Welding Procedure & Welder Qualifications (WPS / PQR / WPQR)

At AEIS, Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) development, Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) testing, and Welder Performance Qualification (WPQR) services form a critical support pillar for infrastructure fabrication and field welding across bridges, tunnels, transit systems, and industrial facilities.

We support public agencies, general contractors, fabricators, and erectors in developing, testing, and qualifying procedures and welders in full compliance with applicable codes and project specifications.

WPS – Welding Procedure Specification

AEIS develops project-specific WPSs to ensure optimal weld quality and code compliance. These are based on the welding process, material type, thickness, joint configuration, position, and more.

We prepare WPSs in accordance with:

• AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code: Steel
• AWS D1.2 – Aluminum, D1.3 – Sheet Steel, D1.4 – Reinforcing Steel
• AWS D1.5 – Bridge Welding Code, D1.6 – Stainless Steel
• AWS D1.8 – Seismic Supplement
• ASME Section IX – Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (for pressure systems)

PQR – Procedure Qualification Record

Typical PQR tests include:

• Tensile Strength (ASTM A370 / E8)
• Guided Bend Tests
• Charpy V-Notch Impact Testing (when required for fracture-critical applications)
• Macro Etch and Visual Evaluation
• Hardness Testing
• Chemical Composition (if required)

All results are documented with full traceability, signed by a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and reviewed by a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) if required.

WPQR – Welder Performance Qualification Record

We administer and witness welder performance tests, whether at the project site, in fabrication shops, or in our controlled lab environment. AEIS supports qualifications for:

• SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, SAW, and other processes
• Plate and pipe welders in all positions
• Reinforcing steel welders (AWS D1.4)
• Aluminum and stainless steel welders (D1.2, D1.6)

Upon successful completion of weld test coupons and NDT evaluation (typically Visual, Bend, and RT/UT, as applicable), we issue:

• WPQR certificates
• Wallet cards
• Continuity logs (as needed)
• All documentation compliant with AWS, ASME, or project-specific formats

Additional Capabilities

AEIS’ additional capabilities include:

• Requalification of welders for new positions or processes
• Multi-code comparison and equivalency reviews
• Third-party witness services for agency compliance
• Integration of NDT inspection (UT/RT/PT/MT) and metallurgical testing to support complete welding compliance programs