AWS D1.3 — Codice di Saldatura Strutturale for Sheet Steel
AWS D1.3 è il codice di saldatura strutturale per lamiere d'acciaio e elementi formati a freddo di spessore pari o inferiore a 3/16 di pollice (5 mm). Copre cinque processi di saldatura ad arco — GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW e SAW — per connessioni di piccolo spessore in sistemi di costruzione metallici leggeri e telai in acciaio formati a freddo.
Trasferimento a corto circuito consentito: D1.3 consente esplicitamente il trasferimento a corto circuito GMAW per tutte le applicazioni su lamiera d'acciaio. Questa è la differenza di processo più significativa rispetto a D1.1, che esclude il GMAW-S dalle WPS prequalificate.
Cos'è AWS D1.3?
AWS D1.3 disciplina la saldatura strutturale di lamiere d'acciaio con spessore inferiore a 3/16 di pollice (5 mm). Affronta le sfide uniche dei materiali sottili: prevenzione del Perforazione, controllo della distorsione e connessioni lamiera-struttura. D1.3 consente esplicitamente il trasferimento a corto circuito GMAW (GMAW-S), che D1.1 non prequalifica.
AWS D1.3/D1.3M — Codice di Saldatura Strutturale — Lamiera d'Acciaio — copre i requisiti di saldatura ad arco per lamiere d'acciaio strutturali ed elementi formati a freddo dove la parte connessa più sottile è di 3/16 di pollice (5 mm) o meno. Il codice si applica a lamiere d'acciaio con un carico di snervamento minimo specificato fino a 80 ksi (550 MPa), inclusi sia l'acciaio nudo che quello zincato. D1.3 copre anche le sezioni strutturali cave (HSS) con spessore di parete inferiore a 1/8 di pollice (3 mm). Si applica alle lamiere d'acciaio utilizzate in sistemi di costruzione metallici leggeri, telai in acciaio formati a freddo, attacchi per coperture metalliche, supporti per facciate continue e applicazioni strutturali simili dove i materiali sottili governano la progettazione del giunto.
The code addresses the unique challenges of Saldatura thin sheet steel. Unlike structural plate covered by D1.1, sheet steel is susceptible to burn-through from excessive Apporto Termico, severe distortion from welding-induced residual stresses, and sheet-edge melting that reduces effective throat Spessore. The welding parameters, joint designs, and Accettazione criteria in D1.3 are specifically calibrated for thin material behavior rather than simply scaling down D1.1 Requisiti.
D1.3 stabilisce il confine tra la saldatura di lamiere d'acciaio e l'acciaio strutturale a 3/16 di pollice (5 mm), che corrisponde a circa 7 gauge. I materiali più spessi di questo confine rientrano in D1.1 per applicazioni strutturali generali o D1.8 (che integra D1.1) per applicazioni sismiche. Quando un elemento in lamiera d'acciaio è saldato a un elemento strutturale che supera i 3/16 di pollice, l'Annex A normativo fornisce un riferimento incrociato clausola per clausola che regola quale codice si applica a ciascun aspetto del giunto.
Processi di Saldatura Secondo D1.3
D1.3 copre cinque processi di saldatura ad arco: Saldatura MIG/MAG (incluso il trasferimento a corto circuito), FCAW, Saldatura a Elettrodo Rivestito, GTAW e Saldatura ad Arco Sommerso. Il trasferimento a corto circuito GMAW è il processo di produzione primario per la lamiera d'acciaio perché fornisce un controllo preciso dell'Apporto Termico a basse amperaggi, riducendo il rischio di burn-through su materiale sottile.
D1.3 permits five Saldatura ad Arco processes. The scope is explicitly limited to arc welding — all five processes use an electric arc between Elettrodo and workpiece to create the Saldatura.
- Saldatura MIG/MAG (Saldatura ad Arco con Gas Metallo)
- The primary process for production sheet steel welding. D1.3 explicitly permits all GMAW transfer modes including short-circuit transfer (GMAW-S), which is the most common mode for sheet steel because it provides the lowest heat input, minimizing burn-through risk. This is a critical distinction from D1.1, which does not prequalify GMAW-S procedures. Spray transfer is generally too hot for material under 16 gauge. Pulsed spray can be used on heavier gauge material (10–7 gauge) for higher deposition rates with controlled heat input. GMAW, FCAW-G, and GTAW are restricted when wind exceeds 5 mph (8 kph) without adequate protection.
- FCAW (Saldatura ad Arco con Filo Animato)
- Used for sheet steel welding where higher deposition rates are needed or where wind conditions make gas-shielded GMAW impractical. Self-shielded FCAW (FCAW-S) eliminates the need for external shielding gas, making it suitable for field welding of metal building components and is not subject to the 5 mph wind restriction. Gas-shielded FCAW (FCAW-G) provides better mechanical properties but requires wind protection per the same limit as GMAW.
- Saldatura a Elettrodo Rivestito (Saldatura ad Arco con Metallo Protettivo)
- Permitted for sheet steel welding but requires careful technique to avoid burn-through. Small-diameter electrodes (3/32 inch) with fast travel speeds are typical. SMAW is less common than GMAW for sheet steel but remains useful for field Riparazione and small-volume work where setting up wire feed equipment is impractical.
- GTAW (Saldatura ad Arco con Gas Tungsteno)
- Provides the most precise heat control of all arc processes and is used for critical thin-gauge joints where burn-through risk is highest. GTAW is slower than GMAW but offers superior control on material under 18 gauge. Autogenous welding (no filler) is sometimes used on the thinnest sheet materials. Subject to the 5 mph wind restriction.
- Saldatura ad Arco Sommerso (SAW)
- Permitted under D1.3 for sheet steel applications where the material thickness and joint configuration can support the higher heat input. SAW is less common than GMAW for sheet steel but is used in automated production lines for heavier gauge material approaching the 3/16 inch boundary. Procedures using SAW that fall outside prequalified joint configurations require qualification by Prova under Clausola 6.
WPS Prequalificate e Qualificazione della Procedura
D1.3 Clause 5 provides prequalified WPS options for common sheet steel joints. Prequalified joint details, filler metals, and welding parameters are specified for sheet-to-sheet and sheet-to-structural connections. WPSs that fall outside prequalified Limiti require qualification by testing.
D1.3 provides a prequalified WPS path under Clause 5, similar in concept to D1.1’s prequalified system. WPSs using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, or GTAW with specific joint configurations listed in Table 5.1 are designated as prequalified and may be used without qualification testing. These prequalified joints include square-groove butt joints, fillet welds, flare-groove welds, and arc spot and arc seam weld configurations — the joint Tipi most commonly used in sheet steel construction.
Le procedure che rientrano al di fuori delle configurazioni di giunto prequalificate, utilizzano parametri al di là degli intervalli prequalificati o utilizzano Saldatura ad Arco Sommerso richiedono la qualificazione tramite test ai sensi della Clause 6. Le variabili essenziali per la riqualificazione della procedura sono definite nella Table 6.2 e coprono modifiche al Processo di Saldatura, Metallo d'Apporto, Metallo Base, posizione e parametri chiave di saldatura.
Requisiti Ambientali e Termici
D1.3 generally does not require Preriscaldo for sheet steel thicknesses. The thin material heats and cools rapidly, and the primary concern is controlling heat input to prevent burn-through and distortion rather than preventing hydrogen cracking. Temperatura Interpass limits may apply when specified.
D1.3 does not include a dedicated preheat Tabella for sheet-to-sheet connections because thin sheet steel has low Equivalente di Carbonio, rapid heat dissipation that prevents hydrogen accumulation, and minimal restraint compared to thick structural members. These characteristics make hydrogen-induced cracking extremely unlikely in sheet-to-sheet connections.
Welding is prohibited when ambient air Temperatura is below 0°F (−18°C), when Metallo Base is exposed to moisture (rain, snow), or — for GMAW, FCAW-G, and GTAW — when wind exceeds 5 mph (8 kph) without adequate protection. Freddo welding requires parameter adjustments per Clause 7.4 for arc spot, arc seam, and arc plug welds.
For mixed-thickness connections where sheet steel is welded to structural members thicker than 3/16 inch, the structural member side must receive the preheat specified by D1.1 based on its own material Categoria, hydrogen level, and thickness. The 2025 edition (7th) added Clause 7.5 to formally codify these base metal preheat and interpass temperature requirements for welding sheet steel to structural steel, differentiating groove and fillet welds from spot, seam, and plug welds. Previously this was governed by the normative Annex A cross-reference matrix.
Connessioni Lamiera-Struttura
L'Annex A (normativo) di D1.3 copre la saldatura di lamiere d'acciaio a elementi strutturali regolati da D1.1. Quando la lamiera d'acciaio si attacca all'acciaio strutturale, si applicano sia i requisiti di D1.3 che di D1.1. Il requisito di Preriscaldo segue la Table 5.11 di D1.1 in base allo Spessore dell'elemento strutturale, non allo Spessore della lamiera d'acciaio.
Uno degli aspetti più importanti dal punto di vista pratico di D1.3 è il suo trattamento delle connessioni tra elementi in lamiera d'acciaio ed elementi in acciaio strutturale. Questi giunti a spessore misto sono comuni nella costruzione di edifici metallici dove arcarecci, correnti o pannelli di copertura leggeri sono attaccati a telai, colonne o travi in acciaio strutturale.
Mixed connections are governed by the normative Annex A, which provides a clause-by-clause cross-reference table (Table A.1) specifying whether D1.3 or D1.1 requirements apply to each aspect of the joint. Prequalified WPS paths do not apply to mixed sheet-to-structural connections — both codes require Clause 6 qualification testing for these joints. The weld Dimensione on a sheet-to-structural connection is limited by the sheet steel thickness to prevent burn-through. For fillet welds, the Massimo leg size is typically the thickness of the sheet steel member.
When the structural member requires preheat, welder qualification under D1.1, or specific Metallo d'Apporto compatibility, those requirements apply to the structural member side of the joint per Annex A.
Come D1.3 si Confronta con Altri Codici Strutturali AWS
D1.3 disciplina la lamiera d'acciaio sotto i 3/16 di pollice; D1.1 disciplina l'acciaio strutturale da 1/8 di pollice in su. D1.3 consente il trasferimento a corto circuito GMAW come processo prequalificato; D1.1 richiede la qualificazione della Clause 6 per GMAW-S. D1.3 generalmente non richiede Preriscaldo; D1.1 richiede la consultazione della Table 5.11. Entrambi condividono lo stesso framework D1.x.
D1.3 vs D1.1 (Acciaio Strutturale)
D1.1 covers structural steel thicker than 3/16 inch, while D1.3 covers sheet steel at or below that threshold. D1.1 focuses on preventing hydrogen-induced cracking through preheat requirements (Table 5.11), controlling residual stress in thick sections, and ensuring adequate notch toughness. D1.3 focuses on preventing burn-through, controlling distortion, and qualifying arc spot and arc seam weld configurations that D1.1 does not cover. Both codes provide prequalified WPS options under their respective Clause 5 sections. D1.3 explicitly permits GMAW short-circuit transfer, which D1.1 excludes from prequalified WPSs — this is the most operationally significant process difference for fabricators working across both thickness ranges.
D1.3 vs D1.8 (Supplemento Sismico)
D1.8 supplements D1.1 for seismic applications and does not directly address sheet steel. However, cold-formed steel framing in seismic regions may involve both D1.3 (for the sheet steel connections) and D1.8 (for the structural steel frame). The engineer of record must specify which code governs each connection in the seismic force-resisting system. D1.8 demand-critical weld requirements do not apply to sheet steel connections unless specifically invoked by the engineer.
D1.3 vs D1.4 (Acciaio d'Armatura)
D1.4 covers welding of reinforcing steel (rebar) to structural steel. When rebar is connected to sheet steel components (rare but possible in composite deck construction), D1.3 governs the sheet steel side and D1.4 governs the rebar side.
| Aspect | D1.3 (Sheet Steel) | D1.1 (Structural) |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness range | Under 3/16 in (5 mm) | 1/8 in (3 mm) and above |
| GMAW short-circuit | Permitted (primary mode) | Requires Clause 6 qualification |
| Preheat | Generally not required | Table 5.11 lookup |
| Primary concern | Burn-through, distortion | Hydrogen cracking |
| Prequalified WPS? | Yes (Clause 5) | Yes (Clause 5) |
| Sheet-to-structural | Normative Annex A | Not covered |
Criteri di Ispezione e Accettazione
D1.3 Ispezione requirements account for thin material characteristics. Visivo acceptance criteria address sheet steel-specific discontinuities including burn-through, edge melt-through, and underfill. Radiografico and Ultrasonico testing are less common for sheet steel applications due to the thin gauge.
D1.3 acceptance criteria are tailored to the Esame Visivo challenges of thin material welds. Sheet steel welds are difficult to inspect visually because the Zona Termicamente Alterata is narrow, weld profiles are small, and burn-through can be concealed by the joint configuration. The Norma defines acceptance criteria for Dimensione Saldatura d'Angolo, Incisione Marginale depth, Porosità, Fusione Incompleta, and weld profile that are specific to thin material behavior.
Arc spot welds and arc seam welds have their own acceptance criteria based on visual appearance and, for qualification, peel testing and shear testing of sample coupons. Production quality for these configurations is verified through visual inspection and destructive testing at specified frequencies.
Guide agli Standard Correlati
Domande Frequenti
AWS D1.3 covers structural welding of sheet steel and cold-formed members with a thickness of 3/16 inch (5 mm) or less. This corresponds to approximately 7-gauge steel and thinner. D1.3 also covers hollow structural sections (HSS) with wall thickness less than 1/8 inch (3 mm). Materials with a minimum specified yield point up to 80 ksi (550 MPa) are within scope. Materials thicker than 3/16 inch fall under AWS D1.1 for structural steel or D1.8 for seismic applications.
AWS D1.3 permits five arc welding processes: SMAW (shielded metal arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), FCAW (flux-cored arc welding), GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding), and SAW (submerged arc welding). GMAW with short-circuit transfer is the most common process for sheet steel because it provides the low heat input needed to avoid burn-through on thin materials. D1.3 explicitly permits GMAW short-circuit transfer, which D1.1 excludes from prequalified WPSs.
D1.3 does not include a dedicated preheat table for sheet-to-sheet connections because thin sheet steel dissipates heat rapidly and is typically low-carbon, making hydrogen cracking unlikely. Welding is prohibited below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or when base metal is exposed to moisture. For mixed-thickness connections where sheet steel is welded to structural members thicker than 3/16 inch, Clause 7.5 (added in the 2025 edition) codifies the base metal preheat and interpass temperature requirements, requiring the structural member side to receive the preheat specified by D1.1.
AWS D1.1 covers structural steel thicker than 3/16 inch while D1.3 covers sheet steel 3/16 inch and thinner. D1.1 addresses hydrogen cracking through preheat tables (Table 5.11), while D1.3 focuses on burn-through prevention and distortion control. Both codes provide prequalified WPS options under their respective Clause 5 sections. D1.3 explicitly permits GMAW short-circuit transfer, which D1.1 excludes from prequalified WPSs. D1.3 also covers arc spot and arc seam weld configurations not addressed in D1.1.
Mixed connections between sheet steel and structural steel are governed by the normative Annex A of D1.3, which provides a clause-by-clause cross-reference matrix specifying whether D1.3 or D1.1 requirements apply to each aspect of the joint. D1.3 governs the sheet steel side while D1.1 applies to the structural member side. Prequalified WPS paths do not apply to mixed sheet-to-structural connections — both codes require Clause 6 qualification testing for these joints.