- Effective throat thickness(r):‐ The effective throat thickness of a fillet weld is the perpendicular distance from the root to the hypotenuse jiijoining the two end of the legs. From, IS 816:1969, Table ‐2 S KS S r = =0.707 = 2 For the angle other than Right‐angle, the value of “K”.
- Warm liquids can be effective but avoid caffeinated beverages. Elevate your head. Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat.
Measuring fillet weld legs is meaningless, well… not really. Fillet weld leg sizes are very important, but simply measuring the leg of a fillet weld does not tell us if we actually achieved the desired throat dimension. The strength of a fillet weld is determined by its effective throat. As you can see in the diagram below, the effective throat of the weld extends from the hypotenuse (the hypotenuse of the largest right-triangle that can fit on the cross section of the fillet weld) to the deepest point of root penetration.
Effective wall thickness 有效厚度 effective throat thickness 焊缝有效厚度; 有效焊喉厚度; 有效焊缝厚度; 焊缝计算厚度 effective shell thickness 壳板有效厚度. Looking at the macro etch we see that the dimension of the actual throat was 0.144 inches. The leg size was about 0.330 inches so the theoretical throat is 0.707 x 0.330 = 0.233. Because our throat is 38% smaller our effective weld area is 38% less. As shown, the maximum measure throat dimension would be 0.264' based on this calculation. A proper gauge measuring the actual throat dimension should be used to assess if this criteria has been.
The depth of root penetration will vary considerably due the many essential welding variables, including welder skill and technique. Because of this, the assumption made is that we will at least achieve fusion to the root. Fusion to the root gives us our theoretical throat.
If you have worked with AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code (Steel) you are probably familiar with the requirement: “…fillet welds shall have fusion to the root, but not necessarily beyond.” Based on this structural code requirement, the welding procedures we develop for fillet welds must, at the very least, achieve root fusion every time. Why is this important?
As stated above the strength of a fillet weld is determined by the effective area of the weld. The effective area of the weld is calculated by multiplying the length by the throat (theoretical throat). The length of the weld is easy to measure, but if we are not cutting up welds and doing macro etches how can we calculate the throat (t)? To do this we employ basic algebra.
To get the throat size for an equal-leg fillet weld simply multiple the leg size (w) by the cosine of 45˚, which is 0.707. So a 0.330 leg would yield a 0.330 x 0.707 = 0.233” throat.
This is why leg sizes are called out for fillet welds. If we know the leg size, and make the assumption we are following code requirements, we know that the throat of the weld is going to be at least 0.707 times the leg size (w).
The reason for the title of this article (Fillet Weld Leg Sizes Are Meaningless) is because unless you can guarantee that root penetration was achieved you cannot be assured that the desired weld strength was met. Take a look at the weld below.
This cross-section macro etch of a fillet weld reveals that the welder was not even close to achieving root fusion. Not only that, if you pay close attention to the fusion line on the vertical plate you’ll notice that there is only fusion from the toe of the weld to just over halfway down to the root. This is represented in the image below (shown on opposite side of the joint).
You can now more easily see the drastic difference in the dimension of the actual throat which determines the strength of the weld and the theoretical throat.
Looking at the macro etch we see that the dimension of the actual throat was 0.144 inches. The leg size was about 0.330 inches so the theoretical throat is 0.707 x 0.330 = 0.233.
Because our throat is 38% smaller our effective weld area is 38% less. And since the strength of the weld is directly proportional its effective area, the maximum force this weld can sustain is 38% less than intended.
This is a perfect example of why welding procedures should be qualified. Regardless of what code or standard you are working with, qualifying your welding procedures is essential to ensure quality.
Weld Calculations
This topic is specific to welding geometry, base material strengths, weld strengths and all other welding considerations.
Weld Geometry
The weld geometry for each connection is locked by the program. In order to make the connection property inputs easier these geometries may not be altered. The geometries used are industry standard, and illustrated by the AISC.
Double Angle Shear Connection
The weld to support is illustrated in Figure 10-4c of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
The weld to beam is illustrated in Figure 10-4b of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
When axial tension is present in the beam, the weld configuration of a single vertical weld on each clip angle (at the support) is inadequate, as that weld would have to resist the tension via torsion in the weld throat. Because no adequate methodology for the torsional strength of weld exists, the program will automatically place a weld on the bottom of the clip angles as well. The capacity of the weld is then taken as double that of a single clip angle shear connection. In addition an Angle Leg Bending limit state is checked to ensure that the unsupported angle leg doesn't fail in bending due to the axial force.
When multiple Double Angle Shear Connections are grouped together (i.e. multiple connections are part of the same Connection Rule from an integrated RISA-3D model), if any connection has an axial tension in its beam for any load combination then all of the Connections in that group will receive the L-shaped weld configuration.
End-Plate Shear Connection
The weld to beam is illustrated in Figure 10-6 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
When axial tension is present in the beam, the weld configuration of a single vertical weld on each side of the end-plate is inadequate, as those weld would have to resist the tension via torsion in the weld throat. Because no adequate methodology for the torsional strength of weld exists, the program will automatically place a weld on the bottom of the plate as well.
When multiple End-Plate Shear Connections are grouped together (i.e. multiple connections are part of the same Connection Rule from an integrated RISA-3D model), if any connection has an axial tension in its beam for any load combination then all of the Connections in that group will receive the C-shaped weld configuration.
Shear Tab (Single-Plate)Connection
The weld to support is illustrated in Figure 10-11 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
Single Angle Shear Connection
Effective Throat Thickness Of A Fillet Weld Depends Upon
The weld to support is illustrated in Figure 10-13c of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
The weld to beam is illustrated in Figure 10-13b of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
Vertical Brace Connections
Vertical Brace Connections consist of a number of sub-connections:
Gusset to Brace
A fillet weld is placed along the entire perimeter of brace/gusset overlap. If an end-weld is not specified by the user then it is not included. The weld can also be specified as balanced.
Gusset to Beam, Gusset to Column
The gusset can be directly welded to the beam/column, or clip angles may be used. When clip angles are specified they are given a C-shaped weld at the beam/column in order to accommodate the significant axial forces that such connections typically experience. See the Double Angle Shear Connection topic above for more explanation on this.
Beam to Column
The beam to column connection is treated as an ordinary shear connection in the program, with one exception. When Double Clip Angle is specified the clip angles receive a C-shaped weld in order to accommodate the significant axial forces that such connections typically experience.
Welds to Face of HSS
Due to the uneven force distribution on welds which are placed on the face of HSS members, an effective weld length is used. This makes certain portions of the weld near the center of the HSS member ineffective, and they are therefore ignored. For more information on this see AISC 360-10, Section K4.
Note:
- For Clip Angle and End Plate Shear Connections with an HSS column the coefficient (Fyt/Fyptp) is always taken as 1.0 since there is no 'branch plate thickness' (tp)
Base Material Strength
Fillet Welds
The base material at the location of a weld may have less strength than the weld itself. In this case it will control the overall strength of the welded connection. In order to account for that the program uses a weld strength reduction factor (α). This factor is included in all Weld Strength calculations where the strength of the connecting element is not directly calculable. The AISC Steel Design Manual presents this as a thickness limitation, but RISAConnection has rearranged the equation to the following in order to include it as a reduction factor to the Weld Strength limit state.
D = Fillet weld leg size
Fu = Base material rupture strength
n = Number of welds at base material location. For a connector such as a shear tab that is double fillet welded (one on each side) this would be 2.
t = Base material thickness
FEXX = Electrode strength, including reduction factors specified in notes to Table 8-3 on Page 8-65 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
α is used as a strength reduction coefficient for the weld strength. This formula is a rearrangement of equation 9-2 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
Note:
- An additional 1.5 multiplier is applied to the denominator of the above equation for the flange welds on moment connections (excluding splices). This accounts for the weld's additional strength when loaded in that direction.
- AISC 360-05 and AISC Design Guide #24 both recommend that the base material strength be checked for both yield and rupture. However, this recommendation was never present in the AISC Manual, and AISC 360-10 specifically omits the requirement to check for yield. Localized yielding of base material is now considered acceptable per AISC. Therefore Fy is not considered in the calculation of α.
- The 0.6 factor on Fu is applicable regardless of the direction of force on the weld. This may lead to a significant difference between the capacity of the base material as calculated in tension (per AISC 360-10, Eqn J4-2) which uses a 1.0 factor on Fuversus the capacity as calculated in the numerator of equation for α. This accounts for the fact that base material failure at a fillet weld is always a shear failure, never a tension failure.
- The user may turn ignore this factor by un-selecting the 'Check Weld Base Mat. Thick' check box on the Solution tab of Global Project Settings.
Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) Welds
The base material proration factor (α) is calculated as shown below:
Φbase = Base Material Strength Reduction Factor per AISC 360-10, Table J2.5
Fy = Base Material Yield Strength
Φweld = Weld Material Strength Reduction Factor per AISC 360-10, Table J2.5
FEXX = Electrode strength
Elastic Weld Strength
Welds may be analyzed using an elastic force distribution or an Instantaneous Center of Rotation force distribution method. You can control which method is used through the Global Parameters.
Note:
- Out-of-Plane eccentricity from face of support is ignored for shear connections when a moment connection is also present.
Double Angle Shear Connection
The design of the weld between the angle and the column is complex due to the compression block between the two angles bearing on each other through the beam web. The AISC 14th Edition Manual offers a formula for elastic design of this weld (equation 10-1) which is derived in Blodgett's 'Design of Welded Structures' Section 5.4. This formula is used to calculate the weld strength for the double angle to support connection. Out-of-plane eccentricity is ignored.
When axial tension is present in the beam the geometry of the weld is modified as explained in Weld Geometry. Axial compression in the beam is ignored for the weld to the support.
The design of the weld between the angles and the beam uses the procedure detailed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual. In-Plane eccentricity is taken as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group, and the face of the support.
The Polar Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus values are taken from Blodgett's 'Design of Welded Structures', Section 7.4.8, Table 5 (C-shaped weld).
Additionally, any rotational moment caused by axial force in the beam is considered, to result in a net rotational stress. The rotational stress is combined with the uniform stresses caused by shear and axial force in the beam, then a resultant is determined using the square root of the sum of the squares.
This resultant stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming a load angle (θ) of zero.
End-Plate Shear Connection
Effective Throat Thickness Formula
The design of the weld between the end-plate and the column is considered to have virtually zero eccentricity, so therefore if no axial loads are present in the beam, the traditional equation for longitudinally loaded fillet welds applies. See AISC Specification equation J2-4. The same applies for the weld between the end-plate and the beam.
When axial tension is present in the beam the geometry of the weld is modified as explained in Weld Geometry. Axial compression in the beam is ignored for all welds.
When axial tension is present in the beam, the out-of-plane uniform and rotational stresses are calculated and combined (r0). This stress is then combined with the in-plane stress (ru) caused by the shear load to form a maximum 3-dimensional resultant stress (r3d). This 3-dimensional resultant stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming a load angle (θ) of zero.
Note:
- Per the notes of Table 10-4 in the AISC 13th and 14th edition manuals, the effective length of weld, L, equals Lplate - 2*fillet size.
- The above does not apply for Base Plate Columns in tension. Because Base Plates have weak and strong axis shears, the 3-dimensional resultant calculation becomes very complicated. Therefore, Base Plate connections always conservatively ignore the 1.5 factor for combined tension and shear.
Shear Tab Connection
The design of the weld between the shear tab and the support uses the method listed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual. A polar moment of inertia of L3/12 is used, and the out of plane stress is combined with the in-plane stress using the square root of the sum of the squares. This stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming an angle (θ) of zero.
The design of the weld between the shear tab and the beam uses the procedure detailed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual. In-Plane eccentricity is taken as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group, and the face of the support. The polar moment of inertia is taken from Blodgett's 'Design of Welded Structures', Section 7.4.8, Table 5 (C-shaped weld). The rotational stress is combined with the shear stress using the square root of the sum of the squares. This stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, assuming an angle (θ) of zero.
Single Angle Shear Connection
The design of the weld between a single angle and the support uses the procedure detailed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual. The polar moment of inertia is taken from Blodgett's 'Design of Welded Structures', Section 7.4.8, Table 5 (L-shaped weld). The rotational stress is combined with the shear stress, then a resultant is determined using the square root of the sum of the squares. This resultant stress (ru) is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming an angle (θ) of zero. Out-of-plane eccentricity is ignored.
Axial compression in the beam is ignored for the weld to the support. When axial tension is present in the beam, the program calculates the net out-of-plane tension stress (r0) at every location along the weld. Net compression stresses are ignored. This out-of-plane stress is combined with the in-plane stress (ru) using the square root of the sum of the squares to determine the maximum 3-dimensional resultant stress (r3d). This 3-dimensional resultant stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming a load angle (θ) of zero. Out-of-plane eccentricity is ignored.
The design of the weld between the angle and the beam uses the procedure detailed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual. In-Plane eccentricity is taken as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group, and the face of the support. The polar moment of inertia is taken from Blodgett's 'Design of Welded Structures', Section 7.4.8, Table 5 (C-shaped weld). Additionally, any rotational moment caused by axial force in the beam is considered, to result in a net rotational stress.
The rotational stress is combined with the uniform stresses caused by shear and axial force in the beam, then a resultant is determined using the square root of the sum of the squares. This resultant stress is compared against the fillet weld strength per AISC Specification equation J2-4, conservatively assuming a load angle (θ) of zero.
ICR Weld Strength
Welds may be analyzed using an elastic force distribution or an Instantaneous Center of Rotation force distribution method. You can control which method is used through the Global Parameters. The procedure by which the program calculates the eccentricity coefficient is outlined in the AISC Specification, Section J2.4.
Note:
- Out-of-Plane eccentricity from face of support is ignored for shear connections when a moment connection is also present.
- The eccentricity modification factor (C) is calculated using the analytical procedure (as opposed to being interpolated from tables).
Double Angle Shear Connection
Due to the complexity of the compression block between the two angles bearing on each other through the beam web, there is currently no industry-accepted method of doing an instantaneous center of rotation for the weld between the angles and the support. Therefore, this weld is always designed using the Elastic method, even if Instantaneous Center of Rotation was specified in the Global Parameters.
The design of the weld between the angles and the beam uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be in-plane, and is calculated as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group and the face of the support. If axial force is present in the beam then it is considered in the calculation of C, and the weld strength is compared against the resultant load.
End-Plate Shear Connection
When axial tension is present in the beam the design of the weld between the beam and the end-plate uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be out-of-plane.
For all other circumstances and welds, see Elastic Weld Strength of end-plate connection.
Shear Tab Connection
The design of the weld between the shear tab and the support uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be out-of-plane.
The design of the weld between the shear tab and the beam uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be in-plane, and is calculated as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group and the face of the support.
Single Angle Shear Connection
The design of the weld between the single angle and the support uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be in-plane, and out-of-plane eccentricity from the face of support is ignored. If axial tension is present in the beam then the weld is designed using the Elastic method, even if Instantaneous Center of Rotation was specified in the Global Parameters.
The design of the weld between the angle and the beam uses the method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. The eccentricity is taken to be in-plane, and is calculated as the distance between the COG (center of gravity) of the weld group and the face of the support. If axial force is present in the beam then it is considered in the calculation of C, and the weld strength is compared against the resultant load.
Non-Eccentric Fillet Weld Strength
Some welds have no eccentricity, so they do not need to be designed per elastic or ICR methods. These welds are designed using AISC Specification Eqn J2-4. An appropriate value of θ is considered for each weld calculation.
Flange Plate Moment Connections
The weld between the flange plate and the column is considered to have no eccentricity.
Direct Weld Moment Connections
The weld between the flange and the column is considered to have no eccentricity.
Beam to Column Web Moment Connections
RISAConnection allows beam to column web moment connections for the Flange Plate and Direct Weld moment connections. When the beam frames into the column web, the total length of weld at each column inside flange (where the flange plate or transverse stiffener connects) is considered to resist the governing flange force.
The program assumes that only the welds at the column flange resist the flange force, not the weld at the column web. This methodology comes from the article Moment Connections to Column Webs by M. Thomas Ferrell in Modern Steel Construction.
Extended End-Plate Moment Connections
For Extended End Plate moment connections the horizontal fillet distance of the beam (k1) is not counted for the 'inside' flange fillet welds, as it is impossible to weld in these locations.
If a fillet weld is specified between the beam web and the end plate, it is designed considering the recommendations of AISC Design Guide #4 (2nd Edition) Section 2.1.
This procedure uses an 'effective' weld length that is calculated as: Leff = d/2 - kdet. The weld must also have a minimum size to develop the full tensile capacity of the beam web. This is checked in Weld Limitations.
Splice Connections (Shear and Moment)
Splice connections ignore all eccentricity from both shear and axial loads. When the ICR method is chosen the capacity is calculated using method outlined in section J2.4b of the AISC 360-10 specification. When the Elastic method is chosen the capacity is calculated using the method listed on page 8-12 of the AISC 14th Edition Manual.
Note:
- Weld demand force is taken as zero for flange welds on moment splices which have net compression on both flanges. This is based on the assumption that the welds would not be relied upon to transfer the net compressive force from one member to another.
Vertical Brace Connections
Most eccentricities are ignored for Vertical Brace Connections as they are proportioned per the Uniform Force Method to eliminate all eccentricities.
Gusset to Brace Connection
Per AISC 360-10, Section J1.7, the effects of eccentricity are ignored on this connection.
Gusset to Beam, Gusset to Column
For directly welded connections the axial (transverse) force is neglected on the fillet weld if it results in net compression. Per the AISC 14th Edition Manual, Page 13-11, the weld is designed for a peak stress of 1.25 times the average stress. In other words, a 0.80 reduction factor is applied to the strength. This factor is not given a variable in the code, so RISAConnection calls this β. If a double fillet weld is used, the two welds are taken into account in the C coefficient.
For clip angle connections the eccentricity between the axial (transverse) force and the CG of each C-shaped weld, which results in a prying effect, is considered. The eccentricity due to shear (longitudinal) force is ignored.
Beam to Column
This connection is treated the same as a simple shear connection, with the exception of the altered Weld Geometry on the Double Clip Angle connection. For the Double Clip Angle connection the in-plane eccentricity effects on the weld to support are ignored, as it is assumed that the beam cannot shift vertically to allow the angles to rotate towards each other.
HSS Brace to Cap Plate (Tee Attachment Connection)
Per AISC Design Guide #24, Section 2.1., the 1.5 multiplier for transversely loaded welds is intentionally ignored in this case.
Through-Plate HSS Connections
The eccentricity on through-plate connections is resolved through a force couple, such that no bending occurs on the weld segments. The weld on the 'near' end of the connection takes the entire shear due to the beam reaction, as well as a component of the force couple due to eccentricity. The weld on the 'far' end of the connection takes the other component of the force couple due to eccentricity. Any axial force in the connection is resisted by both 'near' and 'far' welds equally.
PJP Weld Strength
PJP (partial joint penetration) welds are sized using an 'effective throat'. The AISC Specification has requirements for minimum effective throat thicknesses listed in Table J2.3. The program compares the specified effective throat against the thicknesses of the materials, and lists the weld as 'failing' if it does not comply.
Effective Throat Thickness
The filler metal matching as described for CJP welds is also checked, however an electrode strength that has less than the matching value is also acceptable, per Table 2.5 from the AISC Specification.
Strength Reduction Factor
The strength reduction factor on PJP welds which are not loaded in pure shear or pure tension is interpolated as an effective factor as shown below:
Φeff = Φv + (Φt - Φv)(sin θ)1.5
Where:
Φv = Strength Reduction Factor for PJP Welds in Shear per AISC 360-10, Table J2.5
Φt = Strength Reduction Factor for PJP Welds in Tension or Compression per AISC 360-10, Table J2.5
θ = Angle between weld longitudinal axis and resultant load
Moment Connections
For moment connections, the force on the weld is always normal to the weld axis, and is always in tension or compression. The strength of the weld is determined per Eqn J2-3 from the AISC Specification, using the appropriate values from Table J2.5.
Vertical Brace Connections
For vertical brace connections the weld strength is compared against the resultant force regardless of whether the transverse force is a tension or compression. Since AISC 360-10 specifies different strength reduction factors (Φ, Ω) for longitudinal versus transverse loading, RISAConnection calculates an effective factor based on interpolation.
Per the AISC 14th Edition Manual, Page 13-11, the weld is designed for a peak stress of 1.25 times the average stress. In other words, a 0.80 reduction factor is applied to the strength.
CJP Weld Strength
Effective Throat Thickness Of Weld
CJP (complete joint penetration) welds are designed to develop the full strength of the base material. The metal used for the electrode must 'match' the base material metal per the American Welding Society. The program compares the beam, column, and connector materials to the specified weld electrode to determine compatibility. If the materials are not compatible then the weld is considered 'failing'. The most stringent combination of base material/weld electrode is considered.
For an abbreviated list of matching metals, see the AISC Specification J2.6.
Weld Limitations
RISAConnection limits welds based on AISC limitations. A warning is provided if the welds violate these limitations.
Maximum Fillet Weld Size
Fillet welds are limited to a maximum size in order to maintain appropriate shelf dimensions. This is in the AISC specification section J2.2b. For a graphical representation of this requirement see the AISC 14th Edition Manual, figure 8-11. The maximum weld size is checked for the following welds:
- Single and Double Angles welded to support
- Single and Double Angles welded to beam
- End-plate welded to support
Minimum Fillet Weld Size
Effective Throat Thickness Weld
Fillet welds are limited to a minimum size in order to prevent rapid cooling of the weld, which results in a loss in ductility. This is covered in the AISC Specification, Table J2.4. The limitation is based on the thickness of the thinner part joined. The minimum weld size is checked for all welds.
Minimum Fillet Weld Length
Fillet welds are limited to a minimum length of four times their nominal size. This is covered in the AISC Specification section J2.2b. The minimum weld length is checked for all welds.
Note:
- The weld return shown on single angles welded to a support is ignored for this check.
Maximum Fillet Weld Length
Fillet welds are limited by RISAConnection to a maximum length of 100 times their leg dimension. The program is not currently configured to identify 'end-loaded' welds, so this is a conservative limitation to avoid Eqn J2-1 from the AISC Specification. The maximum weld length is checked for all welds with a non-zero axial load.
Maximum Flange/Web Thickness
Fillet welds may only be used for Extended End-Plate Moment Connections on beams which have flanges/beams not greater than 3/8' thick. For more information see AISC Design Guide #4 (2nd Edition), page 18.
Weld Constructability
This checks whether the weld will fit where it is attempting to be placed. This is a physical check. For example, if you are welding a 1/4' fillet (leg length) we will check to see if there is 1/4' of space on the member you are welding to. If the weld 'falls' off the member you will fail this check.
Beam Web Development
Fillet welds must be sized to develop the full strength of the beam web in tension near the inside bolts for Extended End-Plate Moment Connections. For more information see AISC Design Guide #4 (2nd Edition), page 18.
Effective Throat
See PJP Weld Strength.
Filler Metal Matching
See CJP Weld Strength.
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