Since the first edition of this book was published, most developments in welding construction have been within the quality assurance element of the process rather than in welding technology itself. The continuous pressures from worldwide clients seeking better reliability from welded structures has focused much attention on to quality. The quality characteristic has a significant effect on safety and economy, and the never ending attention to cost effectiveness requires continuous attention to quality control and quality assurance. New materials, faster welding methods and the needs of economic design mean that such objectives must be carefully studied during the planning and execution of welded work. Quality Assurance in Welded Construction covers the essential aspects of the area, and is suitable for civil and structural engineering designers, welding engineers, manufacturing managers, inspectors and QA personnal. Included in the book are features and illustrations relating to defects in welded construction, a summary of essential data, and a substantial amount of information to assistin the task of getting welded structures right first time.

In addition to quality control (QC), this book introduces the concept of quality assurance (QA). Quality assurance has a number of definitions, but in general is the combination of the quality assurance plan with procedures through which the quality control inspector can inspect in the field. The book is arranged in categories so that is can be used in handbook fashion; each section stands independent of the others. The arrangement of the major portion of the book is organized in the same format as we usually find in building construction specification, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) format.