Before welding repairs are performed to repair a crack, after drilling a 3/8-inch hole at each end of the crack, what is the correct procedure for welding overlays as an emergency crack stopper?

Correct Answer: Option A — A welded overlay of trapezoidal shape shall be deposited perpendicularly at each end of the crack no closer than 1/2-inch from each drilled hole.

Welded overlays of trapezoidal shape are applied to reinforce the area around the crack-stopper holes. Maintaining a 1/2-inch distance from the hole prevents the heat-affected zone of the weld from introducing new thermal stresses or micro-cracks directly into the hole, which would compromise the effectiveness of the emergency repair.