AWS Joint Design & Preparation Flashcards

What is the recommended minimum fillet weld size for a 3/4 in. base metal thickness per AWS D1.1?

Answer: 3/16 in.

AWS D1.1 requires a minimum fillet weld size of 3/16 in. for base metal thickness between 1/2 in. and 3/4 in.

Which weld joint configuration is most commonly used in structural steel construction for attaching a beam web to a column flange?

Answer: T-joint

A T-joint, welded with fillet welds, is the standard connection for attaching a beam web (or plate) to a column flange in structural steel work.

'Effective throat' of a fillet weld is defined as:

Answer: The distance from the root to the face of the weld, perpendicular to the face

The effective throat is the shortest distance from the root to the weld face, and it is used to calculate fillet weld strength.

What is the purpose of a 'backing bar' or 'backing strip' in groove welding?

Answer: To support the weld pool at the root and ensure complete root fusion

A backing bar supports the molten weld pool at the root pass, preventing burn-through and ensuring complete root fusion.

What is the difference between a 'partial joint penetration (PJP)' and a 'complete joint penetration (CJP)' weld?

Answer: CJP achieves full depth fusion through the entire joint; PJP does not penetrate the full thickness

CJP welds penetrate fully through the joint thickness, while PJP welds are intentionally designed to fuse only a portion of the joint.

The 'weld access hole' (rat hole) in structural steel is used to:

Answer: Provide clearance for making a complete joint penetration weld at the flange-to-web junction

Weld access holes are cut at beam flanges to allow unobstructed CJP welding of the flange and to reduce stress concentrations.