the aws states that for an equivalent carbon content above 0.40% there is a potential for cracking in the heat-affected zone (haz) on flame cut edges and welds. however, structural engineering standards rarely use ce, but rather limit the maximum percentage of certain alloying elements. this practice started before the ce concept existed, so just continues to be used. this has led to issues because certain high strength steels are now being used that have a ce higher than 0.50% that have brittle failures.