FILLET WELD VERSUS GROOVE WELD

[ryderbull]

I am a structural designer making structural steel standards for oil and gas industry for mega projects in northern Alberta, Canada. I am designing welds of base plates and splice plates. I am looking for an answer to a question I have never been able to solve. If the weld size is based on the thickness of the flange or web and the web is 32mm, at what point does it become more economical to use either a complete penetration bevel-groove weld or a part penetration bevel-groove weld. I always thought fillet weld was good up to 1/2" (13mm), then it becomes more economical (less passes) to use a groove weld. Does anybody know the answer?

 

[ryderbull]

Thanks, Yes, the fabrication shop is one of the largest in Canada, they have all of the latest mechanical equipment.

 

[UcfSE]

I can't say I know the answer but some local steel fabricators might know. Have you tried calling around to speak to some of them in your area or the ones whom you know will be doing the work?

 

[Ron]

A fillet weld is almost always more economical to install than a partial or complete penetration weld. There is little preparation required for fillet welds as compared to partial or complete penetration welds.

The selection of the weld should be based on the structural capacity needed in the weld. Depending on the stress orientation, the proper weld type can be selected to best respond to the need.