What are the welding requirements for steel structures in Quebec?

Steel structure welding in Quebec is governed by CSA W59 and the RBQ requirements.

Company requirements:

• The company must be CSA W47.1 certified (Division 1 or 2)
• A certified welding supervisor must be present on site
• A quality control file must be maintained

Welder requirements:

• Qualification in the positions, processes and thicknesses actually welded — the scope of the qualification is the one the WPS and the drawing require
• The welder must be qualified for the joint type and thickness being welded
• An approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is required — the welder must follow it precisely

Joint types in structures:

• Fillet weld: Beam-column connections, gussets, connectors
• Complete Joint Penetration (CJP) weld: For critical connections, requires ultrasonic (UT) or radiographic (RT) testing
• Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) weld: Less demanding use

Welded structural assemblies are inspected by a qualified inspector (CGSB certification). The extent and rate of inspection are set by the project specification and the applicable code, according to the nature and category of the assemblies — they are not published as a single range.