I - Part 1 Section 19 A Welded Joints Chapter 1

GL 2008 Page 191

Section 19

Welded Joints

Preface 2.3 Higher strength hull structural steels grade

AH/DH/EH/FH which have been approved by GL in
The content of this Section is to a large extent identi-
accordance with the relevant requirements of Rules for
cal to that of the Rules II Materials and Welding,
Materials and Welding normally have had their weld-
Part 3 Welding, Chapter 3 Welding in the Various
ability examined and, provided their handling is in
Fields of Application, Section 1, G. Because of the re-
accordance with normal shipbuilding practice, may be
issues of Chapter 3 referred to and this Chapter 1 at
considered to be proven. The suitability of these base
different times, some temporary divergences may arise
materials for high efficiency welding processes with
and in such circumstances the more recent Rules shall
high heat input shall be verified.
take precedence.
2.4 High strength (quenched and tempered) fine
grain structural steels, low temperature steels, stainless
A. General and other (alloyed) structural steels require special
approval by GL. Proof of weldability of the respective
1. Information contained in manufacturing steel is to be presented in connection with the welding
documents procedure and welding consumables.

1.1 The shapes and dimensions of welds and, 2.5 Cast steel and forged parts require testing by
where proof by calculation is supplied, the require- GL. For castings intended to be used for welded ship-
ments applicable to welded joints (the weld quality building structures the maximum permissible values
grade, detail category) are to be stated in drawings and of the chemical composition according to our Rules II
other manufacturing documents (parts lists, welding Materials and Welding, Part 1 Metallic Materials,
and inspection schedules). In special cases, e.g. where Chapter 2 Steel and Iron Materials, Section 4, B.4.
special materials are concerned, the documents shall and Table 4.1 have to be observed.
also state the welding method, the welding consum-
ables used, heat input and control, the weld build-up 2.6 Aluminium alloys require testing by GL.
and any post-weld treatment which may be required. Proof of their weldability shall be presented in con-
nection with the welding procedure and welding con-
1.2 Symbols and signs used to identify welded sumables.
joints shall be explained if they depart from the sym-
bols and definitions contained in the relevant stan- 2.7 Welding consumables used are to be suitable
dards (e.g. DIN standards). Where the weld prepara- for the parent metal to be welded and are to be ap-
tion (together with approved methods of welding) proved by GL.
conforms both to normal shipbuilding practice and to
these Rules and recognized standards, where applica- 3. Manufacture and testing
ble, no special description is needed.
3.1 The manufacture of welded structural com-
2. Materials, weldability ponents may only be carried out in workshops or
plants that have been approved. The requirements that
2.1 Only base materials of proven weldability have to be observed in connection with the fabrication
(see Section 2) may be used for welded structures. of welded joints are laid down in the Rules II
Any approval conditions of the steel or of the proce- Materials and Welding, Part 3 Welding.
dure qualification tests and the steelmaker's recom-
mendations are to be observed. 3.2 The weld quality grade of welded joints with-
out proof by calculation (see 1.1) depends on the sig-
2.2 For normal strength hull structural steels nificance of the welded joint for the total structure and
grades A, B, D and E which have been tested by GL, on its location in the structural element (location to the
weldability normally is considered to have been main stress direction) and on its stressing. For details
proven. The suitability of these base materials for concerning the type, scope and manner of testing, see
high efficiency welding processes with high heat input Rules II Materials and Welding, Part 3 Welding,
shall be verified. Chapter 3 Welding in the Various Fields of Applica-
Chapter 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 192 GL 2008

tion, Section 1, I. Where proof of fatigue strength is on the outside of tanks) or special protective counter-
required, in addition the requirements of Section 20 measures are to be taken (such as the provision of a
apply. protective coating or cathodic protection).

2. Design details

B. Design 2.1 Stress flow, transitions

1. General design principles 2.1.1 All welded joints on primary supporting

members shall be designed to provide as smooth a
1.1 During the design stage welded joints are to stress profile as possible with no major internal or
be planned such as to be accessible during fabrication, external notches, no discontinuities in rigidity and no
to be located in the best possible position for welding obstructions to strains, see Section 3, H.
and to permit the proper welding sequence to be fol-
lowed. 2.1.2 This applies in analogous manner to the
welding of subordinate components on to primary
1.2 Both the welded joints and the sequence of supporting members whose exposed plate or flange
welding involved are to be so planned as to enable edges should, as far as possible, be kept free from
residual welding stresses to be kept to a minimum in notch effects due to welded attachments. Regarding
order that no excessive deformation occurs. Welded the inadmissibility of weldments to the upper edge of
joints should not be over dimensioned, see also 3.3.3. the sheer strake, see Section 6, C.3.4. This applies
similarly to weldments to the upper edge of continu-
1.3 When planning welded joints, it shall first be ous hatchway side coamings.
established that the type and grade of weld envisaged,
2.1.3 Butt joints in long or extensive continuous
such as full root weld penetration in the case of HV or
structures such as bilge keels, fenders, crane rails, slop
DHV (K) weld seams, can in fact be perfectly exe-
coamings, etc. attached to primary structural members
cuted under the conditions set by the limitations of the
are therefore to be welded over their entire cross-
manufacturing process involved. If this is not the case,
section.
a simpler type of weld seam shall be selected and its
possibly lower load bearing capacity taken into ac- 2.1.4 Wherever possible, joints (especially site
count when dimensioning the component. joints) in girders and sections shall not be located in
areas of high bending stress. Joints at the knuckle of
1.4 Highly stressed welded joints - which, there- flanges are to be avoided.
fore, are generally subject to examination - are to be
so designed that the most suitable method of testing 2.1.5 The transition between differing component
for faults can be used (radiography, ultrasonic, surface dimensions shall be smooth and gradual. Where the
crack testing methods) in order that a reliable exami- depth of web of girders or sections differs, the flanges
nation may be carried out. or bulbs are to be bevelled and the web slit and ex-
panded or pressed together to equalize the depths of
1.5 Special characteristics peculiar to the mate- the members. The length of the transition should be at
rial, such as the lower strength values of rolled mate- least equal twice the difference in depth.
rial in the thickness direction (see 2.5.1) or the soften-
ing of cold worked aluminium alloys as a result of 2.1.6 Where the plate thickness differs at joints
welding, are factors which have to be taken into ac- perpendicularly to the direction of the main stress,
count when designing welded joints. Clad plates differences in thickness greater than 3 mm shall be
where the efficiency of the bond between the base and accommodated by bevelling the proud edge in the
the clad material is proved may generally be treated as manner shown in Fig. 19.1 at a ratio of at least 1 : 3 or
solid plates (up to medium plate thicknesses where according to the notch category. Differences in thick-
mainly filled weld connections are used). ness of 3 mm or less may be accommodated within the
weld.
1.6 In cases where different types of material are
max. 3

paired and operate in sea water or any other electro-

3
lytic medium, for example welded joints made be- 1:
tween unalloyed carbon steels and stainless steels in
the wear-resistant cladding in rudder nozzles or in the
cladding of rudder shafts, the resulting differences in
potential greatly increase the susceptibility to corro-
sion and shall therefore be given special attention.
Where possible, such welds are to be positioned in Fig. 19.1 Accommodation of differences of thick-
locations less subject to the risk of corrosion (such as ness
I - Part 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 193

2.1.7 For the welding on of plates or other rela- Regarding the increase of stress due to different thick-
tively thin-walled elements, steel castings and forgings ness of plates see also Section 20, B.1.3.
should be appropriately tapered or provided with inte-
grally cast or forged welding flanges in accordance 2.3 Welding cut-outs
with Fig. 19.2.
2.3.1 Welding cut-outs for the (later) execution of
butt or fillet welds following the positioning of trans-
verse members should be rounded (minimum radius
25 mm or twice the plate thickness, whichever is the
greater) and should be shaped to provide a smooth
transition on the adjoining surface as shown in Fig.
19.3 (especially necessary where the loading is mainly
dynamic).

Fig. 19.2 Welding flanges on steel castings or

forgings r 2t 25
[t]
2.1.8 For the connection of shaft brackets to the
boss and shell plating, see 4.3 and Section 13, D.2.;
for the connection of horizontal coupling flanges to
the rudder body, see 4.4. For the required thickened
rudderstock collar required with build-up welds and r 2t 25
for the connection of the coupling flange, see 2.7 and
Section 14, D.2.4. Rudderstock and coupling flange [t]
are to be connected by full penetration weld.

Fig. 19.3 Welding cut-outs

2.2 Local clustering of welds, minimum spacing
2.3.2 Where the welds are completed prior to the
2.2.1 The local clustering of welds and short dis- positioning of the crossing members, no welding cut-
tances between welds are to be avoided. Adjacent butt outs are needed. Any weld reinforcements present are
welds should be separated from each other by a dis- to be machined off prior to the location of the crossing
tance of at least members or these members are to have suitable cut-
outs.
50 mm + 4 plate thickness
2.4 Local reinforcements, doubling plates
Fillet welds should be separated from each other and 2.4.1 Where platings (including girder plates and
from butt welds by a distance of at least tube walls) are subjected locally to increased stresses,
thicker plates should be used wherever possible in
30 mm + 2 plate thickness preference to doubling plates. Bearing bushes, hubs
etc. shall invariably take the form of thicker sections
The width of replaced or inserted plates (strips)
welded into the plating, see 2.2.2.
should, however, be at least 300 mm or ten times the
plate thickness, whichever is the greater. 2.4.2 Where doublings cannot be avoided, the
thickness of the doubling plates should not exceed
2.2.2 Reinforcing plates, welding flanges, mount- twice the plating thickness. Doubling plates whose
ings and similar components socket-welded into plat- width is greater than approximately 30 times their
ing should be of the following minimum size: thickness shall be plug welded to the underlying plat-
ing in accordance with 3.3.11 at intervals not exceed-
ing 30 times the thickness of the doubling plate.
D min = 170 + 3 (t 10) 170 mm
2.4.3 Along their (longitudinal) edges, doubling
D = diameter of round or length of side of angular plates shall be continuously fillet welded with a throat
weldments [mm] thickness "a" of 0,3 the doubling plate thickness. At
the ends of doubling plates, the throat thickness "a" at
t = plating thickness [mm]
the end faces shall be increased to 0,5 the doubling
plate thickness but shall not exceed the plating thick-
The corner radii of angular socket weldments should
ness, see Fig. 19.4.
be 5 t [mm] but at least 50 mm. Alternatively the
"longitudinal seams" are to extend beyond the "trans- The welded transition at the end faces of the doubling
verse seams". Socket weldments are to be fully plates to the plating should form with the latter an
welded to the surrounding plating. angle of 45 or less.
Chapter 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 194 GL 2008

2.6 Welding of cold formed sections, bending

radii
t

b/2 ~ 1,5 b 2.6.1 Wherever possible, welding should be

avoided at the cold formed sections with more than
5 % permanent elongation 2 and in the adjacent areas
r 2t
2t

of structural steels with a tendency towards strain

b

ageing.

2.6.2 Welding may be performed at the cold

formed sections and adjacent areas of hull structural
Fig. 19.4 Welding at the ends of doubling plates steels and comparable structural steels (e.g. those in
quality groups S...J... and S...K... to DIN EN 10025)
provided that the minimum bending radii are not less
2.4.4 Where proof of fatigue strength is required than those specified in Table 19.1.
(see Section 20), the configuration of the end of the
doubling plate shall conform to the selected detail
category. Table 19.1 Minimum inner bending radius r

2.4.5 Doubling plates are not permitted in tanks for Plate thickness Minimum inner
flammable liquids. t bending radius r
to 4 mm 1,0 t
2.5 Intersecting members, stress in the thick- to 8 mm 1,5 t
ness direction
to 12 mm 2,0 t
2.5.1 Where, in the case of intersecting members, to 24 mm 3,0 t
plates or other rolled products are stressed in the
thickness direction by shrinking stresses due to the over 24 mm 5,0 t
welding and/or applied loads, suitable measures shall
be taken in the design and fabrication of the structures
to prevent lamellar tearing (stratified fractures) due to Note
the anisotropy of the rolled products. The bending capacity of the material may necessitate
a larger bending radius.
2.5.2 Such measures include the use of suitable
weld shapes with a minimum weld volume and a 2.6.3 For other steels and other materials, where
welding sequence designed to reduce transverse applicable, the necessary minimum bending radius
shrinkage. Other measures are the distribution of the shall, in case of doubt, be established by test. Proof of
stresses over a larger area of the plate surface by using adequate toughness after welding may be stipulated
a build-up weld or the joining together of several for steels with minimum nominal upper yield point of
"fibres" of members stressed in the thickness direction more than 355 N/mm2 and plate thicknesses of 30 mm
as exemplified by the deck stringer/sheer strake joint and above which have undergone cold forming result-
shown in Fig. 19.12. ing in 2 % or more permanent elongation.

2.5.3 In case of very severe stresses in the thick- 2.7 Build-up welds on rudderstocks and pintles
ness direction due, for example, to the aggregate effect
of the shrinkage stresses of bulky single or double- 2.7.1 Wear resistance and/or corrosion resistant
bevel butt welds plus high applied loads, plates with build-up welds on the bearing surfaces of rudder-
guaranteed through thickness properties (extra high- stocks, pintles etc. shall be applied to a thickened
purity material and guaranteed minimum reductions in collar exceeding by at least 20 mm the diameter of the
area of tensile test specimens taken in thickness direc- adjoining part of the shaft.
tion) 1 are to be used.

2 Elongation in the outer tensile-stressed zone

1 See Rules II Materials and Welding, Part 1 Metallic Mate- 100
rials, Chapter 2 Steel and Iron Materials, Section 1 and also = [% ]
Supply Conditions 096 for Iron and Steel Products, "Plate, 1+ 2 r t
strip and universal steel with improved resistance to stress per-
pendicular to the product surface" issued by the German Iron r = inner bending radius [mm]
and Steelmakers' Association. t = plate thickness [mm]
I - Part 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 195

2.7.2 Where a thickened collar is impossible for 30 30

design reasons, the build-up weld may be applied to
the smooth shaft provided that relief-turning in accor-
dance with 2.7.3 is possible (leaving an adequate re-
sidual diameter). t t

2.7.3 After welding, the transition areas between

the welded and non-welded portions of the shaft shall 6 6
be relief-turned with large radii, as shown in Fig. 19.5,
to remove any base material whose structure close to Fig. 19.6 Single-side welds with permanent
the concave groove has been altered by the welding weld pool supports (backings)
operation and in order to effect the physical separation
of geometrical and metallurgical "notches". 3.1.4 The weld shapes illustrated in Fig. 19.7 shall
be used for clad plates. These weld shapes shall be
used in analogous manner for joining clad plates to
building weld on relief - turning
after welding (unalloyed and low alloyed) hull structural steels.
thickened collar .1
:4
ax
m

60 60

Fig. 19.5 Build-up welds applied to rudderstocks

and pintles Welding the support material at an adequate disdance
(min. 2 mm) from the cladding material

3. Weld shapes and dimensions

3.1 Butt joints Grooving out the clad side of the plate

3.1.1 Depending on the plate thickness, the weld-

ing method and the welding position, butt joints shall
be of the square, V or double-V shape conforming to
the relevant standards (e.g. EN 22553/ISO 2533, Welding the clad side of the plate in at least two
ISO 9692 -1, -2, -3 or -4). Where other weld shapes passes, using special interpass electrodes where
are applied, these are to be specially described in the necessary
drawings. Weld shapes for special welding processes
such as single-side or electrogas welding shall have Fig. 19.7 Weld shapes for welding of clad plates
been tested and approved in the context of a welding
procedure test.
3.2 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints
3.1.2 As a matter of principle, the rear sides of butt
joints shall be grooved and welded with at least one 3.2.1 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints
capping pass. Exceptions to this rule, as in the case of with complete union of the abutting plates shall be
submerged-arc welding or the welding processes men- made as single or double-bevel welds with a minimum
tioned in 3.1.1, require to be tested and approved in root face and adequate air gap, as shown in Fig. 19.8,
connection with a welding procedure test. The effec- and with grooving of the root and capping from the
tive weld thickness shall be deemed to be the plate opposite side.
thickness, or, where the plate thicknesses differ, the
lesser plate thickness. Where proof of fatigue strength
is required (see Section 20), the detail category de-
2-3

2-3

pends on the execution (quality) of the weld.

45

45

3.1.3 Where the aforementioned conditions cannot

be met, e.g. where the welds are accessible from one
side only, the joints shall be executed as lesser bev- t t
elled welds with an open root and an attached or an
integrally machined or cast, permanent weld pool Fig. 19.8 Single and double-bevel welds with
support (backing) as shown in Fig. 19.6. full root penetration
Chapter 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 196 GL 2008

The effective weld thickness shall be assumed as the in accordance with Fig. 19.11 in a manner analogous
thickness of the abutting plate. Where proof of fatigue to the butt joints referred to in 3.1.3 using a weld pool
strength is required (see Section 20), the detail cate- support (backing), or as single-side, single bevel welds
gory depends on the execution (quality) of the weld. in a manner similar to those prescribed in 3.2.2.

3.2.2 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints

with a defined incomplete root penetration, as shown 6 f
in Fig. 19.9, shall be made as single or double-bevel 45
welds, as described in 3.2.1, with a back-up weld but

2-3
45
without grooving of the root.

f f
t
2-3

2-3

45

Fig. 19.11 Single-side welded T joints

45

t t The effective weld thickness shall be determined by

analogy with 3.1.3 or 3.2.2, as appropriate. Wherever
possible, these joints should not be used where proof
Fig. 19.9 Single and double-bevel welds with of fatigue strength is required (see Section 20).
defined incomplete root penetration
3.2.5 Where corner joints are flush, the weld
The effective weld thickness may be assumed as the shapes shall be as shown in Fig. 19.12 with bevelling
thickness of the abutting plate t, where f is the incom- of at least 30 of the vertically drawn plates to avoid
plete root penetration of 0,2 t with a maximum of the danger of lamellar tearing. A similar procedure is
3 mm, which is to be balanced by equally sized double to be followed in the case of fitted T joints (uniting
fillet welds on each side. Where proof of fatigue three plates) where the abutting plate is to be socketed
strength is required (see Section 20), these welds are between the aligned plates.
to be assigned to type D1.

3.2.3 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints 15 15

with both an unwelded root face c and a defined in-
complete root penetration f shall be made in accor- 2-3 2-3
dance with Fig. 19.10 30 30

f/2 c f/2 c
f/2 f/2
2-3

45

2-3

5

45

t t

Fig. 19.10 Single and double-bevel welds with Fig. 19.12 Flush fitted corner joints
unwelded root face and defined in
complete root penetration 3.2.6 Where, in the case of T joints, the direction of
the main stress lies in the plane of the horizontal plates
The effective weld thickness shall be assumed as the (e.g. the plating) shown in Fig. 19.13 and where the
thickness of the abutting plate t minus (c + f), where f connection of the perpendicular (web) plates is of
is to be assigned a value of 0,2 t subject to a maximum secondary importance, welds uniting three plates may
of 3 mm. Where proof of fatigue strength is required be made in accordance with Fig. 19.13 (with the ex-
(see Section 20), these welds are to be assigned to ception of those subjected mainly to dynamic loads).
types D2 or D3. For the root passes of the three plate weld sufficient
penetration shall be achieved. Sufficient penetration
3.2.4 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints has to be verified in way of the welding procedure
which are accessible from one side only may be made test.
I - Part 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 197

The effective thickness of the weld connecting the terials and Welding, Part 3 Welding, Chapter 3
horizontal plates shall be determined in accordance Welding in the Various Fields of Application, Section
with 3.2.2. The requisite "a" dimension is determined 1, F.
by the joint uniting the vertical (web) plates and shall,
where necessary, be determined in accordance with 3.3.3 The throat thickness of fillet welds shall not
Table 19.3 or by calculation as for fillet welds. exceed 0,7 times the lesser thickness of the parts to be
connected (generally the web thickness). The mini-
mum throat thickness is defined by the expression:
2a 2a
15 1 15 1 t1 + t 2
5 5 a min = [mm],
3
but not less than 3 mm

t1 = lesser (e.g. the web) plate thickness [mm]

t2 = greater (e.g. the flange) plate thickness [mm]
a

3.3.4 It is desirable that the fillet weld section shall

be flat faced with smooth transitions to the base mate-
Fig. 19.13 Welding together three plates rial. Where proof of fatigue strength is required (see
Section 20), machining of the weld (grinding to re-
3.3 Fillet weld connections move notches) may be required depending on the
notch category. The weld should penetrate at least
3.3.1 In principle fillet welds are to be of the dou- close to the theoretical root point.
ble fillet weld type. Exceptions to this rule (as in the
case of closed box girders and mainly shear stresses 3.3.5 Where mechanical welding processes are
parallel to the weld) are subject to approval in each used which ensure deeper penetration extending well
individual case. The throat thickness "a" of the weld beyond the theoretical root point and where such
(the height of the inscribed isosceles triangle) shall be penetration is uniformly and dependably maintained
determined in accordance with Table 19.3 or by calcu- under production conditions, approval may be given
lation according to C. The leg length of a fillet weld is for this deeper penetration to be allowed for in deter-
to be not less than 1,4 times the throat thickness "a". mining the throat thickness. The effective dimension:
For fillet welds at doubling plates, see 2.4.3; for the
2 emin
welding of the deck stringer to the sheer strake, see a deep = a + [mm]
Section 7, A.2.1, and for bracket joints, see C.2.7. 3
shall be ascertained in accordance with Fig. 19.14 and
3.3.2 The relative fillet weld throat thicknesses
by applying the term "emin" to be established for each
specified in Table 19.3 relate to normal strength and
welding process by a welding procedure test. The
higher strength hull structural steels and comparable
throat thickness shall not be less than the minimum
structural steels. They may also be generally applied
throat thickness related to the theoretical root point.
to high-strength structural steels and non-ferrous met-
als provided that the "tensile shear strength" of the
weld metal used is at least equal to the tensile strength
e
of the base material. Failing this, the "a" dimension a
e
a

shall be increased accordingly and the necessary in-

crement shall be established during the welding pro-
cedure test (see Rules II Materials and Welding, Part
em

3 Welding, Chapter 3 Welding in the Various

theoretical
in

Fields of Application, Section 1, F.). Alternatively root centre

proof by calculation taking account of the properties
of the weld metal may be presented.
Fig. 19.14 Fillet welds with increased penetration
Note
3.3.6 When welding on top of shop primers which
In the case of higher-strength aluminium alloys (e.g. are particularly liable to cause porosity, an increase of
AlMg4,5Mn0,7), such an increment may be necessary the "a" dimension by up to 1 mm may be stipulated
for cruciform joints subject to tensile stresses, as ex- depending on the welding process used. This is spe-
perience shows that in the welding procedure tests the cially applicable where minimum fillet weld throat
tensile-shear strength of fillet welds (made with thicknesses are employed. The size of the increase
matching filler metal) often fails to attain the tensile shall be decided on a case by case basis considering
strength of the base material. See also Rules II Ma- the nature and severity of the stressing following the
Chapter 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 198 GL 2008

test results of the shop primer in accordance with the b

Rules II Materials and Welding, Part 3 Welding, au = 1,1 a [mm]
Chapter 3 Welding in the Various Fields of Applica- A
tion, Section 3, F. This applies in analogous manner to a = required fillet weld throat thickness [mm] for
welding processes where provision has to be made for a continuous weld according to Table 19.3 or
inadequate root penetration. determined by calculation

3.3.7 Strengthened filled welds continuous on both b = pitch = e + A [mm]

sides are to be used in areas subjected to severe dy-
e = interval between the welds [mm]
namic loads (e.g. for connecting the longitudinal and
transverse girders of the engine base to top plates A = length of fillet weld [mm]
close to foundation bolts, see Section 8, C.3.2.5 and
Table 19.3), unless single or double-bevel welds are The pitch ratio b/A should not exceed 5. The maximum
stipulated in these locations. In these areas the "a" unwelded length (b A with scallop and chain welds,
dimension shall equal 0,7 times the lesser thickness of or b/2 A with staggered welds) should not exceed 25
the parts to be welded. times the lesser thickness of the parts to be welded.
The length of scallops should, however, not exceed
3.3.8 Intermittent fillet welds in accordance with 150 mm.
Table 19.3 may be located opposite one another (chain
intermittent welds, possibly with scallops) or may be 3.3.10 Lap joints should be avoided wherever possi-
staggered, see Fig. 19.15. In case of small sections ble and are not to be used for heavily loaded compo-
other types of scallops may be accepted. nents. In the case of components subject to low loads
lap joints may be accepted provided that, wherever
In water and cargo tanks, in the bottom area of fuel oil possible, they are orientated parallel to the direction of
tanks and of spaces where condensed or sprayed water the main stress. The width of the lap shall be
may accumulate and in hollow components (e.g. rud- 1,5 t + 15 mm (t = thickness of the thinner plate).
ders) threatened by corrosion, only continuous or Except where another value is determined by calcula-
intermittent fillet welds with scallops shall be used. tion, the fillet weld throat thickness "a" shall equal 0,4
This applies accordingly also to areas, structures or times the lesser plate thickness, subject to the re-
spaces exposed to extreme environmental conditions quirement that it shall not be less than the minimum
or which are exposed to corrosive cargo. throat thickness required by 3.3.3. The fillet weld shall
be continuous on both sides and shall meet at the ends.
There shall be no scallops in areas where the plating is
subjected to severe local stresses (e.g. in the bottom 3.3.11 In the case of plug welding, the plugs should,
section of the fore ship) and continuous welds are to wherever possible, take the form of elongated holes
be preferred where the loading is mainly dynamic. lying in the direction of the main stress. The distance
between the holes and the length of the holes may be
determined by analogy with the pitch "b" and the fillet
weld length "A" in the intermittent welds covered by
[t]
25

3.3.8. The fillet weld throat thickness "au" may be

r

established in accordance with 3.3.9. The width of the

h holes shall be equal to at least twice the thickness of
f 4 75 e 150 the plate and shall not be less than 15 mm. The ends of
e the holes shall be semi-circular. Plates or sections
placed underneath should at least equal the perforated
plate in thickness and should project on both sides to a
b=e+
distance of 1,5 the plate thickness subject to a
e maximum of 20 mm. Wherever possible only the
necessary fillet welds shall be welded, while the re-
maining void is packed with a suitable filler. Lug joint
welding is not allowed.
b=e+
4. Welded joints of particular components
Fig. 19.15 Scallop, chain and staggered welds
4.1 Welds at the ends of girders and stiffeners

4.1.1 As shown in Fig. 19.16, the web at the end of

3.3.9 The throat thickness au of intermittent fillet
intermittently welded girders or stiffeners is to be
welds is to be determined according to the selected
continuously welded to the plating or the flange plate,
pitch ratio b/A by applying the formula: as applicable, over a distance at least equal to the
I - Part 1 Section 19 B Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 199

depth "h" of the girder or stiffener subject to a maxi-

mum of 300 mm. Regarding the strengthening of the h h
welds at the ends, extending normally over 0,15 of the
span, see Table 19.3.

d
d
no scallops h h 1,7h
2

20
h
b b d 1,75 h d h
b
0,67 h
Fig. 19.16 Welds at the ends of girders and stiff-
eners
h h
4.1.2 The areas of bracket plates should be con- 1 1
tinuously welded over a distance at least equal to the
length of the bracket plate. Scallops are to be located

d
d
only beyond a line imagined as an extension of the
free edge of the bracket plate.
2
2
4.1.3 Wherever possible, the free ends of stiffeners
shall abut against the transverse plating or the webs of
sections and girders so as to avoid stress concentra- d 1,5 h d 1,5 h
tions in the plating. Failing this, the ends of the stiff-
0,75 h 0,5 h
eners are to be sniped and continuously welded over a 1 1
distance of at least 1,7 h subject to a maximum of
300 mm. 2 0,33 h 2 0,75 h

4.1.4 Where butt joints occur in flange plates, the

flange shall be continuously welded to the web on Fig. 19.17 Joints uniting section ends and plates
both sides of the joint over a distance at least equal to
the width of the flange.

4.2 Joints between section ends and plates 4.3.2 In the case of single-strut shaft brackets no
welding is to be performed on the arm at or close to
4.2.1 Welded joints connecting section ends and the position of constraint. Such components shall be
plates may be made in the same plane or lapped. provided with integrally forged or cast welding
flanges.
Where no design calculations have been carried out or
stipulated for the welded connections, the joints may
be made analogously to those shown in Fig. 19.17.

4.2.2 Where the joint lies in the plane of the plate, [t]
it may conveniently take the form of a single-bevel
butt weld with fillet. Where the joint between the plate
and the section end overlaps, the fillet weld shall be
t

continuous on both sides and shall meet at the ends.

The necessary "a" dimension is to be calculated in
accordance with C.2.6. The fillet weld throat thickness
is not to be less than the minimum specified in 3.3.3.

4.3 Welded shaft bracket joints

4.3.1 Unless cast in one piece or provided with

integrally cast welding flanges analogous to those
prescribed in 2.1.7 (see Fig. 19.18), strut barrel and
struts are to be connected to each other and to the shell Fig. 19.18 Shaft bracket with integrally cast
plating in the manner shown in Fig. 19.19. welding flanges
Chapter 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 1910 GL 2008

4.4.3 The welded joint between the rudder stock

[t]
[t'] (with thickened collar, see 2.1.8) and the flange shall
2d20 be made in accordance with Fig. 19.21.
0
t' D

t
smoothly 2 300
R 100 m
rounded joint d m
contours

a =1 1
b 35

b
t = plating thickness in accordance with Section 6, F. in [mm]
4
d 5m

8 mm
t' = 3 +5 [mm] where d < 50mm final machining m
after welding
t' = 3 d [mm] where d 50mm

30
For shaft brackets of elliptically shaped cross section d may
be substituted by 2/3 d in the above formulae. a

2 mm
8
Fig. 19.19 Shaft bracket without integrally cast R
welding flanges

4.4 Rudder coupling flanges Fig. 19.21 Welded joint between rudder stock and
coupling flange
4.4.1 Unless forged or cast steel flanges with inte-
grally forged or cast welding flanges in conformity
with 2.1.7 are used, horizontal rudder coupling flanges
are to be joined to the rudder body by plates of gradu- C. Stress Analysis
ated thickness and full penetration single or double-
bevel welds as prescribed in 3.2.1, see Fig. 19.20. See 1. General analysis of fillet weld stresses
also Section 14, D.1.4 and D.2.4.
4.4.2 Allowance shall be made for the reduced 1.1 Definition of stresses
strength of the coupling flange in the thickness direc- For calculation purposes, the following stresses in a
tion see 1.5 and 2.5. In case of doubt, proof by calcu- fillet weld are defined (see also Fig. 19.22):
lation of the adequacy of the welded connection shall
be produced. = normal stresses acting vertically to the direc-
tion of the weld seam
= shear stress acting vertically to the direction
of the weld seam
& = Shear stress acting in the direction of the
tf weld seam
[t] 5 tf
300

[t]

t = plate thickness in accordance with Section s^

14, E.3.1 [mm] tII
90 t^
tf = actual flange thickness in [mm]
tf
t' = +5 [mm] where tf < 50mm
3
t' = 3 tf [mm] where tf 50mm
a

Fig. 19.20 Horizontal rudder coupling flanges Fig. 19.22 Stresses in a fillet weld
I - Part 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 1911

Normal stresses acting in the direction of the weld

seam need not be considered. 1
flank fillet weld
a
For calculation purposes the weld seam area is a A. frontal fillet weld

Due to equilibrium conditions the following applies to a P1

2
the flank area vertical to the shaded weld seam area:
= . a

The equivalent stress is to be calculated by the follow- a

ing formula:
P2
v = 2 + 2 + &2
e

1.2 Definitions Fig. 19.23 Weld joint of an overlapped lifting eye

a = throat thickness [mm] Stresses in flank fillet welds:
A = length of fillet weld [mm] P2
= [N/mm2]
P = single force [N] 2 a ( A1 + A 2 )

M = bending moment at the position considered

P1 P2 e
[Nm] & = [N/mm2]
2 a ( A1 + A 2 ) 2 a Ft
Q = shear force at the point considered [N]
S = first moment of the cross sectional area of the A1, A2, e [mm]
flange connected by the weld to the web in
relation to the neutral beam axis [cm3] Equivalent stress for frontal and flank fillet
I = moment of inertia of the girder section [cm4] welds:

W = section modulus of the connected section v = 2 + &2

[cm2]

Joint as shown in Fig. 19.24:

2. Determination of stresses

2.1 Fillet welds stressed by normal and shear P2

forces
P1
Flank and frontal welds are regarded as being equal
for the purposes of stress analysis. In view of this,
e

normal and shear stresses are calculated as follows:

P
= = [N/mm2]
aA
Fig. 19.24 Weld joint of a vertically mounted
Joint as shown in Fig. 19.23: lifting eye

Stresses in frontal fillet welds: P2 3 P1 e

= + [N/mm2]
2 A a A2 a
P1
= [N/mm2]
2 a ( A1 + A 2 )
P1
& = [N/mm2]
2 A a
P2 P2 e
& = [N/mm2]
2 a ( A1 + A 2 ) 2 a Ft Equivalent stress:

Ft = ( A1 + a ) (A2 + a ) [mm2] v = 2 + &2

Chapter 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 1912 GL 2008

2.2 Fillet weld joints stressed by bending mo- 2.3 Fillet weld joints stressed by bending and
ments and shear forces torsional moments and shear forces

The stresses at the fixing point of a girder are calcu- Regarding the normal and shear stresses resulting
lated as follows (in Fig. 19.25 a cantilever beam is from bending, see 2.2. Torsional stresses resulting
given as an example): from the torsional moment MT are to be calculated:

Q M T 103
T = [N/mm 2 ]
2 a Am

MT = torsional moment [Nm]

eo
z
M x x Am = sectional area [mm] enclosed by the weld
seam
eu
The equivalent stress composed of all three compo-
nents (bending, shear and torsion) is calculated by
means of the following formulae:
Fig. 19.25 Fixing point of a cantilever beam
v = 2 + &2 + T2 [N/mm 2 ],
Normal stress due to bending moment:
where & and T have not the same direction
M
( z) = z [N/mm2 ]
( )
Is 2
v = 2 + & + T [N/mm 2 ],
M
max = eu [N/mm2 ], if eu > e0 where & and T have the same direction
Is

M 2.4 Continuous fillet weld joints between web

= e0 [N/mm2 ], if eu < e0
Is and flange of bending girders

The stresses are to be calculated in way of maximum

Shear stress due to shear force:
shear forces. Stresses in the weld's longitudinal direc-
tion need not be considered.
Q Ss ( z )
& ( z ) = [N/mm 2 ] In the case of continuous double fillet weld connec-
10 Is a
tions the shear stress is to be calculated as follows:
Q Ss max
& max = [N/mm 2 ] Q S
20 Is a & = [N/mm 2 ]
20 I a

Is = moment of inertia of the welded joint The fillet weld thickness required is:
related to the x-axis [cm4]
Q S
Ss(z) = the first moment of the connected a req = [mm]
weld section at the point under con- 20 I zul
sideration [cm3]
2.5 Intermittent fillet weld joints between web
z = distance from the neutral axis [cm]
and flange of bending girders

Equivalent stress: Shear stress:

It has to be proved that neither max in the Q S b
region of the flange nor IImax in the region of & = [N/mm 2 ]
20 I a A
the neutral axis nor the equivalent stress
b = pitch
v = 2 + &2 exceed the permitted limits
given in 2.8 at any given point. The equivalent = 1,1 stress concentration factor which takes
stress v should always be calculated at the into account increases in shear stress at
web-flange connection the ends of the fillet weld seam "A"
I - Part 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 1913

Q
= [N/mm2 ]
a ( 2 d + A1 + A 2 )

M 103
II = [N/mm2 ]
b a c ( 2d + A1 + A 2 )

Fig. 19.26 Intermittent fillet weld joint The equivalent stress is:

The fillet weld thickness required is:

v = 2 + &2
Q S 1,1 b
a req =
20 I zul A
[mm]
W 103
a req = [mm]
A + A2
2.6 Fillet weld connections on overlapped 1,5 c d 1 + 1
profile joints 2d

2.6.1 Profiles joined by means of two flank fillet Q

M
welds (see Fig. 19.27):
d
Q
= [N/mm 2 ]
2 a d

1
M 103

c
& = [N/mm 2 ]
2 a c d

r
Fig. 19.28 Profile joined by means of two flank
The equivalent stress is: and two frontal fillet welds (all round
welding)
2
v = + &2
2.7 Bracket joints
c, d, A1 , A 2 , r [mm] see Fig. 19.27
Where profiles are joined to brackets as shown in Fig.
3 A1 A 2
c = r +
4
[ mm] 19.29, the average shear stress is:

3 M 103 Q
M Q = + [N/mm2 ]
4 a d 2 2 a d
d
d = length of overlap [mm]
2

1
c

d
d
Fig. 19.27 Profile joined by means of two flank M Q
fillet joints

As the influence of the shear force can generally be

d

neglected, the required fillet weld thickness may be

determined by the following formula:

W 103
a req = [mm]
1,5 c d

2.6.2 Profiles joined by means of two flank and Fig. 19.29 Bracket joint with idealized stress dis-
two frontal fillet welds (all round welding as shown in tribution resulting from moment M
Fig. 19.28): and shear force Q
Chapter 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints I - Part 1
Page 1914 GL 2008

The required fillet weld thickness is to be calcu- 2.8 Permissible stresses

lated from the section modulus of the profile as fol-
The permissible stresses for various materials under
lows:
mainly static loading conditions are given in Table
19.2. The values listed for high strength steels, aus-
1 000 W tenitic stainless steels and aluminium alloys are based
a req = [mm]
d2 on the assumption that the strength values of the weld
metal used are at least as high as those of the parent
metal. If this is not the case, the "a"-value calculated
(The shear force Q has been neglected.) shall be increased accordingly (see also B.3.3.2).

Table 19.2 Permissible stresses in fillet weld seams

Permissible stresses [N/mm2]

ReH or Rp0,2
Material equivalent stress,
[N/mm2] shear stress
vp, p
normal strength
GLA/B/D/E 235 115
hull structural steel
GLA/D/E/F 32 315 145
higher strength
GLA/D/E/F 36 355 160
structural steel
GLA/D/E/F 40 390 175
S 460 460 200
high strength steels
S 690 685 290
1.4306/304 L 180
1.4404/316 L 190
1.4435/316 L 190
110
1.4438/317 L 195

austenitic and austenitic- 1.4541/321 205

ferritic stainless steels 1.4571/316 Ti 215
1.4406/316 LN 280
1.4429/316 LN 295 130
1.4439/317 LN 285
1.4462/318 LN 480 205

AlMg3/5754 80 1 35

AlMg4,5Mn0,7/5083 125 1 56
aluminium alloys
AlMgSi/6060 65 2 30

AlSi1MgMn/6082 110 2 45
1 Plates, soft condition
2 Sections, cold hardened
I - Part 1 Section 19 C Welded Joints Chapter 1
GL 2008 Page 1915

Table 19.3 Fillet Weld Connections

Basic thickness of
fillet welds a/t0 1 Intermittent
Structural parts to be connected fillet welds
for double continuous
permissible 3
fillet welds 2
Bottom structures
transverse and longitudinal girders to each other 0,35
to shell and inner bottom 0,20
centre girder to flat keel and inner bottom 0,40
transverse and longitudinal girders and stiffeners including shell plating in way of 0,30
bottom strengthening forward
machinery space
transverse and longitudinal girders to each other 0,35
to shell and inner bottom 0,30
inner bottom to shell 0,40
sea chests, water side 0,50
inside 0,30
Machinery foundation
longitudinal and transverse girders to each other and to the shell 0,40
to inner bottom and face plates 0,40
to top plates 0,50 4
in way of foundation bolts 0,70 4
to brackets and stiffeners 0,30
longitudinal girders of thrust bearing to inner bottom 0,40
Decks
to shell (general) 0,40
deckstringer to sheerstrake (see also Section 7, A.2) 0,50
Frames, stiffeners, beams etc.
general 0,15
in peak tanks 0,30
bilge keel to shell 0,15
Transverses, longitudinal and transverse girders
general 0,15
within 0,15 of span from supports 0,25
cantilevers 0,40
pillars to decks 0,40
Bulkheads, tank boundaries, walls of superstructures and deckhouses
to decks, shell and walls 0,40
Hatch coamings
to deck (see also Section 17, C.1.8) 0,40
to longitudinal stiffeners 0,30
Hatch covers
general 0,15 5
watertight or oiltight fillet welds 0,30
Rudder
plating to webs 0,25
Stem
plating to webs 0,25
1 t0 = Thickness of the thinner plate.
2 In way of large shear forces larger throat thicknesses may be required on the bases of calculations according to C.
3 For intermittent welding in spaces liable to corrosion B.3.3.8 is to be observed.
4 For plate thicknesses exceeding 15 mm single or double bevel butt joints with, full penetration or with defined incomplete root penetration
according to Fig. 19.9 to be applied.
5 excepting hatch covers above holds provided for ballast water.