Post-weld inspection is most important on major welds in structural work for what primary purpose?

• A. To verify compliance with codes and drawing requirements and ensure structural integrity.
• B. To determine welding speed and fit-up tolerance.
• C. To select filler metal for the next weld.
• D. To train new welders.

Answer: (A)

Post-weld inspection focuses on confirming that a weld meets the required codes, drawing specifications, and ultimately the structural integrity of the joint. For major welds in structural work, this is crucial because any flaw that goes unseen can compromise safety and performance under load. The inspector checks that the weld has been made to the approved welding procedure, dimensions and fit-up meet the design, and the weld shows the proper size, contour, and completeness. In critical cases, non-destructive testing may be used to reveal hidden defects that visual checks can miss. While other fabrication aspects like welding speed, fit-up tolerance, filler metal choices, or training have their roles, the primary purpose of post-weld inspection is to verify compliance with codes and drawings and to ensure the weld will reliably perform structurally.