Welding rolled steel angles back to back

[UcfSE]

What is the best way to specify a weld for steel angles back to back, no gap in between? I need to put a pair of angles together to make a "T" shape. Would an edge weld be an appropriate designation?

 

[desertfox]

Hi UcfSE

Depending on what the application is, but I would go with
a butt weld top and bottom and specify a partial penetration.

regards

desertfox

 

[gwynn]

Likewise depending on the application, I would look at just stich bolting (with spacer if needed/desired) at a couple locations. Reason being the only time I see angles needing to be attached back to back is for slenderness concerns, and then a continous connection is not always needed.

 

[UcfSE]

Thanks guys.

I would use bolts but I don't have clearance each side. I'm planning on a short weld, maybe 1 inch long every foot or 16 inches. I would just like some input on the type of weld to call out. For instance, I can't specify a fillet because this is the wrong application for a fillet.

How small of a separation can I go with a butt weld? Is that the same as a square groove? Is 1/16 ok or should the minimum ber 1/8?

 

[GRoberts]

Use a square groove. Spacing can be 0" if possible, because that is the easiest condition to weld and fit-up.

 

[Dinosaur]

I would use a single bevel groove weld where the corners meet. This will be a partial penetration weld. Compute the groove depth you want based on the required weld size and then determine your weld spacing. On the other end, where the toes of the angles meet, I would use a fillet weld and have the toe of one angle ground down to accommodate this weld. Using this approach you will only need one angle prepared for the welding, apart from grinding the surface of the second angle just prior to welding. Good luck.

 

[11echo]

I am only a hobbist welder, but wouldn't a "plug weld" work well in this situation? ...Drill a series of 1/2"dia. holes about 6" to 9" apart thru the web, then put the two webs together and weld-up thru the holes(plug weld).

 

[unclesyd]

No matter the approach you use you need to watch the amount of welding you perform on the proposed weldment. To much welding will distort the part.

You haven't mention any sizes or load expected so I would shoot for 50% of a continuous weld, like a 2 - 4 or 3 - 6, with a full length 2" or 3" at the ends.

Normally supplied angles usually have enough radius at the edges and corner where you won't need any weld prep other than cleaning scale and/or rust.