If an S classification SMAW or GMAW standard welder's plate test assembly is assessed by bend testing, how many bend test specimens are required from each test assembly?

• A. Three bend test specimens.
• B. Two bend test specimens.
• C. Four bend test specimens.
• D. One bend test specimen.

Answer: (A)

When a weld is tested by bending, you need enough samples to reliably judge the weld’s ductility and detect defects that might appear in different parts of the weld zone. Three bend test specimens from each test assembly are required because this provides enough sampling to confirm consistency across the weld and catch potential issues that a single specimen might miss. If there were only one or two specimens, a defect could go unnoticed; four would be more than the standard requires and unnecessary. So three specimens give a practical, reliable check of the weld’s performance under bending for the S classification.