Fillet weld shear strength
Shear strength refers to the ability of a material or joint to withstand forces that act parallel to its surface. In the case of fillet welds, this means the ability of the weld to resist sliding or pulling apart under load.
Calculation of shear strength requires knowledge of both the size and shape of the fillet weld as well as properties like yield and tensile strength.
It is crucial for engineers and designers to understand how different parameters affect the shear strength of fillet welds. This includes factors such as welding size (fillet weld throat size), electrode strength, material thickness, and weld soundness.
Factors such as the thickness and length of the weld also affect its shear strength. Weld quality plays a significant role in determining the shear strength of fillet joints; hence, proper welding procedures must be followed to ensure optimal performance.
Fillet weld shear strength Calculation
Fillet weld shear strength is a critical factor in mechanical engineering, as it determines the load-carrying capacity of welded structures.
A fillet weld is a type of welding joint that forms an angle between two metal surfaces, and its strength is influenced by several factors such as material properties, weld size, and geometry.
Related reading: how-to-calculate-throat-size-of-fillet-weld
The calculation of fillet weld shear strength involves determining the effective throat thickness and multiplying it by the length of the weld.
To determine the effective throat thickness, one needs to measure from the root of the joint to a point on or beyond its face where there is no undercut. The effective throat thickness can also be calculated using mathematical formulas based on variables such as leg size or throat size.
The basic formula for calculating the shear strength of a fillet weld is as follows:
- Shear Strength = 0.707 x Weld Throat x Weld Length x (Tensile Strength/3).
This formula takes into account three key factors that affect the strength of a fillet weld – its throat size, length and tensile strength.

By plugging in these values, engineers can determine whether or not the fillet weld is strong enough for its intended application.