Keywords
welders
weld joint
education
training
How to Cite
Abstract
Weld joint failures remain a significant concern in the manufacturing and construction sectors, particularly in developing countries where artisanal welding dominates. This study assessed the knowledge of welding and fabrication artisans and professional welders in Ghana regarding the causes of weld joint failure. A structured questionnaire was administered to 379 respondents, capturing socio-demographic characteristics, technical knowledge across design, material selection, fabrication, and service-related domains, as well as perceived training needs and causes of weld failures. Descriptive, inferential, and regression analyses were applied to examine knowledge levels and their predictors. Findings revealed that welders demonstrated high knowledge in design, material, and fabrication domains but only moderate awareness of service-related factors. Professional welders and those with formal training exhibited significantly higher levels of knowledge than artisanal welders; however, on-the-job experience positively influenced knowledge, albeit to a lesser extent than structured training. Respondents identified poor welding techniques and a combination of factors as the primary cause of weld joint failures, and strongly endorsed the need for additional training and certification programmes. Regression analysis indicated that education, experience, formal training, and adherence to welding procedures significantly predicted overall knowledge. The study concluded that formal training and procedural compliance are critical to reducing weld failures, emphasising the need for targeted interventions, certification programmes, and continuous professional development to enhance weld quality and reliability.
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