Welding Insp Part 3
Welding Insp Part 3
Welding Insp Part 3
toes
face
fusion boundary
root HAZ
A convex fillet has a poor toe blend - greater notch effect and sharper angle at toe, not used in
fatigue situations. A concave fillet has a better toe blend for fatigue situations, however a reduced
throat. The concave weld may be made by welding alone or by subsequent grinding.
SIZE OF WELDS
7
8
t1 t2
t2
t1
t1 t2
t1 t2
t1 t2
t1
t2
Fillet Welds.
Fillet weld sizes are calculated by reference to allowable shear stress on the throat area, i.e.
throat area = design throat thickness x length of weld.
The size required is specified on drawings in terms of leg length (l).
For fillet welds with equal leg lengths l = 1.4 t1. This does not apply to concave fillet welds.
l t1 = t2 t1 t1 t1 t1
t2 t2
If an asymmetrical weld is required, both leg lengths are specified and t1 is taken as the minimum
throat dimension.
l1
l2
t1
8
9
With high current density processes, e.g. submerged arc and MIG (spray), penetration along the
joint line can be produced. This gives an increase in throat thickness with no change in leg length.
t1 t1
VISUAL INSPECTION
At any point in the course of welding, i.e. tacking, root pass, filler pass or capping pass, but
particularly for the root and cap, a detailed inspection may be required. British Standard 5289: 1976
gives guidance on tools and responsibilities together with sketches of typical defects.
The inspector at this point must -
a) observe, identify and perhaps record (measure) the features of the weld.
b) decide whether the weld is acceptable in terms of the particular levels that are permitted;
defect levels may be ‘in-house’ or national codes of practice.
When the defect size is in excess of the permitted level then either a concession must be applied for
(from a competent person), or the weld rejected.