Preface 

This is the third edition of CSA W59.2, Welded aluminum construction . It supersedes the previous editions published in 2018 and 1991 and CSA 5244-1969, Welded Design and Workmanship (Inert Gas Shielded Arc Processes), which was replaced by the 1991 edition. This edition represents the continuous improvement of the Standard in both format and content. The following are the major changes to this edition: a) Clause 5 includes clarification of weld acceptance criteria for cyclically loaded structures; and b) Clause 8 has been updated to provide additional clarification related to radiographic inspection of welds. This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Welding of Bridges, Buildings, and Machinery and the Offshore Welding Task Group, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Construction and Civil Infrastructure, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. 

Scope 

1.1 This Standard specifies the requirements for all types of welded aluminum construction with the exception of those types listed in Clause 1.2. Common requirements that are essential to all structures, including statically loaded structures and cyclically loaded structures, are included in this Standard. 

1.2 This Standard is not intended to apply to pressure vessels or to structures governed by special codes, such as those of the American Petroleum Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or the American Water Works Association. 

1.3 This Standard includes provisions for the following: a) gas metal arc welding (GMAW); b) gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW); c) plasma arc welding (PAW); d) friction stir welding (FSW); and e) stud welding (SW) by arc and capacitor discharge processes. 

1.4 This Standard applies to the welding of base metals 2 mm (1/16 in) and thicker. 

1.5 This Standard does not address safety problems associated with welding and welding practices. Note: CSA W117.2 addresses safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes, and should be followed in addition to any applicable workplace health and safety legislation in effect. It is the responsibility of the user of this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 

1.6 This Standard does not address underwater welding activities. 

1.7 In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application. 1.8 The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.