Back Gouging involves removing metal from which location relative to a welded joint?

• A. The other side of the welded joint
• B. On the weld bead itself
• C. Inside the weld root
• D. Around the weld perimeter

Answer: (A)

Back gouging is done on the far side of the joint, the side opposite where the weld bead is placed. The purpose is to remove metal from the backside so the weld root can be cleaned up, any lack of fusion or excessive reinforcement at the root can be corrected, and the joint can achieve proper penetration and a sound root. This is not performed on the weld face itself, inside the root, or around the perimeter, which would be finishing or shaping in different areas.