What is the minimum ambient temperature for welding to occur?

The minimum ambient temperature for welding, particularly when dealing with certain materials and processes, is often recognized as 0°F. This is critical because low temperatures can adversely affect the properties of the weld and the base materials. At temperatures below this threshold, the risk of brittle fracture increases, especially in high-strength steels.

In the context of the AWS D1.1 code, adherence to environmental conditions is essential for ensuring the integrity and strength of welds. While other temperatures mentioned may be referenced in specific scenarios or for certain types of materials, 0°F serves as a recognized baseline for ensuring that the welding process can occur without introducing significant compromise to the weld quality and overall joint performance. Therefore, welding at or above this temperature is crucial to achieving reliable and durable joints in steel structures.