure.
plate by fillet welds along the edges. In the case of cross-
joints subject to tension rather than shear stresses, where After straightening operations of an appreciable extent, the
such kind of repair is still considered permissible, a flat bar plating and associated structures affected are to be thor-
is to be arranged on the two sides of the cross-joint such as oughly inspected.
to avoid the creation of secondary bending stresses in the In general, precautions to avoid distortions include the fol-
joint. lowing.

24 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 5

For a given assembly the less the amount of welding the due to welding may be absorbed by a sufficiently wide
lower the strain; moreover, it is advisable to use automatic zone.
processes in view of the lower number of passes, the more The welding is to be performed as deemed appropriate in
homogeneous distribution of stresses due to heating and the each case, such as by means of the use of basic coated elec-
deeper penetration which limits the asymmetry of the heat- trodes and preheating when necessary.
affected zone on both faces of the plate.
Contiguous defects on the same joint are generally to be
The low heat input welding method may be useful in order included in the same repair.
to reduce the effect of the heat and consequent deforma-
tion; the back step method may also be useful to reduce
deformation.
3.4 Cracks and fractures
Deformations and distortions are more difficult to control in 3.4.1 When non-random cracks are found in welds, the
the case of stainless steels than in the case of mild steel. causes are to be investigated and provisions taken as far as
In the case of aluminium alloy, in order to keep possible possible to avoid their recurrence.
deformations of plating resulting from welding operations When fractures in plates are found during construction, the
within acceptable limits, local heating and hammering by causes are to be carefully investigated. RINA is to be
means of plastic covered mallets may be used, with the informed as necessary or advisable.
usual precautions. Local heating for straightening purposes
is to be applied by means of suitable torches and propane 3.5 Repair criteria
gas. The temperature of the material is preferably to be con-
fined to 250 ÷ 280°C; in no case is the temperature to 3.5.1 In the cases in {5.3.4} the type of repair is to be
exceed 350°C. decided in relation to the presumed cause of the cracks as
follows:
3 Defects • When the quality of material is involved, the defective
plate or piece is to be totally removed and replaced.
3.1 General • If the material quality is not open to question, the defec-
tive plate or piece is to be replaced at least locally.
3.1.1 In the case of serious or systematic defects, RINA is • In minor cases and where no doubts exist as to the
to be informed, also indicating the presumed causes. quality and actual condition of the material, to the Sur-
In cases of particular gravity the proposed repairs are to be veyor's satisfaction, the defect may be allowed to be
submitted, also in order to give RINA the time and opportu- repaired, without replacing the defective part, by chip-
nity to establish any measures conditioning their accept- ping the crack, suitably preparing the edges of the
ance. chipped length and welding at full penetration; in such
cases, it may be advisable to drill a hole at the ends of
the cracks before welding and, if applicable, to discon-
3.2 Surface defects of plating nect the adjacent structures.
3.2.1 Surface defects introduced by the removal of auxil- • Where cracks or fractures are clearly due to the pres-
iary pieces when not removable by grinding or similar ence of structural notches or local hard spots, these
methods are to be repaired by welding, with prior adequate should be eliminated as far as possible by suitable
surface preparation and subsequent careful grinding. means, such as tapering or modification of details so as
to distribute the local stresses over a wider area.
Defects of this type are usually due to improper tack weld-
ing of such pieces; therefore, suitable means are to be pro-
vided to prevent their occurrence or to limit it only to 4 Repairs on structures already
occasional cases. welded
Similar kinds of repair may be adopted in the case of undue
occurrence in major plates of surface defects due to arc 4.1 Welding of inserted elements
strikes adjacent to a welded joint; also in this case, of
course, prevention is better than cure. 4.1.1 Some indications are given in the following items 1)
and 2) and in Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part B.
3.3 Defects in the welds a) Welding of plates
When a welded plate is to be removed, the cut may fol-
3.3.1 Welds found defective to an unacceptable extent low either:
according to the RINA requirements are to be carefully
removed and the zone suitably prepared for subsequent 1) the centreline of the original welded joints, or
repair by welding; to this end the groove is to be prepared 2) a line parallel, located on the side of the plating
with an adequate taper to the sound material. Contiguous which remains in place.
welds are to be suitably examined to exclude the continuity In case (1), when the cut reaches one of the corners of
of defects. the plate it is to be extended in thesame direction for a
Depending on the extent of the repair, adjacent structures length equal to approximately 5 plating thicknesses or
may be required to be disconnected so that the shrinkage 100 mm, whichever is the greater; the cut is then to be

Guide for Welding 2012 25

Chapter 5

restarted on the plate along the removal line (see b) Welding of stiffeners
Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part B, [6.2]). When renewal of internal stiffeners is required, refer-
In case (2), the line of the cut is to be gradually moved ence should be made to the welding sequences sug-
to join the welded joint before proceeding as stated for gested in Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part B, [6.4].
case (1) .
4.2 Plugging of openings
Any other cutting operation on plating is to be per-
formed along a line having well rounded corners. 4.2.1 When openings in the plating are to be closed by
butt-welded insert plates, the diameter or minimum dimen-
When the removal concerns hull primary plating, the
sion of the insert is, in general, to be not less than 20 times
distance between two consecutive transverse butt-joints
the thickness of the plating with a minimum of 200 mm;
in the same strake is, as a rule, to be not less than two
rectangular insert plates are to have well rounded corners,
frame spaces, while the distance in the longitudinal
in general with a radius not less than 5 times the thickness
direction between the butt-joints of two adjacent strakes
of the plating (see Appendix 1, IACS Rec. No. 47, Part B,
is to be not less than one frame space, the seam
[6.2]).
between the two strakes then being welded after com-
pletion of the butts. For circular inserts the minimum diameter is 200 mm.
Particular care is recommended in the fit up of the inserts.
This means that cross-joints with butts and seams to be
The first run should be made with the electrode of maxi-
welded at the same time should if possible be avoided;
mum diameter compatible with good penetration in order
otherwise, they are to be subjected to non-destructive
to avoid cracking.
examinations.
The use of mild steel electrodes giving a deposited metal
The above sequences may be recommended more gen- having high deformation properties may also be considered
erally, also in cases other than primary hull plating. on a case-by-case basis.
When the plating is to be removed with its stiffening The closing of openings by means of welded overlapped
members, the butt-joints of the latter and the peripheral plugs is generally allowed only in structures of secondary
joints of plating are to be staggered whenever possible. importance.

26 Guide for Welding 2012

 Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 INSPECTIONS AND CHECKS

1 General structures should be inspected by the Surveyors as far as

appropriate at their discretion.
1.1 The above inspection may be wholly or partly replaced by
non-destructive examinations additional to the systematic
1.1.1 When starting fabrication of a welded structure and checks required by the Rules.
in the course of fabrication itself, it is to be checked that:
It is recommended that radiographic and ultrasonic exami-
a) the materials used are of the required type, have been nations should not be limited to the minimum required by
duly tested and are of dimensions complying with the the Rules, but extended as necessary to ascertain the satis-
approved plans; factory quality of the production.
b) the welding consumables and the welding proc-
To increase their significance these NDEs should be carried
esses/procedures have been duly approved and are used
out at random, to check for example the application of vari-
in accordance with the relevant approvals;
ous welding processes, edge preparation, welding posi-
c) the welders are qualified and employed in accordance tions, back chipping and welders.
with their qualification with satisfactory results;
Furthermore, it is also recommended that, where possible,
d) the welding consumables are taken from original con- welders associated with welding of the main structural
tainers; joints should be identified for reference purposes when
e) the welding equipment and plants are operating regu- examining the results of non-destructive tests.
larly and their measuring instruments have been cali- The Surveyors may also require that random weld tests are
brated, as required; performed in order to ascertain whether the welding proce-
f) the joint preparations and back gouging are of the due dure complies with the requirements verified at the time of
shape and the prepared surfaces are satisfactory with approval.
regard to cutting and gouging;
In the case of important welding details of complex design,
g) the assembling, alignment, tacking and cleanliness are preliminary verification of the suitability of the welding pro-
satisfactory, giving special attention to the connection of cedure may be required. For this purpose, representative
prefabricated parts; samples of the detail and welding conditions may be
h) the welding sequences are correct and, where relevant, required and subjected to appropriate tests.
in accordance with the approved plans;
1.1.2 When the work produced by a welder raises doubts
i) the welding and workmanship are in accordance with as to his level of training, additional confirmation tests may
the applicable requirements and normal good practice. be required, either in part or wholly, irrespective of the
Supervision during construction is to be extended as far as expiry date of his qualification.
possible. Inspections (and NDE) will be intensified, as found
The welding processes proposed by the Manufacturer, their
necessary, at the beginning of the main phases of a specific
limitations, operating conditions, applications and associ-
construction (shop work, prefabrication, erection and
ated welding equipment are to be clearly identifiable in
assembly, welding of important prefabricated parts or major
detail.
structures in general) and at the beginning of production
involving the use of welding processes or techniques with The welding processes and filler metals are to be approved
which the yard has no previous experience or in other simi- for the particular applications and operating conditions
lar cases, such as when doubts arise concerning the results employed by the individual Manufacturers.
of a welded application.
Applications involving the use of new welding processes 1.1.3 The internal organisation, production facilities and
and techniques will be specially monitored in the initial control procedures of the builder are to be suitable for the
stages, by means of radiographic/ultrasonic examinations, expected duties.
so that corrective measures may be promptly adopted, In the case of serious doubts concerning the capacity of the
where necessary. Manufacturer's organisation to fulfil the required tasks,
Careful attention is also to be paid to edge preparation, RINA may increase its surveys as deemed necessary or even
alignment of the pieces, tack welding procedures and weld- refuse to proceed with the requested services.
ing sequences.
The Manufacturer's quality control organisation and the
The edge preparation and the back chipping (or similar) Surveyors are to check that fabrication activity is carried out
groove of the butt-joints of large prefabricated panels of hull satisfactorily.

Guide for Welding 2012 27

Chapter 6

2 Visual and non-destructive radiographic examination or where the aim is to ensure

the absence of surface cracks.
examinations
b) As regards ultrasonic examination, in addition to its
2.1 General application as a substitute, where admitted or necessary,
for radiographic or gamma-ray examinations, it may
2.1.1 Welds in carbon manganese and alloy steels are in also be required as an additional examination in spe-
general not to be finally inspected until at least 48 hours cific cases where the presence of possible defects which
after completion of the welding. The final inspection for are difficult to detect by radiographic examinations is
acceptance is to be made after the final heat treatment, if suspected. For instance, an ultrasonic examination will
any. be required, as a rule, for joints on important plating
In general the parts/compartments are to be submitted to welded with processes using bare or cored wires or sim-
inspection by the Surveyors when already found acceptable ilar methods, with or without shielding gas, particularly
by the Manufacturer. in positions other than flat; if incorrectly applied, such
The yard is to submit to the Surveyor all the inspection processes may lead to lack of fusion, which generally
reports related to the welds (visual, radiographic, magnetic, escapes detection in radiographic examinations. In par-
dimensional, watertightness, strength test etc, as appropri- ticular, an ultrasonic examination will be required in the
ate). first stage of application of the processes, or when new
welders or special edge preparations presenting special
Films of radiographic examinations are to be submitted to difficulties are used.
the Surveyor. The Surveyor may require that the examina-
tions are carried out in his presence. Ultrasonic and magnetic particle examinations may be also
In particular the Surveyors are to: required in specific cases to verify the quality of the base
material.
a) provide for the inspections and witness the tests as
required by the Rules and applicable drawings and Irrespective of the requirements of the applicable Rules and
instructions; in particular as regards the hull welds, they approved plans, the Surveyor may require, as deemed nec-
are to carry out adequate visual examinations essary, that non-destructive tests are carried out in the fol-
b) verify the certification of the NDE operators lowing or similar cases:
c) indicate the locations of the random NDEs performed a) for important joints, especially if they are dynamically
d) draw/sign the relevant reports as appropriate. stressed or connecting members of considerable thick-
When, due to the occurrence of defects, there are grounds ness;
for reasonable doubts suggesting that such defects may con- b) for details presenting difficulties in the welding;
tinue or recur in similar joints, additional examinations may
be required, to an extent as deemed necessary by the Sur- c) in the initial stage of the application of a welding proc-
veyor. ess;
Where, in welds or base metal, defects related to the prop- d) for special welding processes in general, where an ade-
erties of the materials used are detected, special checks, quate inspection of fabrication procedures during weld-
including destructive tests, may be required by the Surveyor. ing has not been performed;
2.1.2 As far as concerns non-destructive examinations of e) in the event of suspected serious defects.
welded joints, the following guidelines may be applied to
the Surveyor's satisfaction: 2.1.3 The requirements relevant to non-destructive exami-
a) Magnetic particle examinations may be required on nations are given in the Rules for carrying out non-destruc-
highly stressed joints (usually T-joints) not subjected to tive examinations of welding.

28 Guide for Welding 2012

 Appendix 1

APPENDIX 1 IACS REC. NO. 47 "SHIP BUILDING AND

REPAIR QUALITY STANDARD”

No.47 Shipbuilding and Repair Quality Standard

(1996)
(Rev. 1, 1999)
(Rev.2, Dec. 2004)
(Rev.3, Nov. 2006)
(Rev.4, Aug. 2008)
(Rev.5, Oct. 2010)
(Rev.6, May 2012)

Part A Shipbuilding and Remedial Quality Standard for New Construction

Part B Repair Quality Standard for Existing Ships

PART A - SHIPBUILDING AND REMEDIAL QUALITY STANDARDS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

1. Scope
2. General requirements for new construction
3. Qualification of personnel and procedures
3.1 Qualification of welders
3.2 Qualification of welding procedures
3.3 Qualification of NDE operators
4. Materials
4.1 Materials for structural members
4.2 Surface conditions
5. Gas Cutting
6. Fabrication and fairness
6.1 Flanged longitudinals and flanged brackets
6.2 Built-up sections
6.3 Corrugated bulkheads
6.4 Pillars, brackets and stiffeners
6.5 Maximum heating temperature on surface for line heating
6.6 Block assembly
6.7 Special sub-assembly
6.8 Shape
6.9 Fairness of plating between frames
6.10 Fairness of plating with frames
6.11 Preheating for welding hull steels at low temperature
7. Alignment
8. Welding Joint Details
8.1 Typical butt weld plate edge preparation (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
8.2 Typical fillet weld plate edge preparation (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
8.3 Butt and fillet weld profile (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
8.4 Typical butt weld edge preparation (Automatic welding)
8.5 Distance between welds
9. Remedial
9.1 Typical misalignment remedial
9.2 Typical butt weld plate edge preparation remedial (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
9.3 Typical fillet weld plate edge preparation remedial (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
9.4 Typical fillet and butt weld profile remedial (manual welding and semi-automatic welding)
9.5 Distance between welds remedial
9.6 Erroneous hole remedial
9.7 Remedial by insert plate
9.8 Weld surface remedial
9.9 Weld remedial (short bead)

Guide for Welding 2014 29

Appendix 1

REFERENCES

1. IACS “Bulk Carriers - Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structure”
2. TSCF “Guidelines for the inspection and maintenance of double hull tanker structures”
3. TSCF “Guidance manual for the inspection and condition assessment of tanker structures”
4. IACS UR W7 “Hull and machinery steel forgings”
5. IACS UR W8 “Hull and machinery steel castings”
6. IACS UR W11 “Normal and higher strength hull structural steel”
7. IACS UR W13 “Thickness tolerances of steel plates and wide flats”
8. IACS UR W14 “Steel plates and wide flats with specified minimum through thickness properties (“Z” quality)”
9. IACS UR W17 “Approval of consumables for welding normal and higher strength hull structural steels”
10. IACS UR W28 “Welding procedure qualification tests of steels for hull construction and marine structures”
11. IACS UR Z10.1 “Hull surveys of oil tankers” and Z10.2 “Hull surveys of bulk carriers” Annex I
12. IACS UR Z23 “Hull survey for new construction”
13. IACS Recommendation No. 12 “Guidelines for surface finish of hot rolled plates and wide flats”
14. IACS Recommendation No. 20 “Non-destructive testing of ship hull steel welds”

30 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

1. Scope

It is intended that these standards provide guidance where established and recognized shipbuilding or national
standards accepted by the Classification Society do not exist.

1.1 This standard provides guidance on shipbuilding quality standards for the hull structure during new
construction and the remedial standard where the quality standard is not met.

Whereas the standard generally applies to

- conventional merchant ship types,
- parts of hull covered by the rules of the Classification Society,
- hull structures constructed from normal and higher strength hull structural steel,
the applicability of the standard is in each case to be agreed upon by the Classification Society.

The standard does generally not apply to the new construction of

- special types of ships as e.g. gas tankers
- structures fabricated from stainless steel or other, special types or grades of steel

1.2 In this standard, both a "Standard" range and a "Limit" range are listed. The "Standard" range represents
the target range expected to be met in regular work under normal circumstances. The "Limit" range represents the
maximum allowable deviation from the "Standard" range. Work beyond the "Standard" range but within the
"Limit" range is acceptable. In cases where no ‘limit’ value is specified, the value beyond the ‘standard’ range
may be accepted subject to the consideration of the Classification Society.

1.3 The standard covers typical construction methods and gives guidance on quality standards for the most
important aspects of such construction. Unless explicitly stated elsewhere in the standard, the level of
workmanship reflected herein will in principle be acceptable for primary and secondary structure of conventional
designs. A more stringent standard may however be required for critical and highly stressed areas of the hull, and
this is to be agreed with the Classification Society in each case. In assessing the criticality of hull structure and
structural components, reference is made to ref. 1, 2 and 3.

1.4 Details relevant to structures or fabrication procedures not covered by this standard are to be approved by
the Classification Society on the basis of procedure qualifications and/or recognized national standards.

1.5 For use of this standard, fabrication fit-ups, deflections and similar quality attributes are intended to be
uniformly distributed about the nominal values. The shipyard is to take corrective action to improve work
processes that produce measurements where a skew distribution is evident. Relying upon remedial steps that
truncate a skewed distribution of the quality attribute is unacceptable.

2. General requirements for new construction

2.1 In general, the work is to be carried out in accordance with the Classification Society rules and under the
supervision of the Surveyor to the Classification Society

2.2 Welding operations are to be carried out in accordance with work instructions accepted by the
Classification Society.

2.3 Welding of hull structures is to be carried out by qualified welders, according to approved and qualified
welding procedures and with welding consumables approved by the Classification Society, see Section 3. Welding
operations are to be carried out under proper supervision by the shipbuilder. The working conditions for welding
are to be monitored by the Classification Society in accordance with UR Z23.

3. Qualification of personnel and procedures

3.1 Qualification of welders

3.1.1 Welders are to be qualified in accordance with the procedures of the Classification Society or to a
recognized national or international standard. Recognition of other standards is subject to submission to the

Guide for Welding 2014 31

Appendix 1

Classification Society for evaluation. Subcontractors are to keep records of welders qualification and, when
required, furnish valid approval test certificates.

3.1.2 Welding operators using fully mechanized or fully automatic processes need generally not pass approval
testing provided that the production welds made by the operators are of the required quality. However, operators
are to receive adequate training in setting or programming and operating the equipment. Records of training and
operation experience shall be maintained on individual operator’s files and records, and be made available to the
Classification Society for inspection when requested.

3.2 Qualification of welding procedures

Welding procedures are to be qualified in accordance with URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the
Classification Society.

3.3 Qualification of NDE operators

Personnel performing non-destructive examination for the purpose of assessing quality of welds in connection
with new construction covered by this standard, are to be qualified in accordance with Classification Society rules
or to a recognized international or national qualification scheme. Records of operators and their current
certificates are to be kept and made available to the Surveyor for inspection.

4. Materials

4.1 Materials for Structural Members

All materials, including weld consumables, to be used for the structural members are to be approved by the
Classification Society as per the approved construction drawings and meet the respective IACS Unified
Requirements. Additional recommendations are contained in the following paragraphs.

All materials used should be manufactured at a works approved by the Classification Society for the type and
grade supplied.

4.2 Surface Conditions

4.2.1 Definitions

Minor Imperfections: Pitting, rolled-in scale, indentations, roll marks, scratches and grooves
Defects: Cracks, shells, sand patches, sharp edged seams and minor imperfections
exceeding the limits of table 1
Depth of Imperfections or defects: The depth is to be measured from the surface of the product

4.2.2 Acceptance without remedies

Minor imperfections, in accordance with the nominal thickness (t) of the product and the limits described in Table
1, are permissible and may be left as they are.

Imperfection surface area Ratio(%) 15㹼20% 5㹼15% 0㹼5%

t < 20 mm 0.2 mm 0.4 mm 0.5 mm
20 mm d t < 50 mm 0.2 mm 0.6 mm 0.7 mm
50 mm d t 0.2 mm 0.7 mm 0.9 mm

Table 1 Limits for depth of minor imperfection, for acceptance without remedies

32 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Imperfection surface area Ratio (%) is obtained as influenced area / area under consideration (i.e. plate surface
area) x 100%.
For isolated surface discontinuities, influenced area is obtained by drawing a continuous line which follows the
circumference of the discontinuity at a distance of 20 mm. (Figure 1)
For surface discontinuities appearing in a cluster, influenced area is obtained by drawing a continuous line which
follows the circumference of the cluster at a distance of 20 mm. (Figure 2)

Figure 1 - Determination of the area influenced by an isolated discontinuity

(Ref. Nr. EN 10163-1:2004+AC:2007 E)

Figure 2 - Determination of the area influenced by clustered discontinuities

(Ref. Nr. EN 10163-1:2004+AC:2007 E)

Guide for Welding 2014 33

Appendix 1

4.2.3 Remedial of Defects

Defects are to be remedied by grinding and/or welding in accordance with IACS Rec.12.

4.2.4 Further Defects

4.2.4.1 Lamination

Investigation to be carried out at the steelmill into the cause and extent of the detected laminations. Severe
lamination is to be remedied by local insert plates. The minimum breadth or length of the plate to be replaced is to
be:

x1600 mm for shell and strength deck plating in way of cruciform or T-joints,
x800 mm for shell, strength deck plating and other primary members,
x300 mm for other structural members.

Local limited lamination may be remedied by chipping and/or grinding followed by welding in accordance with
sketch (a). In case where the local limited lamination is near the plate surface, the remedial may be carried out as
shown in sketch (b). For limitations see paragraph 4.2.2.

4.2.4.2 Weld Spatters

Loose weld spatters are to be removed by grinding or other measures to clean metal surface (see Table 9.13), as
required by the paint system, on:
x shell plating
x deck plating on exposed decks
x in tanks for chemical cargoes
x in tanks for fresh water and for drinking water
x in tanks for lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, including service tanks

5. Gas Cutting

The roughness of the cut edges is to meet the following requirements:

Free Edges:
Standard Limit
Strength Members 150 Pm 300 Pm
Others 500 Pm 1000 Pm

Welding Edges:
Standard Limit
Strength Members 400 Pm 800 Pm
Others 800 Pm 1500 Pm

6. Fabrication and fairness

6.1 Flanged longitudinals and flanged brackets (see Table 6.1)

6.2 Built-up sections (see Table 6.2)

34 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.3 Corrugated bulkheads (see Table 6.3)

6.4 Pillars, brackets and stiffeners (see Table 6.4)
6.5 Maximum heating temperature on surface for line heating (see Table 6.5)
6.6 Block assembly (see Table 6.6)
6.7 Special sub-assembly (see Table 6.7)
6.8 Shape (see Table 6.8 and 6.9)
6.9 Fairness of plating between frames (see Table 6.10)
6.10 Fairness of plating with frames (see Table 6.11)
6.11 Preheating for welding hull steels at low temperature (See Table 6.12)

7. Alignment

The quality standards for alignment of hull structural components during new construction are shown in Tables
7.1, 7.2 and 7.3. The Classification Society may require a closer construction tolerance in areas requiring special
attention, as follows:

x Regions exposed to high stress concentrations

x Fatigue prone areas
x Detail design block erection joints
x High tensile steel regions

8. Welding Joint Details

Edge preparation is to be qualified in accordance with URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the
Classification Society.

Some typical edge preparations are shown in Table 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.6 for reference.

8.1 Typical butt weld plate edge preparation (manual and semi-automatic welding) for reference - see Table
8.1 and 8.2
8.2 Typical fillet weld plate edge preparation (manual and semi-automatic welding) for reference - see Table
8.3 and 8.4
8.3 Butt and fillet weld profile (manual and semi-automatic welding) - see Table 8.5
8.4 Typical butt weld plate edge preparation (Automatic welding) for reference - see Table 8.6
8.5 Distance between welds - see Table 8.7

9. Remedial

All the major remedial work is subject to reporting by shipbuilder to the Classification Society for approval in
accordance with their work instruction for new building.

Some typical remedial works are shown in Tables 9.1 to 9.13.

9.1 Typical misalignment remedial - see Tables 9.1 to 9.3

9.2 Typical butt weld plate edge preparation remedial (manual and semi-automatic welding) - see Table 9.4
and 9.5
9.3 Typical fillet weld plate edge preparation remedial (manual and semi-automatic welding) - see Tables 9.6
to 9.8
9.4 Typical fillet and butt weld profile remedial (manual and semi-automatic welding) - see Table 9.9
9.5 Distance between welds remedial - see Table 9.10
9.6 Erroneous hole remedial - see Table 9.11
9.7 Remedial by insert plate - see Table 9.12
9.8 Weld surface remedial - see Table 9.13
9.9 Weld remedial (short bead) - see Table 9.14

Guide for Welding 2014 35

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.1 – Flanged Longitudinals and Flanged Brackets

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Breadth of flange

± 3 mm ± 5 mm

compared to correct size

Angle between flange and

web

± 3 mm ± 5 mm per 100 mm of a

compared to template

Straightness in plane of
flange and web

± 10 mm ± 25 mm per 10 m

36 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.2 – Built Up Sections

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Frames and longitudinal

± 1.5 mm ± 3 mm per 100 mm of a

Distortion of face plate

d d 3 + a/100 mm d d 5 + a/100 mm

Distortion in plane of web and flange

of built up longitudinal frame,
transverse frame, girder and
transverse web.

± 10 mm ± 25 mm per 10 m in length

Guide for Welding 2014 37

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.3 – Corrugated Bulkheads

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Mechanical bending
Material to be
suitable for cold
R t 3t mm 2t mm flanging (forming)
and welding in way
of radius

Depth of corrugation

± 3 mm ± 6 mm

Breadth of corrugation

± 3 mm ± 6 mm

h : ± 2.5 mm h : ± 5 mm
Pitch and depth of swedged
corrugated bulkhead compared Where it is not aligned with Where it is not aligned
with correct value other bulkheads with other bulkheads
P : ± 6 mm P : ± 9 mm

Where it is aligned with Where it is aligned with

other bulkheads other bulkheads
P : ± 2 mm P : ± 3 mm

38 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.4 – Pillars, Brackets and Stiffeners

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Pillar (between decks)

4 mm 6 mm

Cylindrical structure diameter

(pillars, masts, posts, etc.)

± D/200 mm ± D/150 mm

max. + 5 mm max. 7.5 mm

Tripping bracket and small stiffener,

distortion at the part of free edge

a d t/2 mm t

Ovality of cylindrical structure

dmin d max – d min d 0.02 u

d max
dmax

Guide for Welding 2014 39

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.5 – Maximum Heating Temperature on Surface for Line Heating

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Conventional Water cooling just Under 650°C

Process after heating
AH32-EH32 &
AH36-EH36

Air cooling after Under 900°C

TMCP type heating
AH32-EH32 &
AH36-EH36
(Ceq.>0.38%)

Air cooling and Under 900°C (starting

subsequent water temperature of water
cooling after cooling to be under
heating 500°C)

TMCP type Water cooling just Under 1000°C

AH32-DH32 & after heating or air
AH36-DH36 cooling
(Ceq. d 0.38%)

TMCP type Water cooling just Under 900°C

EH32 & EH36 after heating or air
(Ceq. d 0.38%) cooling

NOTE:

Mn Cr  Mo  V Ni  Cu
Ceq C   %
6 5 15

40 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.6 – Block Assembly

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Flat Plate Assembly

Length and Breadth ± 4 mm ± 6 mm

Distortion ± 10 mm ±20mm

Squareness ± 5 mm ±10mm

Deviation of interior members from 5 mm 10mm

plate

Curved plate assembly

Length and Breadth ± 4 mm ± 8 mm measured along

the girth
Distortion ± 10 mm ± 20 mm

Squareness ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

Deviation of interior members from 5 mm 10 mm

plate

Flat cubic assembly

Length and Breadth ± 4 mm ± 6 mm

Distortion ± 10 mm ± 20 mm

Squareness ± 5 mm ± 10 mm

Deviation of interior members from 5 mm 10 mm

plate

Twist ± 10 mm ± 20 mm

Deviation between upper and lower plate ± 5 mm ± 10 mm

Curved cubic assembly

Length and Breadth ± 4 mm ± 8 mm measured along

with girth
Distortion ± 10 mm ± 20 mm

Squareness ± 10 mm ± 15 mm

Deviation of interior members from ± 5 mm ± 10 mm

plate

Twist ± 15 mm ± 25 mm

Deviation between upper and lower plate ± 7 mm ± 15 mm

Guide for Welding 2014 41

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.7 – Special Sub-Assembly

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Distance between
upper/lower gudgeon ± 5 mm ± 10 mm

Distance between aft edge

± 5 mm ± 10 mm
of boss and aft peak
bulkhead

Twist of sub-assembly of
stern frame 5 mm 10 mm

Deviation of rudder from

shaft center line 4 mm 8 mm

Twist of rudder plate

6 mm 10 mm

Flatness of top plate of main

engine bed 5 mm 10 mm

Breadth and length of top

plate of main engine bed ± 4 mm ± 6 mm

NOTE:

Dimensions and tolerances have to fulfill engine and equipment manufacturers’ requirements, if any.

42 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.8 – Shape

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Deformation for the whole length

per 100 m against the

± 50 mm
line of keel sighting

Deformation for the distance between two

adjacent bulkheads

± 15 mm

Cocking-up of fore body

The deviation is to
± 30 mm be measured from
the design line.

Cocking-up of aft-body

± 20 mm

Rise of floor amidships

The deviation is to
± 15 mm be measured from
the design line.

Guide for Welding 2014 43

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.9 – Shape

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Length between perpendiculars ±L/1000 mm where L Applied to ships of

is in mm 100 metre length and
above.
For the convenience
of the measurement the
point where the keel is
connected to the curve of
the stem may be
substituted for the fore
perpendicular in the
measurement of the length.

Moulded breadth at midship ±B/1000 mm where B Applied to ships of 15

is in mm metre breadth and above,
measured on the upper
deck.

Moulded depth at midship ±D/1000 mm where Applied to ships of

D is in mm 10 metre depth and above,
measured up to the upper
deck.

44 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.10 – Fairness of Plating Between Frames

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Parallel part
4 mm
(side & bottom shell)
Shell plate

Fore and aft part 5 mm

8 mm
Tank top plate 4 mm

Longl. Bulkhead
Bulkhead
Trans. Bulkhead 6 mm
Swash Bulkhead

Parallel part 4 mm 8 mm

Strength deck Fore and aft part 6 mm 9 mm

Covered part 7 mm 9 mm

Bare part 6 mm 8 mm
Second deck
Covered part 7 mm 9 mm

Forecastle deck Bare part 4 mm 8 mm

poop deck
Covered part 6 mm 9 mm

Super structure Bare part 4 mm 6 mm

deck
Covered part 7 mm 9 mm

Outside wall 4 mm 6 mm

House wall Inside wall 6 mm 8 mm

Covered part 7 mm 9 mm

Interior member (web of girder, etc) 5 mm 7 mm

Floor and girder in double bottom 5 mm 8 mm

Guide for Welding 2014 45

Appendix 1

TABLE 6.11 – Fairness of Plating with Frames

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Parallel part ±2 l /1000 mm ±3 l /1000 mm

Shell plate
Fore and aft part ±3 l /1000 mm ±4 l /1000 mm
l = span of frame (mm)

Strength deck - ±3 l /1000 mm ±4 l /1000 mm

(excluding To be measured
cross deck) and between on trans.
top plate of space (min. l = 3000
double bottom mm)

Bulkhead - ±5 l /1000 mm

Accommodation - ±5 l /1000 mm ±6 l /1000 mm

above the strength
deck and others

mm
l = span of frame
(minimum l = 3000 mm)

To be measured between one

trans. space.

46 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 6.12 – Preheating for welding hull steels at low temperature

Standard Limit Remarks

Item
Base metal Minimum
temperature needed preheating
preheating temperature

Normal strength
A, B, D, E Below -5 oC
steels

Higher strength
steels Below 0 oC
(TMCP type) 20 oC 1)

AH32 – EH32
AH36 – EH36

Higher strength
steels
Below 0 oC
(Conventional
type)

(Note)
1) This level of preheat is to be applied unless the approved welding procedure specifies a higher level.

Guide for Welding 2014 47

Appendix 1

TABLE 7.1 – Alignment

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Alignment of butt welds

a d 0.15t strength
member t is the lesser plate
a d 0.2t other thickness
but maximum 4.0 mm

Alignment of fillet welds

Alternatively, heel
Strength member and line can be used to
higher stress member: check the alignment.
t1/2 a d t 1 /3
t1/2 t2/2 Where t 3 is less than
Other: t 1 , then t 3 should be
t2/2 a d t 1 /2 substituted for t 1 in
the standard.

t1 < t2
Alignment of fillet welds
t2/2 t2
t2/2

Strength member and Alternatively, heel

t3 higher stress member: line can be used to
a d t 1 /3 check the alignment.
t3/2
t3/2 Other: Where t 3 is less
a d t 1 /2 than t 1 , then t 3
should be substitute
for t 1 in the standard.

t1/2 t1/2

48 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 7.2 – Alignment

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Alignment of flange of T-longitudinal

Strength member
a = 8.0 mm
a d 0.04b (mm)

b (mm)

Alignment of height of T-bar, L-angle bar or

bulb
Strength member
a d 0.15t
a = 3.0 mm
Other
a d 0.20t

Alignment of panel stiffener

d d L/50

Gap between bracket/intercostal and

stiffener

a d 2.0 mm a = 3.0 mm

Alignment of lap welds

a d 2.0 mm a = 3.0 mm

Guide for Welding 2014 49

Appendix 1

TABLE 7.3 – Alignment

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Gap between beam and frame

a d 2.0 mm a = 5.0 mm

Gap around stiffener cut-out

s d 2.0 mm s = 3.0 mm

50 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 8.1 – Typical Butt Weld Plate Edge Preparation (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic
Welding) for Reference

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Square butt t d 5 mm

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

Single bevel butt t ! 5 mm

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

Double bevel butt t ! 19 mm

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

Double vee butt, uniform bevels

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

Double vee butt, non-uniform bevel

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

NOTE 1

Different plate edge preparation may be accepted or approved by the Classification Society in accordance with
URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the Classification Society.
For welding procedures other than manual welding, see paragraph 3.2 Qualification of weld procedures.

Guide for Welding 2014 51

Appendix 1

TABLE 8.2 – Typical Butt Weld Plate Edge Preparation (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic
Welding) for Reference

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Single Vee butt, one side welding with

backing strip (temporary or permanent)

G = 3 to 9 mm G = 16 mm see Note 1

Single vee butt

G d 3 mm G = 5 mm see Note 1

NOTE 1

Different plate edge preparation may be accepted or approved by the Classification Society in accordance with
URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the Classification Society.
For welding procedures other than manual welding, see paragraph 3.2 Qualification of welding procedures.

52 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Table 8.3 – Typical Fillet Weld Plate Edge Preparation (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic
Welding) for Reference

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Tee Fillet

G d 2 mm G = 3 mm see Note 1

Inclined fillet

G d 2 mm G = 3 mm see Note 1

G = 16 mm
Single bevel tee with permanent backing

Not normally for

strength
G d 4 to 6 mm
member
Tq = 30q to 45q
also see Note 1

Single bevel tee

see Note 1
G d 3 mm

NOTE 1

Different plate edge preparation may be accepted or approved by the Classification Society in accordance with
URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the Classification Society.
For welding procedures other than manual welding, see paragraph 3.2 Qualification of welding procedures.

Guide for Welding 2014 53

Appendix 1

Table 8.4 – Typical Fillet Weld Plate Edge Preparation (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic
Welding) for Reference

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Single ‘J’ bevel tee

G = 2.5 to 4 mm see Note 1

Double bevel tee symmetrical t ! 19 mm

G d 3 mm see Note 1

Double bevel tee asymmetrical t ! 19 mm

G d 3 mm see Note 1

Double ‘J’ bevel tee symmetrical

G = 2.5 to 4 mm see Note 1

NOTE 1
Different plate edge preparation may be accepted or approved by the Classification Society in accordance with
URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the Classification Society.
For welding procedures other than manual welding, see paragraph 3.2 Qualification of welding procedures.

54 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Table 8.5 – Butt And Fillet Weld Profile (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Butt weld toe angle

T d 60q T d 90q
h d 6 mm

Butt weld undercut

D d 0.5 mm
for strength member

D d 0.8 mm
for other

Fillet weld leg length

s t 0.9s d
a t 0.9a d s d = design s
a d = design a
over short weld
lengths

s = leg length; a = throat thickness

Fillet weld toe angle

In areas of stress
concentration
and fatigue, the
T d 90q Classification
Society may
require a lesser
angle.

Fillet weld undercut

D ”PP

Guide for Welding 2014 55

Appendix 1

Table 8.6 – Typical Butt Weld Plate Edge Preparation (Automatic welding) for Reference

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

0 d G d 0.8 mm G = 2 mm See Note 1.

NOTE 1

Different plate edge preparation may be accepted or approved by the Classification Society in accordance with
URW28 or other recognized standard accepted by the Classification Society.
For welding procedures other than manual welding, see paragraph 3.2 Qualification of welding procedures.

56 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Table 8.7 – Distance Between Welds

Detail Standard Limit Remarks

Scallops over weld seams

for strength The “d” is to be

member measured from the
d t 5mm toe of the fillet weld
to the toe of the butt
for other weld.
d t 0mm

Distance between two butt welds

d t 0 mm

Distance between butt weld and fillet weld

for strength
The “d” is to be
member
measured from the
d t 10 mm
toe of the fillet weld
to the toe of the butt
for other
weld.
d t 0 mm

Distance between butt welds

for cut-outs
d t 30 mm

for margin plates 150 mm

d t 300 mm

Guide for Welding 2014 57

Appendix 1

Table 9.1 – Typical Misalignment Remedial

Detail Remedial Standard Remarks

Alignment of butt joints Strength member t 1 is lesser plate thickness

a ! 0.15t 1 or a ! 4 mm
t1
release and adjust

Other
a ! 0.2t 1 or a ! 4 mm
release and adjust

Alignment of fillet welds Strength member and higher stress member Alternatively, heel line can be
t 1 /3  a d t 1 /2 - generally increase weld used to check the alignment.
throat by 10%
Where t 3 is less than t 1 then t 3
a1 should be substituted for t 1 in
a ! t 1 /2 - release and adjust over a
t1/2 standard
t1/2
minimum of 50a
t2/2
t2/2 Other
a ! t 1 /2 - release and adjust over a
minimum of 30a

Alignment of flange of T-longitudinal When 0.04b  a d 0.08b, max 8 mm:

grind corners to smooth taper over a
minimum distance L = 3a

When a ! 0.08b or 8 mm:

grind corners to smooth taper over a
minimum distance L = 50a

Alignment of height of T-bar, L-angle

bar or bulb When 3 mm  a d 6 mm:
build up by welding

When a ! 6 mm:
release and adjust over minimum L = 50a
for strength member and L = 30a for other

Alignment of lap welds

3 mm  a d 5 mm:
weld leg length to be increased by the same
amount as increase in gap in excess of 3
mm

a ! 5 mm:
members to be re-aligned

58 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Table 9.2 – Typical Misalignment Remedial

Detail Remedial Standard Remarks

Gap between bracket/intercostal When 3 mm  a d 5 mm:

and stiffener weld leg length to be increased by increase
in gap in excess of 3 mm

When 5mm  a d 10 mm:

chamfer 30q to 40q and build up by welding
with backing

When a ! 10 mm:
increase gap to about 50 mm and fit collar
plate

b = (2t + 25) mm, min. 50 mm

Gap between beam and frame 3 mm  a d 5 mm:

weld leg length to be increased by the same
amount as increase in gap in excess of 3
mm

a ! 5 mm release and adjust

Guide for Welding 2014 59

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.3 – Misalignment Remedial

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Position of scallop When d < 75 mm

web plate to be cut between scallop and slot,
and collar plate to be fitted

Or fit small collar over scallop

d

Or fit collar plate over scallop

Gap around stiffener cut-out When 3 mm  s d 5 mm

weld leg length to be increased by the same
amount as increase in gap in excess of 2 mm

When 5 mm  s d 10 mm
nib to be chamfered and built up by welding

When s > 10 mm
cut off nib and fit collar plate of same height
as nib

20 mm d b d 50 mm

60 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.4 – Typical Butt Weld Plate Edge Preparation Remedial (Manual Welding and
Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Square butt When G d 10 mm

chamfer to 45° and build up by welding

When G > 10mm

build up with backing strip; remove,
back gouge and seal weld;
or, insert plate, min. width 300 mm

Single bevel butt

When 5 mm  G d 1.5t (maximum 25 mm)
build up gap with welding on one or both edges
to maximum of 0.5t, using backing strip, if
necessary.

Where a backing strip is used, the backing strip is

to be removed, the weld back gouged, and a
sealing weld made.

Double bevel butt Different welding arrangement by using backing

material approved by the Classification Society
may be accepted on the basis of an appropriate
welding procedure specification.

When G > 25 mm or 1.5t, whichever is smaller,

use insert plate, of minimum width 300 mm

Double vee butt, uniform bevels

Min.

Double vee butt, non-uniform bevel

Guide for Welding 2014 61

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.5 – Typical Butt Weld Plate Edge Preparation Remedial (Manual Welding and
Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Remedial Standard Remarks

When 5 mm  G d 1.5t mm (maximum 25

Single vee butt, one side welding mm), build up gap with welding on
one or both edges, to “Limit” gap size
preferably to “Standard” gap size as
described in Table 8.2.

Where a backing strip is used, the backing

strip is to be removed, the weld back
gouged, and a sealing weld made.

Different welding arrangement by using

backing material approved by the
Classification Society may be accepted on
the basis of an appropriate welding
procedure specification.
Limits see
Single vee butt
Table 8.2

When G ! 25 mm or 1.5t, whichever is

smaller, use insert plate of minimum width
300 mm.

Min.

62 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.6 – Typical Fillet Weld Plate Edge Preparation Remedial (Manual Welding and
Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Tee Fillet 3 mm  G d 5 mm – leg length increased

to Rule leg + (G-2)

5 mm  G d 16 mm or G d 1.5t - chamfer by
30q to 45q,
build up with welding, on one side, with
backing strip if necessary, grind and weld.

30° to 45°

G ! 16 mm or G ! 1.5t use insert plate of

minimum width 300 mm

Liner treatment

t2 d t d t1 Not to be used in
G d 2 mm cargo area or areas
a = 5 mm + fillet leg length of tensile stress
through the
thickness of the
liner

Guide for Welding 2014 63

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.7 – Typical Fillet Weld Plate Edge Preparation Remedial (Manual Welding and
Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Single bevel tee 3 mm  G d 5 mm

build up weld

5 mm  G d 16 mm - build up with
welding, with backing strip if necessary,
remove backing strip if used, back
gouge and back weld.

G ! 16 mm new plate to be inserted of

minimum width 300 mm

64 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.8 – Typical Fillet Weld Plate Edge Preparation Remedial (Manual Welding and
Semi-Automatic Welding)

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Single ‘J’ bevel tee as single bevel tee

Double bevel tee symmetrical

When 5 mm  G d 16 mm build up with

welding using ceramic or other approved
backing bar, remove, back gouge and back
weld.

Double bevel tee asymmetrical

When G ! 16 mm-insert plate of minimum

height 300 mm to be fitted.

Double ‘J’ bevel symmetrical

Guide for Welding 2014 65

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.9 – Typical Fillet and Butt Weld Profile Remedial (Manual Welding and Semi-Automatic
Welding)

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Fillet weld leg length

Increase leg or throat by welding over

Minimum short bead

to be referred Table
Fillet weld toe angle 9.14

T ! 90q grinding, and welding, where

necessary, to make T ”q

Butt weld toe angle

T ! 90q grinding, and welding, where

necessary, to make T ”q

Butt weld undercut For strength member, where 0.5  D d 1

mm, and for other, whHUH'”PP
undercut to be ground smooth (localized
only) or to be filled by welding

Where D ! 1 mm
undercut to be filled by welding

Fillet weld undercut Where 0.8  D d 1 mm

undercut to be ground smooth (localized
only) or to be filled by welding

Where D ! 1 mm
undercut to be filled by welding

66 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.10 – Distance Between Welds Remedial

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Scallops over weld seams

Hole to be cut and ground smooth to

obtain distance

Guide for Welding 2014 67

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.11 – Erroneous Hole Remedial

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Holes made erroneously D < 200 mm Strength member

open hole to minimum 75 mm dia.,
fit and weld spigot piece

Fillet weld to be made

after butt weld

T = 30 – 40q
G = 4 – 6 mm
W”W1 ”W
l = 50 mm
The fitting of spigot
Or pieces in areas of high
open hole to over 300 mm and fit insert plate stress concentration or
fatigue is to be approved
by the Classification
Other Society.
open hole to over 300 mm and fit insert plate

Or fit lap plate

t1 = t2 L = 50 mm, min

Holes made erroneously D Ӌ 200 Strength member

mm open hole and fit insert plate

Other
open hole to over 300 mm and fit insert plate
Or fit lap plate

t1 = t2 L = 50 mm, min

68 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.12 – Remedial by Insert Plate

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Remedial by insert plate

L = 300 mm minimum

B = 300 mm minimum

R = 5t mm
100mm minimum

(1) seam with insert piece is to be welded

first

(2) original seam is to be released and

welded over for a minimum of 100 mm.

Remedial of built section by insert plate

L min t 300 mm

Welding sequence
(1) o(2) o(3) o(4)

Web butt weld scallop to be filled during

final pass (4)

Guide for Welding 2014 69

Appendix 1

TABLE 9.13 – Weld Surface Remedial

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Weld spatter 1. Remove spatter observed before In principle, no grinding is

blasting with scraper or chipping applied to weld surface.
hammer, etc.

2. For spatter observed after blasting:

a) Remove with a chipping hammer,
scraper, etc.
b) For spatter not easily removed with
a chipping hammer, scraper, etc.,
grind the sharp angle of spatter to
make it obtuse.

Arc strike Remove the hardened zone by grinding Minimum short bead to be
(HT steel, Cast steel, Grade E of mild or other measures such as overlapped weld referred Table 9.14
steel, TMCP type HT steel, Low temp bead etc.
steel)

70 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

TABLE 9.14 – Welding Remedial by Short Bead

Detail Remedial standard Remarks

Short bead for remedying scar (scratch) a) HT steel, Cast steel, TMCP type HT Preheating is necessary at
steel (Ceq ! 0.36%) and Low temp 100 ± 25°C
steel (Ceq ! 0.36%)

Length of short bead t 50 mm

b) Grade E of mild steel

Length of short bead t 30 mm

c) TMCP type HT steel (Ceq d 0.36%)

and Low temp steel (Ceq d 0.36%)

Length of short bead t 10 mm

Remedying weld bead a) HT steel, Cast steel, TMCP type HT

steel (Ceq ! 0.36%) and Low temp
steel (Ceq ! 0.36%)

Length of short bead t 50 mm

b) Grade E of mild steel

Length of short bead t 30 mm

c) TMCP type HT steel (Ceq d 0.36%)

and Low temp steel (Ceq d 0.36%)

Length of short bead t 30 mm

NOTE:

1. When short bead is made erroneously, remove the bead by grinding.

Mn Cr  Mo  V Ni  Cu
2. Ceq C    %
6 5 15

Guide for Welding 2014 71

Appendix 1

No. Part B
47
Repair Quality Standard for Existing Ships

72 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Part B - Shipbuilding and Repair Quality Standard for Existing Ships

CONTENTS:

1. Scope

2. General requirements to repairs and repairers

3. Qualification of personnel

3.1 Qualification of welders

3.2 Qualification of welding procedures
3.3 Qualification of NDE operators

4. Materials

4.1 General requirements to materials

4.2 Equivalency of material grades

5. General requirements to welding

5.1 Correlation of welding consumables to hull structural steels

5.2 General requirements to preheating and drying out
5.3 Dry welding on hull plating below the waterline of vessels afloat

6. Repair quality standard

6.1 Welding, general

6.2 Renewal of plates
6.3 Doubler on plates
6.4 Renewal of internals/stiffeners
6.5 Renewal of internals/stiffeners - transitions inverted angles/bulb profiles
6.6 Application of Doubling Straps
6.7 Welding of pitting corrosion
6.8 Welding repairs of cracks
6.9 Grinding of shallow cracks

REFERENCES
1. IACS “Bulk Carriers - Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structure”
2. TSCF “Guidelines for the inspection and maintenance of double hull tanker structures”
3. TSCF “Guidance manual for the inspection and condition assessment of tanker
structures”
4. IACS UR W 11 “Normal and higher strength hull structural steels”
5. IACS UR W 13 “Thickness tolerances of steel plates and wide flats”
6. IACS UR W 17 “Approval of consumables for welding normal and higher strength hull
structural steels”
7. IACS Z 10.1 “Hull surveys of oil tankers” and Z 10.2 “Hull surveys of bulk carriers” Table
IV
8. IACS UR Z 13 “Voyage repairs and maintenance”
9. IACS Recommendation 12 “Guidelines for surface finish of hot rolled steel plates and
wide flats”
10. IACS Recommendation 20 “Non-destructive testing of ship hull steel welds”

Guide for Welding 2014 73

Appendix 1

1. Scope

1.1 This standard provides guidance on quality of repair of hull structures. The standard
covers permanent repairs of existing ships.

Whereas the standard generally applies to

- conventional ship types,

- parts of hull covered by the rules of the Classification Society,

- hull structures constructed from normal and higher strength hull structural steel, the
applicability of the standard is in each case to be agreed upon by the Classification
Society.

The standard does generally not apply to repair of

- special types of ships as e.g. gas tankers

- structures fabricated from stainless steel or other, special types or grades of steel

1.2 The standard covers typical repair methods and gives guidance on quality standard on
the most important aspects of such repairs. Unless explicitly stated elsewhere in the
standard, the level of workmanship reflected herein will in principle be acceptable for primary
and secondary structure of conventional design. A more stringent standard may however be
required for critical and highly stressed areas of the hull, and is to be agreed with the
Classification Society in each case. In assessing the criticality of hull structure and structural
components, reference is made to ref. 1, 2 and 3.

1.3 Restoration of structure to the original standard may not constitute durable repairs of
damages originating from insufficient strength or inadequate detail design. In such cases
strengthening or improvements beyond the original design may be required. Such
improvements are not covered by this standard, however it is referred to ref. 1, 2 and 3.

74 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

2. General requirements for repairs and repairers

2.1 In general, when hull structure covered by classification is to be subjected to repairs, the
work is to be carried out under the supervision of the Surveyor to the Classification Society.
Such repairs are to be agreed prior to commencement of the work.

2.2 Repairs are to be carried out by workshops, repair yards or personnel who have
demonstrated their capability to carry out hull repairs of adequate quality in accordance with
the Classification Society’s requirements and this standard.

2.3 Repairs are to be carried out under working conditions that facilitate sound repairs.
Provisions are to be made for proper accessibility, staging, lighting and ventilation. Welding
operations are to be carried out under shelter from rain, snow and wind.

2.4 Welding of hull structures is to be carried out by qualified welders, according to approved
and qualified welding procedures and with welding consumables approved by the
Classification Society, see Section 3. Welding operations are to be carried out under proper
supervision of the repair yard.

2.5 Where repairs to hull which affect or may affect classification are intended to be carried
out during a voyage, complete repair procedure including the extent and sequence of repair is
to be submitted to and agreed upon by the Surveyor to the Classification Society reasonably
in advance of the repairs. See Ref. 8.

Guide for Welding 2014 75

Appendix 1

3. Qualification of personnel

3.1 Qualification of welders

3.1.1 Welders are to be qualified in accordance with the procedures of the Classification
Society or to a recognised national or international standard, e.g. EN 287, ISO 9606, ASME
Section IX, ANSI/AWS D1.1. Recognition of other standards is subject to submission to the
Classification Society for evaluation. Repair yards and workshops are to keep records of
welders qualification and, when required, furnish valid approval test certificates.

3.1.2 Welding operators using fully mechanised of fully automatic processes need generally
not pass approval testing, provided that production welds made by the operators are of the
required quality. However, operators are to receive adequate training in setting or
programming and operating the equipment. Records of training and production test results
shall be maintained on individual operator’s files and records, and be made available to the
Classification Society for inspection when requested.

3.2 Qualification of welding procedures

Welding procedures are to be qualified in accordance with the procedures of the

Classification Society or a recognised national or international standard, e.g. EN288, ISO
9956, ASME Section IX, ANSI/AWS D1.1. Recognition of other standards is subject to
submission to the Classification Society for evaluation. The welding procedure should be
supported by a welding procedure qualification record. The specification is to include the
welding process, types of electrodes, weld shape, edge preparation, welding techniques and
positions.

3.3 Qualification of NDE operators

3.3.1 Personnel performing non destructive examination for the purpose of assessing quality
of welds in connection with repairs covered by this standard, are to be qualified in accordance
with the Classification Society rules or to a recognised international or national qualification
scheme. Records of operators and their current certificates are to be kept and made available
to the Surveyor for inspection.

76 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

4. Materials

4.1 General requirements for materials

4.1.1 The requirements for materials used in repairs are in general the same as the
requirements for materials specified in the Classification Society’s rules for new
constructions, (ref. 5).

4.1.2 Replacement material is in general to be of the same grade as the original approved
material. Alternatively, material grades complying with recognised national or international
standards may be accepted by the Classification Societies provided such standards give
equivalence to the requirements of the original grade or are agreed by the Classification
Society. For assessment of equivalency between steel grades, the general requirements and
guidelines in Section 4.2 apply.

4.1.3 Higher tensile steel is not to be replaced by steel of a lesser strength unless specially
approved by the Classification Society.

4.1.4 Normal and higher strength hull structural steels are to be manufactured at works
approved by the Classification Society for the type and grade being supplied.

4.1.5 Materials used in repairs are to be certified by the Classification Society applying the
procedures and requirements in the rules for new constructions. In special cases, and
normally limited to small quantities, materials may be accepted on the basis of alternative
procedures for verification of the material’s properties. Such procedures are subject to
agreement by the Classification Society in each separate case.

4.2 Equivalency of material grades

4.2.1 Assessment of equivalency between material grades should at least include the
following aspects;

- heat treatment/delivery condition

- chemical composition

- mechanical properties

- tolerances

4.2.2 When assessing the equivalence between grades of normal or higher strength hull
structural steels up to and including grade E40 in thickness limited to 50 mm, the general
requirements in Table 4.1 apply.

4.2.3 Guidance on selection of steel grades to certain recognised standards equivalent to hull
structural steel grades specified in Classification Societies’ rules is given in Table 4.2

Guide for Welding 2014 77

Appendix 1

Items to be Requirements Comments

considered
Chemical - C; equal or lower The sum of the elements, e.g. Cu, Ni,
composition - P and S; equal or lower Cr and Mo should not exceed 0.8%
- Mn; approximately the same but
not exceeding 1.6%
- Fine grain elements; in same
amount
- Detoxidation practice
Mechanical - Tensile strength; equal or higher Actual yield strength should not
properties Yield strength; equal or higher exceed Classification Society Rule
- Elongation; equal or higher minimum requirements by more than
- Impact energy; equal or higher at 80 N/mm2
same or lower temperature,
where applicable
Condition of Same or better Heat treatment in increasing order;
supply - as rolled (AR)
- controlled rolled (CR)
- normalised (N)
- thermo-mechanically rolled (TM)1)
- quenched and tempered (QT)1)
1)
TM- and QT-steels are not
suitable for hot forming
Tolerances - Same or stricter Permissable under thickness
tolerances;
- plates: 0.3 mm
- sections: according to recognised
standards

Table 4.1 Minimum extent and requirements to assessment of equivalency between

normal or higher strength hull structual steel grades

78 Guide for Welding 2014

 Steel grades according to Classification Societies’ rules (ref. 5) Comparable steel grades

Guide for Welding 2014

Grade Yield Tensile Elongation Average impact ISO EN ASTM JIS
stress strength energy 630-80
R eH Rm A5 Temp. J, min. 4950/2/3/ EN 10025-93 A 131 G 3106
min. min. 1981 EN 10113-93
O
N/mm2 N/mm2 % C L T
A +20 - - Fe 360B S235JRG2 A SM41B
B 235 400-502 22 0 27 20 Fe 360C S235J0 B SM41B
D -20 27 20 Fe 360D S235J2G3 D (SM41C)
E -40 27 20 - S275NL/ML E -
A 27 0 Fe 430C S275J0G3 - -
D 27 265 400-530 22 -20 27 20 Fe 430D S275N/M - -
E 27 -40 - S275NL/ML - -
A 32 0 - - AH32 SM50B
D 32 315 440-590 22 -20 31 22 - - DH32 (SM50C)
E 32 -40 - - EH32 -
A 36 0 Fe 510C S355N/M AH36 SM53B
D 36 355 490-620 21 -20 34 24 Fe 510D S355N/M DH36 (SM53C)
E 36 -40 E355E S355NL/ML EH36 -
A 40 0 E390CC S420N/M AH40 (SM58)
D 40 390 510-650 20 -20 41 27 E390DD S420N/M DH40 -
E 40 -40 E390E S420NL/ML EH40 -

Note: In selecting comparitable steels from this table, attention should be given to the requirements of Table 4.1 and the dimension
requirements of the product with respect to Classification Sociey rules.

Table 4.2 Guidance on steel grades comparable to the normal and high strength hull structural steel grades given in Classification
Society rules

79
Appendix 1
Appendix 1

5. General requirements to welding

5.1 Correlation of welding consumables with hull structural steels

5.1.1 For the different hull structural steel grades welding consumables are to be selected in
accordance with IACS UR W17 (see Ref.6).

5.2 General requirements to preheating and drying out

5.2.1 The need for preheating is to be determined based on the chemical composition of the
materials, welding process and procedure and degree of joint restraint.

5.2.2 A minimum preheat of 50o C is to be applied when ambient temperature is below 0° C.

Dryness of the welding zone is in all cases to be ensured.

5.2.3 Guidance on recommended minimum preheating temperature for higher strength steel
is given in Table 5.1. For automatic welding processes utilising higher heat input e.g.
submerged arc welding, the temperatures may be reduced by 50o C. For re-welding or repair
of welds, the stipulated values are to be increased by 25o C.

Carbon equivalent 1) Recommended minimum preheat temperature (O C)

t comb ”PP2) 50 mm < t comb ”PP2) t comb > 70 mm 2)

&HT” - - 50

CeT” - - 75

&HT” - 50 100

&HT” 50 100 125

&HT” 100 125 150

&HT” 125 150 175

Table 5.1 Preheating temperature

5.3 Dry welding on hull plating below the waterline of vessels afloat

5.3.1 Welding on hull plating below the waterline of vessels afloat is acceptable only on
normal and higher strength steels with specified yield strength not exceeding 355 MPa and
only for local repairs. Welding involving other high strength steels or more extensive repairs
against water backing is subject to special consideration and approval by the Classification
Society of the welding procedure.

5.3.2 Low-hydrogen electrodes or welding processes are to be used when welding on hull
plating against water backing. Coated low-hydrogen electrodes used for manual metal arc
welding should be properly conditioned to ensure a minimum of moisture content.

5.3.3 In order to ensure dryness and to reduce the cooling rate, the structure is to be
preheated by a torch or similar prior to welding, to a temperature of minimum 5o C or as
specified in the welding procedure.

80 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

Notes:

1) Mn Cr  Mo  V Ni  Cu
Ceq C   (%)
6 5 15

2)
Combined thickness t comb = t 1 +t 2 +t 3 +t 4 , see figure

Guide for Welding 2014 81

Appendix 1

6. Repair quality standard

6.1 Welding, general

Fig 6.1 Groove roughness

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Material Grade Same as original or See Section 4

higher
Welding IACS UR W17 Approval according
Consumables (ref. 6) to equivalent
international
standard
Groove / Roughness See note and Fig 6.1 d < 1.5 mm Grind smooth
Pre-Heating See Table 5.1 Steel temperature
not lower than 5oC
Welding with water See Section 5.3 Acceptable for - Moisture to be
on the outside normal and high removed by a
strength steels heating torch
Alignment As for new
construction
Weld Finish IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)
NDE IACS At random with
Recommendation 20 extent to be agreed
(ref. 10) with attending
surveyors

Note:

Slag, grease, loose mill scale, rust and paint, other than primer, to be removed.

82 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.2 Renewal of plates

Fig 6.2 Welding sequence for inserts

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Size Insert Min. 300 x 300 mm Min. 200 x 200 mm

R = 5 x thickness Min R = 100 mm
Circular inserts:
D min = 200 mm
Marterial Grade Same as original or See Section 4.
higher
Edge Preparation As for new In case of non
construction compliance increase
the amount of NDE
Welding Sequence See Fig 6.2 For primary members
Weld sequence is sequence 1 and 2
1 2 3 4 transverse to the
main stress direction
Alignment As for new
construction
Weld Finish IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)
NDE IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)

Guide for Welding 2014 83

Appendix 1

6.3 Doublers on plating

Local doublers are normally only allowed as temporary repairs, except as original
compensation for openings, within the main hull structure.

Fig 6.3 Doublers on plates

Item Standard Limit Remarks
Existing Plating *HQHUDOW•PP For areas where
existing plating is
less than 5 mm
plating a permanent
repair by insert is to
be carried out.
Extent / Size Rounded off corners. min 300 x 300 mm
5•PP
Thickness of Doubler WG”WS td > tp/3
(td) (tp = original
thickness of existing
plating)
Material Grade Same as original See Section 4
plate
Edge Preparation As for [newbuidling] Doublers welded on
new construction primary strength
members: (Le: leg
length)
when t > Le + 5 mm,
the edge to be
tapered (1:4)
Welding As for [newbuidling] Welding sequence
new construction similar to insert
plates.
Weld Size (throat Circumferencial and
thicknesss) in slots: 0.6 x td
Slot Welding Normal size of slot: Max pitch between For doubler extended
(80-100) x 2 td slots 200 mm over several
supporting elements,
Distance from dmax = 500 mm see Figure 6.3
doubler edge and
between slots:
G”WG
NDE IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)

84 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.4 Renewal of internals/stiffeners

Fig 6.4 Welding sequence for inserts of stiffeners

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Size Insert Min. 300 mm Min. 200 mm

Marterial Grade Same as original or See Section 4.

higher
Edge Preparation As for new
construction.
Fillet weld stiffener
web / plate to be
released over min.
d = 150 mm
Welding Sequence See Fig 6.4
Welding sequence is
1 2 3
Alignment As for new
construction
Weld Finish IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)
NDE IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)

Guide for Welding 2014 85

Appendix 1

6.5 Renewal of internals/stiffeners – transitions inverted angle/bulb profile

The application of the transition is allowed for secondary structural elements.

Fig 6.5 Transition between inverted angle and bulb profile

Item Standard Limit Remarks

(h 1 - h 2 ) ”[E

t1  t 2 2 mm Without tapering
transition.
Transition Angle 15 degrees At any arbitrary
section
Flanges tf = tf 2
bf = bf 2
Length of Flatbar 4 x h1

Material See Section 4.

86 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.6 Application of Doubling Straps

In certain instances, doubling straps are used as a means to strengthen and reinforce primary
structure. Where this has been agreed and approved, particular attention should be paid to:
- the end termination points of the straps, so that toe support is such that no isolated hard
point occurs.
- in the case of application of symmetrical or asymmetrical-ended straps, the corners at
the end of the tapering should be properly rounded.
- any butts between lengths of doubling straps, so that there is adequate separation of
the butt weld from the primary structure below during welding, and so that a high quality
root run under controlled circumstances is completed prior to completing the remainder
of the weld. Ultrasonic testing should be carried out on completion to verify full
penetration.

Fig 6.6 Application of Doubling Straps

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Tapering l/b>3 Special consideration

to be drawn to design
Radius 0.1 x b min 30 mm of strap terminations
in fatigue sensitive
areas.
Material See paragraph 2.0
General requirement
to materials.
Weld Size Depending on
number and function
of straps.
Throat thickness to
be increased 15 %
toward ends.
Welding Welding sequence See sketch. For
from middle towards welding of lengths >
the free ends 1000 mm step
welding to be
applied.

Guide for Welding 2014 87

Appendix 1

6.7 Welding of pitting corrosion

Notes:

Shallow pits may be filled by applying coating or pit filler. Pits can be defined as shallow when
their depth is less that 1/3 of the original plate thickness.

Fig 6.7 Welding of pits

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Extent / Depth Pits / grooves are to If deep pits or See also IACS
be welded flush with grooves are clustered Recommendation 12
the original surface. together or remaining (ref. 9)
thickness is less than
6 mm, the plates
should be renewed.
Cleaning Heavy rust to be
removed
Pre-Heating See Table 5.1 Required when Always use propane
ambient temperature torch or similar to
< 5oC remove any moisture
Welding Sequence Reverse direction for See also IACS
each layer Recommendation 12
(ref. 9)
Weld Finish IACS
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)
NDE IACS Min. 10% extent Preferably MPI
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)

Reference is made to TSCF Guidelines, Ref. 2 & 3.

88 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.8 Welding repairs for cracks

Fig 6.8.a Step back technique

Fig 6.8.b End crack termination

Fig 6.8.c Welding sequence for cracks with length less than 300 mm

Fig 6.8.d Groove preparation (U-groove left and V-groove right)

Guide for Welding 2014 89

Appendix 1

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Groove Preparation T = 45-60o For through plate

r = 5 mm cracks as for
newbuilding. Also
see Fig 6.8.d
Termination Termination to have For cracks ending on
slope 1:3 edges weld to be
terminated on a tab
see Fig 6.8.b
Extent On plate max. 400 On plate max 500 mm.
mm length. Vee out Linear crack, not
50 mm past end of branched
crack
Welding Sequence See Fig 6.8.c for For cracks longer than Always use low
sequence and 300 mm step-back hydrogen welding
direction technique should be consumables
used Fig 6.8.a
Weld Finish IACS
Recommendation
20 (ref. 10)
NDE IACS 100 % MP or PE of 100 % surface crack
Recommendation groove detection + UE or RE
20 (ref. 10) for butt joints

90 Guide for Welding 2014

 Appendix 1

6.9 Grinding of shallow cracks

Fig 6.9 Grinding

Item Standard Limit Remarks

Extent For short cracks only Max. length See also IACS
max. 4 t 100 mm Recommendation 12,
t = plate thickness (ref. 9)
Grinding Direction Final grinding Grinding always to be
microgrooves parallel finished by a rotating
to main stress burr and not a disk
direction grinder
Grinding Depth Max. 0.2 t Always smooth
t = Plate thickness transition
NDE IACS 100 % MPI
Recommendation 20
(ref. 10)

End of Part B,
End of Document

Guide for Welding 2014 91