AWS B4.0:2007 CLAUSE 10. WELDABILITY TESTING
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10.9 Gapped Bead On Plate (GBOP)
Test
10.9.1 Scope
10.9.1.1 This subclause covers the Gapped Bead On
Plate (GBOP) test for susceptibility of as-welded metal
to hydrogen-assisted cracking. The standard gives the
requirements for test specimen preparation, test parame-
ters and testing procedures, but does not specify the
requirements or acceptance criteria.
10.9.1.2 Where specified, this standard is applicable
to the following:
(1) Information, specifications of acceptance, manu-
facturing quality control; and
(2) Research and development.
10.9.1.3 When this standard is used, the following
information shall be furnished:
(1) Weld procedure (process and parameters);
(2) The specific criteria used for distinguishing
cracked verses not cracked samples. For example, 50%
cracked may be used as the distinguishing level of crack-
ing to be considered “cracked”; and
(3) The specific test temperature [for example, test-
ing may start at 212°F (100°C)].
10.9.2 Normative References. The following standards
contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute mandatory provisions of this test. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced standard
shall apply. For dated references, subsequent amend-
ments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not
apply.
ASME Documents:
ASME B46.1, Surface Texture, Surface Roughness,
Waviness and Lay
10.9.3 Summary of Method. This test assesses the sus-
ceptibility of weld metal to hydrogen-assisted cracking.
A preheat temperature at which the weld metal shows
acceptable resistance to hydrogen-assisted cracking is
determined. At low temperatures hydrogen can’t easily
escape, causing a weld metal condition that is susceptible
to cracking. Conversely, at higher preheat temperatures,
there is more opportunity for the hydrogen to diffuse out,
and susceptibility to hydrogen-assisted cracking is reduced.
10.9.4 Significance. Hydrogen-assisted cracking is a
major cause for concern in weldments. Understanding of
appropriate preheat temperatures to reduce the suscepti-
bility of a weldment to such cracking can be beneficial
for both electrode comparison and determination of
appropriate welding procedures.
10.9.5 Apparatus. The apparatus consists of 2 machined
blocks that are clamped together. One of the blocks has a
machined recess though the thickness. This is illustrated
in Figure 10.9.1.
10.9.6 Specimens
10.9.6.1 Butter plates, if necessary. If plate buttering
is employed the details of the buttering procedure shall
be described in the test report. Three (3) layers is suffi-
cient to minimize the effects of base plate dilution.
10.9.6.2 Machine the test block to 4 in by 5 in by 2 in
(101 mm by 126 mm by 50 mm) thick, with a maximum
average roughness of 125 microinches (3 micrometers),
and final dimensions as shown in Figure 10.9.1.
10.9.6.3 Bake the samples at least 5 h at a minimum
of 550°F (288°C) for hydrogen removal. If there is an
oxide coating, it should be cleaned with a power brush or
equivalent prior to testing.
10.9.7 Procedure
10.9.7.1 A minimum of three samples should be
welded for each test. Preheat samples for at least 4 h to
25°F (–4°C) above the anticipated test temperature. The
sample block should be removed from the oven, then
placed in a test fixture or simply clamped together. The
samples are then tightened together and welding can be
done once the test temperature is reached. Either temper-
ature crayons or digital temperature probes are permissi-
ble for temperature measurement.
10.9.7.2 Weld across the gap a minimum of 4 in
(101 mm) total weld length. Welding parameters should
follow manufacturer’s suggested welding procedures.
10.9.7.3 After welding, the test assembly must sit a
minimum of 24 h in the test fixture or clamp.
10.9.7.4 Examination for Cracks. Penetrant testing,
heat tinting or other methods may be used to determine
the extent of cracking. One other method is to break the
test assembly and note whether it did not crack or the
degree to which it cracked based on the predetermined
testing criteria.
10.9.7.5 The samples can be re-used indefinitely, pro-
vided that they are baked out between successive tests.
This is to remove the hydrogen introduced during the
testing. This normally entails grinding away some weld
metal or machining after grinding.
10.9.7.6 If a sample cracks at a certain test tempera-
ture, the next test should be run at a higher temperature.
If the sample doesn’t show cracks at a given preheat tem-
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