EFFECTIVE SIZE OF FILLET WELDS

The nominal Weld metal strength, per unit length, in AISC Specification Section J.2.4 is:

Rn=F w

tw

=0.60 F EXX

tw

Where
tw

fillet weld size, mm

FEXX

electrode classification number, MPa

The nominal shear strength of the base metal, per unit length next to the Weld, in AISC Specification Section
J.2.4 is:

Rn=F BM t

Where
t

thickness of base metal, mm

FBM

0.60Fy for shear yieldind per AISC Specification Section J.4-3, MPa

0.60Fu for shear yieldind per AISC Specification Section J.4-4, MPa

The effective weld size, tw, is obtained by equating the available strength of the weld metal and the base metal.
For shear yielding in the base metal:

= 0.75

BM

= 1.00

w 0.60 F EXX

tw

=BM F BM t

0.75 ( 0.60 F EXX )

t w=

tw

=1.00 ( 0.6 F y ) t

1.00 ( 2 ) ( 0.6 F y ) t
0.75 ( 0.60 F EXX )

t w =1.9

Fy
t
F EXX

( )

For shear rupture in the base metal:

= 0.75

BM

= 0.75

w 0.60 F EXX

tw

0.75 ( 0.60 F EXX )

t w=

=BM F BM t

tw
=0.75 ( 0.6 F u ) t
2

0.75 ( 2 ) ( 0.6 F u ) t
0.75 ( 0.60 F EXX )

t w =1. 4

Fu
t
F EXX

( )