Design of Welded Joints 105

where:
x and y are the lengths of the weld along XX and YY axes, respectively

In Figure 8.20a, A is a point farthest from the centroid of the weld and is the
maximum loaded weld. The distance of A from G is given by
2 2
⎛ x⎞ ⎛ y⎞ 1
r = ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ = xn+ yn (8.6)
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ 2

8.3.14.1.3  Combined Effect

The two forces at A, namely, Fa due to direct load and Fm due to moment have
different directions. The resultant force Fr at A is given by

Fr = ( Fa ) 2  +   ( Fm ) 2  +  2 ⋅ Fa ⋅ Fm ⋅cosθ (8.7)

where:
θ is the angle between AG and XX axis

In case of unsymmetrical weld layout as shown in Figure 8.20b, the centroid

of the weld is to be calculated first to determine the values of eccentricity
and the polar moment of inertia. The stresses can be obtained following the
same procedure.

8.3.14.2  Load Not Lying in the Plane of Welds

A commonly used bracket connection is shown in Figure 8.21. In this case also,
the eccentric load P, applied at a distance e from the plane of the weld, can
be considered equivalent to a direct force P, passing through the weld and a
moment P.e, which tends to rotate the joint across the plane of the weld. The
load on the weld can be obtained by beam bending formula.

e P

x x

Fillet
welds
Weld

FIGURE 8.21
Eccentric welded connection (load not lying in the plane of weld).
106 Design of Welded Steel Structures

Assuming the weld to be of unit leg length and uniform throughout, the
shear force in the weld due to direct force P is given by

P (8.8)
Fa =
Effective length of weld

The load due to moment is given by

P⋅e⋅ y
Fm = (8.9)
I

where:
I is the moment of inertia of the weld
y is the distance of the farthest weld from the neutral axis of the weld
layout

The resultant force Fr is given by

Fr = ( Fa ) 2  +   ( Fm ) 2  (8.10)

8.3.15  Fillet Welds in Slots or Holes

This is a method for increasing the length of fillet weld in a connection
where loads are heavy and sufficient welding length is not available along
the edges. The method should only be used where unavoidable, since it is
somewhat difficult to lay fillet welds in slots or holes. A typical example of
slot is shown in Figure 8.22.

Weld length in this space

to be sufficient to replace
slot sectional area

FIGURE 8.22
Typical example of fillet weld in slot.