In April 2026, the American Welding Society (AWS) released the latest edition of the D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code — Steel, marking a significant milestone for the structural steel construction industry. This comprehensive code is widely recognized as the primary quality standard for steel welding projects in North America, governing requirements for buildings, bridges, and other welded steel structures.
The AWS D1.1 code covers critical aspects of structural steel welding including design, procedures, qualifications for welders and welding operators, fabrication, inspection, and repair of steel structures. It addresses structural steel made of tubes, plate, and structural shapes subjected to either static or cyclic loading, making it essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and quality in welding practices.
"The D1.1 Structural Welding Code is the backbone of steel construction quality in North America. This latest edition incorporates modern welding practices and updated qualification requirements that reflect the evolution of our industry over the past five years." — AWS Standards Development Committee
Key Updates in 2025-2026 Edition
The updated code includes several important changes:
- Revised Qualification Requirements: Updated procedures for qualifying welders, welding operators, and tack welders, with new Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs) requirements
- Modern Inspection Procedures: Enhanced acceptance criteria and inspection methods aligned with contemporary testing technologies
- Fatigue Stress Design Parameters: Updated design considerations for structures under cyclic loading conditions
- Specific Connections and Welds: Revised requirements for groove welds, fillet welds, and plug and slot welds
- Documentation Updates: Aligned terminology and documentation with current industry practices
Certification and Endorsement Programs
For welding professionals, the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Certification remains a highly recognized credential. Welders can earn this certification by passing a performance-based test under an AWS-certified inspector at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). The D1.1 endorsement is also available for Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs) to demonstrate specialized knowledge in structural steel welding.
The D1.1 code defines responsibilities for engineers, contractors, and inspectors, ensuring clear accountability throughout the fabrication and erection process. Visual Inspection Guides for AWS D1.1 assist inspectors in the field to check for compliance with structural welding code fabrication and welding requirements.
Industry Events and Conferences
The welding industry calendar is packed with major events in 2026. SME FUSION takes place April 13-16 in Boston, MA, followed by HANNOVER MESSE April 20-24 in Germany. TWI Global is hosting a webinar April 28 and a conference May 19-21 in the UK. Fabtech Canada 2026 runs June 9-11 in Toronto, ON, with SME FUSION Las Vegas scheduled for October 21-23.
"These events provide critical opportunities for welding professionals to stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices. The D1.1 code updates will be a key discussion topic at Fabtech Canada and SME FUSION events." — Industry Events Calendar, April 2026