Which AWS D1 Welding Code Do I Need?
The AWS D1 family covers structural welding, with separate codes for different base materials and project conditions. Use the selector below to jump straight to the AWS D1 title that matches your work. Only codes currently in our catalog are shown.
Compare the options
AWS D1.1/D1.1M — Structural Welding Code: Steel
The default AWS structural welding code for carbon and low-alloy steel.
- Welding requirements for structural steel
- Procedure and welder qualification within D1.1 scope
- Workmanship, inspection, and acceptance criteria
- The most-cited AWS D1 code on U.S. structural-steel work
AWS D1.2/D1.2M — Structural Welding Code: Aluminum
Structural welding code for aluminum.
- Welding requirements for aluminum structural work
- Procedure and welder qualification for aluminum
- Workmanship and inspection within the D1.2 scope
- Used when the base material is aluminum, not steel
AWS D1.8/D1.8M — Structural Welding Code: Seismic Supplement
Seismic supplement to the structural welding code for steel.
- Additional requirements for seismic applications
- Used together with D1.1, not as a replacement
- Welding-related provisions for seismic force-resisting systems
- Frequently cited on seismic-design projects
Choose by your needs
- Welding rules for carbon-steel structural work — AWS D1.1
- Welding rules for aluminum structural work — AWS D1.2
- Seismic requirements on top of D1.1 — AWS D1.1 + AWS D1.8
- A single starting code for a shop welding steel — AWS D1.1
Questions and answers
Is AWS D1.1 enough on its own?
For most structural-steel work, AWS D1.1/D1.1M is the primary reference. Projects with seismic demands typically use D1.1 together with the D1.8 seismic supplement, and aluminum work uses D1.2 instead of D1.1.
Can I substitute D1.1 for D1.2 on aluminum work?
No. D1.1 covers steel; D1.2 covers aluminum. They are separate codes with different requirements for the base material and the welding process.
Why do some buyers also need D1.8?
AWS D1.8 is a seismic supplement to D1.1. Projects with seismic force-resisting systems often require both, because D1.8 adds requirements that sit on top of D1.1.
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