Girth Weld

A girth weld is the circumferential weld that joins two lengths of pipe end-to-end during construction, and because it is a discrete manufactured joint rather than continuous pipe body, it carries its own distinct population of potential defects - incomplete fusion, porosity, cracking - that inspection programs track separately from general corrosion. Girth welds are a recurring focus of both in-line inspection and direct examination because a population of welds from the same construction period or contractor can share a systematic defect if welding procedures or quality control were inconsistent at the time.