A certified visual inspector is examining a completed structural steel column weld. They observe a sharp, jagged groove along the toe of the fillet weld, indicating that the base metal has been melted away and not filled by the weld metal. According to CSA W59, what is the generally accepted repair procedure for this specific defect if it exceeds allowable limits?

Question: A certified visual inspector is examining a completed structural steel column weld. They observe a sharp, jagged groove along the toe of the fillet weld, indicating that the base metal has been melted away and not filled by the weld metal. According to CSA W59, what is the generally accepted repair procedure for this specific defect if it exceeds allowable limits?

Answer options:

• Grind the affected area smooth and continue with painting. ✅ Preheat the area, remove the defective material by grinding, then re-weld and re-inspect.
• Apply a cold chisel to remove the excess material, then blend the surface.
• No repair is necessary if the column is not load-bearing.

Correct answer: Preheat the area, remove the defective material by grinding, then re-weld and re-inspect.

Explanation: The observed defect is undercut. According to CSA W59, if undercut exceeds specified limits, the standard repair procedure involves preheating (if necessary), carefully removing the defective material by grinding, re-welding the area, and then re-inspecting the repair to ensure compliance. Grinding smooth without re-welding is insufficient for structural integrity.