This welding code covers arc welding of structural sheethtrip steels, including cold formed members (hereafter collectively referred to as sheet steel) which are equal to or less than 3/16 in. (0.188 in./4.8 mm) in nominal thickness. See Annex D, Tables D1 and D2 for gage numbers and equivalent thicknesses.

Three weld types unique to sheet steel, arc spot, arc seam, and arc plug welds, are included in this code.

Applicable Materials. This code is applicable to the welding of structural sheet steels to other structural sheet steels or to supporting structural steel members.

General Stipulations. The fundamental premise of the code is to provide general stipulations applicable to any situation. Acceptance criteria for production welds different from those specified in the code shall be permitted for a particular application, provided they are suitably documented by the proposer and approved by the Engineer. These alternate acceptance criteria shall 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.

Approval. All references to the need for approval shall be interpreted to mean approval by the Engineer, defined as the duly designated person who acts for and in behalf of the owner on all matters within the scope of this code. Deviations from code requirements shall require the Engineer's approval.