Technical Basis of Material Toughness Requirements in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2

The development of new toughness requirements for carbon and low alloy steels was a major part of the effort to rewrite the ASME B&PV Code, Section VIII, Division 2. The new toughness rules in this code were established using the fracture mechanics assessment procedures in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 (Fitness-For-Service), Part 9. The major change in the toughness rules when compared to older editions of Section VIII, Division 2 (2004 and prior) and the current edition of Section VIII, Division 1 are for carbon and low alloy steel materials excluding bolting. The new toughness rules in Section VIII, Division 2 are based on a Charpy V-Notch impact requirement of 20 ft-lb (27 J) consistent with European practice and the beneficial effects of post weld heat treatment are included consistent with the procedures in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1. This paper provides a technical background to the new toughness rules including the development of material toughness requirements and the development of impact test exemption rules.