Which of the following is a sign of excessive porosity in a weld?

Excessive porosity in a weld is indicated by the presence of small holes or voids within the welded material. Porosity occurs when gas is trapped in the weld puddle as it solidifies, leading to the formation of these voids. This can weaken the weld joint by compromising its overall integrity and is typically a result of contamination, improper welding technique, or poor shielding gas coverage during the welding process.

The presence of small holes or voids is a clear visual and physical sign that quality control measures have not been adequately met during the welding operation. Thus, identifying porosity through these small holes is essential for assessing the soundness of a weld and ensuring it meets the required standards for strength and reliability in pipeline applications.

In contrast, high tensile strength, consistent bead appearance, and strong fusion between layers would not indicate excessive porosity. In fact, these characteristics are generally associated with well-executed welds that display proper bonding and structural integrity.