Overview
ISO 17660-1:2006 - Welding of reinforcing steel - Part 1: Load-bearing welded joints specifies requirements for welding weldable and stainless reinforcing steel where the welded joints are intended to transmit design loads. The standard applies to workshop and on-site welding of load-bearing joints, including joints between reinforcing bars and other steel components (connection devices, insert anchors and prefabricated assemblies). It is limited to static loaded structures and excludes factory production of welded fabric/lattice girders using multiple spot or projection welding machines. Non load-bearing (tack) joints are covered separately in ISO 17660-2.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Load-bearing welded joints for reinforcing steel; static loads only; excludes certain factory production methods.
- Welding processes: Lists permitted processes (examples: manual metal arc 111, self‑shielded 114, GMAW/MIG‑MAG 135, FCAW 136, resistance spot 21, projection 23, flash 24, resistance butt 25, friction 42, oxy‑fuel 47) and gives common bar-diameter ranges per process.
- Joint types and design: Detailed guidance for butt, lap, strap and cross joints to achieve full load-bearing capacity; specifies joint preparation (bevels, backing, gaps) and dimensional considerations.
- Materials and properties: Requirements to ensure welds meet strength and ductility of the specific reinforcing steel used.
- Quality management: References ISO 3834‑3 and ISO 5817 quality levels; sets requirements for welding procedure specification (WPS), welding procedure qualification record (WPQR) and production weld tests.
- Personnel and certification: Requirements for welding personnel and coordinators (reference ISO 9606‑1, ISO 14731, ISO 14732).
- Inspection, testing and documentation: Production log, examination and testing of specimens, production weld tests and acceptance criteria are defined; informative annexes give WPS examples, test specimens and evaluation guidance.
- Limitations: Not for fatigue-loaded structures (fatigue strength reductions recommended where applicable) and not for fully automated multi-spot lattice production.
Practical applications and users
Who benefits from ISO 17660-1:
- Structural and civil engineers specifying welded rebar connections in reinforced concrete.
- Fabricators and on-site welding teams producing load-bearing rebar assemblies and anchors.
- Welding coordinators, QA/QC inspectors and testing laboratories establishing WPS/WPQR and acceptance criteria.
- Manufacturers of prefabricated reinforcement cages and connections integrating welded joints into designs.
Common applications:
- Welded splices, cross joints and straps in reinforced concrete elements
- Welding rebar to connection devices, insert anchors and embedded steel components
- Prefabricated reinforcement assemblies for buildings, bridges and infrastructure (static designs)
Related standards
- ISO 3834‑3 (quality requirements for fusion welding)
- ISO 5817 (fusion-welded joint quality levels)
- ISO 9606‑1 (welder approval)
- ISO 15609 / 15614 series (WPS and WPQR testing)
- ISO 15630 (test methods for reinforcing steel)
- ISO 14731 / 14732 (welding coordination and personnel)
Keywords: ISO 17660-1:2006, welding reinforcing steel, load-bearing welded joints, WPS, WPQR, rebar welding, lap joint, butt weld, welding quality, welding inspection.
