According to the AWS D1.1 code, what is the maximum specified yield strength for steel used?

The maximum specified yield strength for steel used in accordance with the AWS D1.1 code is indeed limited to 100 KSI. This stipulation is crucial because it ensures that the materials used in structural welding applications possess adequate ductility and toughness, which are essential for the performance of welded structures under various loading conditions.

Higher yield strengths, while potentially advantageous in specific situations, can lead to challenges in achieving sound welds. Materials with excessively high yield strength may not behave predictably during welding and could result in increased susceptibility to issues such as cracking and insufficient fusion. The specifications laid out in AWS D1.1 help to standardize material properties to promote the safety and reliability of welded structures.

Additionally, this maximum limit ensures that the welding processes and techniques employed are appropriate for the material properties. Ensuring compatibility between the yield strength and the welding methods allows for better control over the quality of welds produced and ultimately, the integrity of the final structure.