Code-check of welds according to Hong Kong Code

Butt welds

Full penetration butt welds are expected and their resistance is considered equal to that of the parent metal – Cl. 9.2.5.2.1.

Fillet welds

Fillet welds are designed by Simplified method according to Cl. 9.2.5.1.6. 

$$f_w \le p_w$$

• $f_w = \sqrt{\sigma_\perp ^2 + \tau_\perp ^2 + \tau_\parallel ^2}$ – vector sum of stresses in weld throat in all directions
• $p_w$ – design strength of fillet weld determined according to Table 9.2a and 9.2b; for cases not covered by Tables 9.2a and 9.2b:

  • $p_w = \min \{0.5 U_e, 0.55 U_s\}$ – for EN electrode used with EN steel
  • $p_w = 0.38 \min \{U_e, U_s\}$ – for other cases
• $U_e$ – minimum tensile strength of electrode
• $U_s$ – minimum tensile strength

The effective length of the fillet weld is reduced by $2\cdot s$ according to Cl. 9.2.5.1.3, where $s$ is the fillet weld leg size assumed equal to $a\cdot \sqrt{2}$.

Tables 9.2a and 9.2b: Design strengths $p_w$ [MPa]

Default minimal tensile strength of electrode $U_e$ [MPa]

The weld diagrams show stress according to the following formula:

$$\sigma = \sqrt{\sigma_{\perp}^2 + \tau_{\perp}^2 + 3 \tau_{\parallel}^2 }$$