This Standard specifies the requirements for all types of welded aluminum construction with the exception of those types listed in Clause 1.2. Common requirements that are essential to all structures, including statically-loaded structures and cyclically-loaded structures, are included in this Standard.

This Standard is not intended to apply to pressure vessels or to structures governed by special codes such as those of the American Petroleum Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or the American Water Works Association.

This Standard includes provisions for the following:

a) gas metal arc welding (GMAW);
b) gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW);
c) plasma arc welding (PAW);
d) friction stir welding (FSW); and
e) stud welding (SW) by arc and capacitor discharge processes.

This Standard applies to the welding of base metals 2 mm (1/16 in) and thicker.

This Standard does not address safety problems associated with welding and welding practices. This Standard does not address underwater welding activities.