CSA W59-13

Preface

This is the ninth edition of CSA W59, Welded steel construction (metal arc welding). It supersedes the previous editions published in 2003, 1989, 1984, 1982, 1977, 1970, 1946, and 1940.

Scope

1.1

This Standard covers welding requirements for carbon and low-alloy welded steel construction, with the exception of those types listed in Clause 1.2.

Requirements that are essentially common to all such structures are covered in Clauses 3 to 10, while provisions applying specifically to statically-loaded structures and to cyclically-loaded structures are included in Clauses 11 and 12, respectively.

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) shielded metal arc welding (SMAW);

(b) submerged arc welding (SAW);

(c) gas metal arc welding (GMAW);

(d) gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW);

(e) flux-cored arc welding (FCAW);

(f) metal-cored arc welding (MCAW);

(g) electroslag welding (ESW);

(h) electrogas welding (EGW); and

(i) stud welding (SW) processes.

1.4

The provisions of this Standard are not intended for use with steels having a specified minimum yield strength over 700 MPa (100 000 psi).

1.5

This Standard applies to the welding of base metals 3 mm (1/8 in) and thicker. In cases where base metals less than 3 mm (1/8 in) thick are to be welded to base metals 3 mm (1/8 in) and thicker, the requirements of AWS D1.3/AWS D1.3M and this Standard apply. In the case of any conflict between AWS D1.3/AWS D1.3M and this Standard, the requirements of this Standard govern.

Note: In cases where base metals less than 3 mm (1/8 in) thick are to be welded to base metals less than 3 mm (1/8 in), the requirements of AWS D1.3/AWS D1.3M may be appropriate.

1.6

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.

1.7

This Standard does not address the welding of stainless steels. For welding of stainless steel, the provisions of AWS D1.6/AWS D1.6M may be used for the design of welded connections, prequalification, fabrication, and inspection.

Note: See CSA W47.1 for guidance related to the qualification of welding personnel and welding procedures for stainless steel.

1.8

This Standard does not address underwater welding activities.

1.9

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.

1.10

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.