Overview
ISO 17660-2:2006 - "Welding - Welding of reinforcing steel - Part 2: Non load-bearing welded joints" sets requirements for welding non load-bearing joints in weldable and stainless reinforcing steel, for use in workshops or on-site. It covers materials, joint design and execution, welding personnel qualifications, quality requirements, examination and testing, and documentation. (Load-bearing welded joints are addressed in ISO 17660-1.)
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Applies to welded joints whose strength is not taken into account in structural design (commonly tack welds used to hold bars during fabrication, transport and concreting).
- Permitted welding processes: Typical processes listed (per ISO 4063) include manual metal arc, MAG/flux-cored arc, and resistance spot/projection welding, among others. The standard notes principles can extend to other processes.
- Materials and consumables: Requires verification of parent steel and consumable compatibility; an inspection certificate is normally required and the carbon equivalent value (CEV) must be determined or demonstrated acceptable.
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and qualification: WPSs shall follow ISO 15609‑1 or ISO 15609‑5 and be supplemented by the essential parameters in ISO 17660-2. All production procedures require prior welding procedure tests and appropriate WPQR documentation.
- Testing and acceptance: For each joint type, tensile tests are required (three tensile tests per joint type; for cross joints tests are carried out on the thinner bar). Acceptance criteria and further examination/testing rules are defined in the standard.
- Quality and personnel: Manufacturers must meet quality requirements (referencing ISO 3834‑4 as applicable). A qualified welding coordinator (per ISO 14731) with specific knowledge of reinforcing steel welding must supervise work. Welders must be trained and produce test specimens for qualification.
- Documentation: Production logs, test records and WPS/WPQRs must be maintained for traceability.
Practical applications
- Ensures consistent, auditable procedures for fabricators, precast concrete manufacturers, and site crews performing tack or positioning welds on reinforcing steel.
- Useful when refurbishing or extending concrete structures where existing bars are welded.
- Helps quality managers and inspectors set acceptance criteria and verify welding personnel qualifications and WPS conformance.
Who uses this standard
- Structural fabricators, steel reinforcement manufacturers, precast concrete producers
- Welding coordinators, quality managers and site supervisors
- Welding inspectors and third‑party certifiers
- Design engineers specifying non load-bearing welds in reinforced concrete construction
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 17660-2:2006, welding of reinforcing steel, non load-bearing welded joints, WPS, welding coordinator, tack welds, quality assurance, reinforcing steel welding.
