Application

This code covers welding fabrication requirements applicable to welded highway bridges. The code is applicable to both shop and field fabrication of steel bridges and bridge components. The code is to be used in conjunction with the AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway Bridges or the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.

The code is not intended to be used for the following:

(1) Steels with a minimum specified yield strength greater than 690 MPa [100 ksi]

(2) Pressure vessels or pressure piping

(3) Base metals other than carbon or low alloy steels

(4) Structures composed of structural tubing

Fabrication of structures or components not specifically addressed by this code shall be performed in conformance with the special provisions of the contract or in conformance with the written directives of the Engineer who may choose to reference an alternate applicable welding standard.

The fundamental premise of the code is to provide general stipulations applicable to any routine bridge situation. Acceptance criteria for production welds different from those described in the code may be used for a particular application, provided they are suitably documented by the proposer and approved by the Engineer.

Such alternate acceptance criteria may be based upon evaluation of suitability for service using past experience, experimental evidence, or engineering analysis considering material type, service load effects, and environmental factors.

The term Engineer as used in this code shall mean the State Bridge Engineer, or the Bridge Engineer's designated representative. The Engineer acts on behalf of the State or Owner and unless otherwise specified, shall be the Owner's official representative. All references to acceptance or approval shall mean acceptance or approval by the Engineer.

The term Contractor as used in this code indicates the party responsible for performing the work as required by the contract documents. The term Contractor is used collectively to mean contractor, manufacturer, fabricator, erector, or other party performing the work.