NDE Requirements Lookup
Determine which nondestructive examination methods are required for your weld joint per AWS D1.1:2025 Clause 8. Select your joint configuration and loading condition to see the applicable NDE methods, acceptance criteria clauses, and UT indication classes.
Use this NDE lookup to organize inspection-method decisions before reading the detailed acceptance criteria. It helps separate visual inspection, surface methods, volumetric methods, and contract-specified testing so a reviewer can move from joint context to the most relevant inspection reference.
Built on AWS D1.1:2025 Clause 8 — inspection requirements traced to the table.
Table 8.2 / 8.3 — UT Indication Classes
Look up the UT acceptance-rejection indication rating for your weld. Class A = reject. Class D = accept. Classes B and C depend on discontinuity length per the notes below the table.
Per AWS D1.1:2025 Clause 8.9: “All welds shall be visually inspected and shall be acceptable if the criteria of Table 8.1, or Table 10.14 (if tubular) are satisfied.”
Time of inspection, per AWS D1.1:2025 Table 8.1, item (5): “Visual inspection of welds in all steels may begin immediately after the completed welds have cooled to ambient temperature. Acceptance criteria for ASTM A514, A517, and A709 Grade HPS 100W [HPS 690W] steels shall be based on visual inspection performed not less than 48 hours after completion of the weld.”
How D1.1 Specifies Inspection
AWS D1.1:2025 Clause 8 organizes inspection into seven parts. Part A (General Requirements) establishes inspector qualifications and responsibilities. Part B covers contractor obligations. Part C defines acceptance criteria for visual inspection (Table 8.1), UT (Tables 8.2 and 8.3), and RT (Clause 8.12). Part D (NDT Procedures) includes the MT and PT procedures (8.14.4 and 8.14.5); Part E covers RT, Part F covers UT of groove welds, and Part G covers other examination methods.
Required on all welds per Clause 8.9. Acceptance criteria in Table 8.1 cover cracks, fusion, crater cross-section, weld profiles, undersize, undercut, and porosity. Statically and cyclically loaded connections have different criteria.
Uses X-rays or gamma rays per Clause 8.12. Produces permanent film record. RT acceptance criteria differ for static (8.12.1) and cyclic (8.12.2) loading. IQI requirements in Tables 8.4 and 8.5.
Sound wave testing per Clause 8.13. Acceptance criteria in Table 8.2 (static + cyclic compression) and Table 8.3 (cyclic tension). Four severity classes (A-D) with indication ratings by weld size and search angle.
Magnetic particle (MT) and penetrant (PT) testing per Clause 8.10. Detect surface and near-surface flaws. MT is for ferromagnetic materials only. Both use Table 8.1 acceptance criteria. See the dedicated MT for welds reference.
Continue Your Compliance Check
NDE Requirements FAQ
D1.1:2025 requires visual inspection (VT) on all welds per Clause 8.9. When NDT other than visual — RT, UT, MT, or PT — is to be required, Clause 8.1.1 requires it to be stated in the information furnished to the bidders. That information designates the categories of welds to be examined, the extent of examination of each category, and the method or methods of testing.
Radiographic testing (RT) uses X-rays or gamma rays to create a permanent film record of internal discontinuities. Ultrasonic testing (UT) uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws. RT provides a permanent record but has thickness limitations. UT is faster, portable, and works on thicker materials. D1.1 provides acceptance criteria for RT in Clause 8.12 and for UT in Clause 8.13 with Tables 8.2 and 8.3.
Magnetic particle testing (MT) and penetrant testing (PT) detect surface and near-surface discontinuities per D1.1 Clause 8.10. MT works only on ferromagnetic materials. PT works on any material. Both use the acceptance criteria in Table 8.1. When MT or PT is to be required, it is stated in the information furnished to the bidders per Clause 8.1.1.
Table 8.2?Table 8.2 provides UT acceptance-rejection criteria for statically loaded nontubular connections and cyclically loaded connections in compression. It uses four discontinuity severity classes (A through D) with indication ratings that vary by weld size, search unit angle (70, 60, or 45 degrees), and material thickness. Class A indications are rejected regardless of length. Class D indications are accepted regardless of length or location.
AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 (current edition)