Task 70, FY 1995, "AASHTO/AWS Bridge Welding Code Commentary" (Mr. Robert Shaw, Steel Structures Technology Center). The objective of this study is to provide a commentary, in SI units of measurement, to the ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5-95 Bridge Welding Code suitable for adoption by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures and the American Welding Society. The commentary will address, for the first time, the fracture control plan that is now part of the Code. The research will include the following steps: (1) Conduct a thorough review the D1.5-95 Bridge Welding Code to identify provisions which may require clarification or historical background for its correct interpretation. (2) Assess the recent state-of-the-art practice to determine which areas of the code are responsible for generating inquiries that suggest that commentary is needed. (3) Solicit input from fabricators, contractors, designers, shop personnel, inspectors, and owners to assess their needs for guidance and clarification. (4) Address the rationale for the difference in requirements relative to redundant and nonredundant members. (5) Using the results of Steps 1 through 4, revise and update the current AASHTO Commentary on the Bridge Welding Code to reflect the consensus and rationale for new or revised code sections, and provide a bibliography to be used for the development of the commentary. (6) Develop and submit the recommended commentary for NCHRP review and comment. (7) Submit a final report documenting the entire research effort. The commentary shall be provided as an appendix to the report and must be in a format suitable for use by practicing engineers and other users of the code. The commentary should be in a format suitable for consideration for adoption by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures. The contractor's work is complete. The recommended commentary has been referred to the Joint AASHTO/AWS Bridge Welding Committee. (NCHRP Staff: D.B. Beal)