AWS Certified Welder Structural Steel D1.1
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for structural steel
in the D1.1 code?
A. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
B. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
C. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
D. Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is the most commonly
specified process for structural steel due to its versatility and
portability.
2. What is the maximum allowable mismatch for groove welds on
abutting members in D1.1?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/16 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 3/16 inch
D1.1 limits mismatch on groove welds to 1/16 inch to ensure
proper fit-up and weld integrity.
3. Which electrode classification is generally required for welding 70
ksi structural steel?
, A. E6010
B. E7018
C. E6011
D. E7024
E7018 electrodes provide high strength, low hydrogen, and are
commonly used for 70 ksi structural steel.
4. When performing a fillet weld, what is the minimum leg size
relative to the thickness of the thinner member?
A. Equal to the thicker member
B. Equal to the thickness of the thinner member
C. Twice the thickness of the thinner member
D. Half the thickness of the thinner member
Fillet weld size is based on the thinner member to ensure adequate
penetration without over-welding.
5. What type of inspection is required for critical welds in structural
steel according to D1.1?
A. Visual only
B. Magnetic particle only
C. Visual and nondestructive testing (NDT)
D. Radiographic only
Critical welds often require both visual inspection and additional
NDT like ultrasonic or radiographic testing.
6. The term “preheat” in D1.1 refers to:
A. Heating the weld after completion
B. Heating the base metal prior to welding
C. Keeping the electrode warm
D. Heating the filler metal before insertion
, Preheat reduces the risk of cracking by slowing the cooling rate
and lowering thermal stresses.
7. For a complete joint penetration groove weld, the weld must:
A. Cover only the top surface
B. Penetrate the full thickness of the joint
C. Be at least half the thickness of the thicker member
D. Penetrate only 1/4 of the joint thickness
Complete joint penetration welds are required to ensure full
structural strength.
8. What is the primary purpose of post-weld heat treatment
(PWHT)?
A. Make the weld look smooth
B. Relieve residual stresses and reduce cracking
C. Increase electrode life
D. Harden the weld excessively
PWHT helps to relieve residual stresses and prevent brittle
fracture.
9. Which joint configuration is most suitable for welding thick plates?
A. Square groove
B. Single-V or double-V groove
C. Lap joint
D. Fillet joint
V-groove configurations allow proper penetration and minimize
weld defects in thick materials.
10. What does the “D1.1” designation refer to in AWS
certification?
A. A welding electrode type
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for structural steel
in the D1.1 code?
A. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
B. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
C. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
D. Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is the most commonly
specified process for structural steel due to its versatility and
portability.
2. What is the maximum allowable mismatch for groove welds on
abutting members in D1.1?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/16 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 3/16 inch
D1.1 limits mismatch on groove welds to 1/16 inch to ensure
proper fit-up and weld integrity.
3. Which electrode classification is generally required for welding 70
ksi structural steel?
, A. E6010
B. E7018
C. E6011
D. E7024
E7018 electrodes provide high strength, low hydrogen, and are
commonly used for 70 ksi structural steel.
4. When performing a fillet weld, what is the minimum leg size
relative to the thickness of the thinner member?
A. Equal to the thicker member
B. Equal to the thickness of the thinner member
C. Twice the thickness of the thinner member
D. Half the thickness of the thinner member
Fillet weld size is based on the thinner member to ensure adequate
penetration without over-welding.
5. What type of inspection is required for critical welds in structural
steel according to D1.1?
A. Visual only
B. Magnetic particle only
C. Visual and nondestructive testing (NDT)
D. Radiographic only
Critical welds often require both visual inspection and additional
NDT like ultrasonic or radiographic testing.
6. The term “preheat” in D1.1 refers to:
A. Heating the weld after completion
B. Heating the base metal prior to welding
C. Keeping the electrode warm
D. Heating the filler metal before insertion
, Preheat reduces the risk of cracking by slowing the cooling rate
and lowering thermal stresses.
7. For a complete joint penetration groove weld, the weld must:
A. Cover only the top surface
B. Penetrate the full thickness of the joint
C. Be at least half the thickness of the thicker member
D. Penetrate only 1/4 of the joint thickness
Complete joint penetration welds are required to ensure full
structural strength.
8. What is the primary purpose of post-weld heat treatment
(PWHT)?
A. Make the weld look smooth
B. Relieve residual stresses and reduce cracking
C. Increase electrode life
D. Harden the weld excessively
PWHT helps to relieve residual stresses and prevent brittle
fracture.
9. Which joint configuration is most suitable for welding thick plates?
A. Square groove
B. Single-V or double-V groove
C. Lap joint
D. Fillet joint
V-groove configurations allow proper penetration and minimize
weld defects in thick materials.
10. What does the “D1.1” designation refer to in AWS
certification?
A. A welding electrode type
