AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

Which type of destructive testing is most commonly used for welds?

1. Tensile testing

2. Bend testing

3. Break testing

4. Fillet break testing

The correct answer is: Bend testing

The most commonly used type of destructive testing for welds is bend testing. Bend testing evaluates the ductility and strength of the weld joint by subjecting it to bending forces. This method allows inspectors to observe any defects or weaknesses that may compromise the integrity of the weld under stress. During bend testing, a sample with a welded joint is subjected to a bending load until it reaches a specified angle or breaks. The results are assessed based on the appearance of the weld surface and the presence of any cracks or inclusions that may indicate poor quality. This test effectively simulates conditions that a welded joint might face in real-world applications, making it a vital practice in ensuring the reliability of welds. While tensile testing is also important for evaluating the strength of materials, it is less specific to welds compared to bend testing, which directly examines the quality of the welded joint under loading conditions. Other options like break testing and fillet break testing have more limited applications and may not be as widely recognized or utilized in standard welding inspection practices.