Section 19 - Welded Joints A, B 19 - 1

Section 19

Welded Joints

Preface 2.4 High strength (quenched and tempered) fine grain

structural steels, low temperature steels, stainless and other
The content of this Section is to a large extent identical to (alloyed) structural steels require special approval by BKI.
that of Rules for Welding Volume VI, Section 12, G. Because Proof of weldability of the respective steel is to be presented
of the reissues of Section 12, G. referred to and this Section in connection with the welding procedure and welding
at different times, some temporary divergences may arise consumables.
and in such circumstances the more recent Rules shall take
precedence. 2.5 Cast steel and forged parts require testing by BKI.
For castings intended to be used for welded shipbuilding
structures the maximum permissible values of the chemical
composition according to Rules for Material Vol. V,
A. General Section 7, B.4 and Table 7.1 have to be observed.

1. Information contained in manufacturing 2.6 Aluminium alloys require testing by BKI. Proof of
documents their weldability shall be presented in connection with the
welding procedure and welding consumables.
1.1 The shapes and dimensions of welds and, where proof
by calculation is supplied, the requirements applicable to 2.7 Welding consumables used are to be suitable for the
welded joints (the weld quality grade, detail category) are parent metal to be welded and are to be approved by BKI.
to be stated in drawings and other manufacturing documents
(parts lists, welding and inspection schedules). In special
cases, e.g. where special materials are concerned, the 3. Manufacture and testing
documents shall also state the welding method, the welding
consumables used, heat input and control, the weld build-up
3.1 The manufacture of welded structural components
and any post-weld treatment which may be required.
may only be carried out in workshops or plants that have
been approved. The requirements that have to be observed
1.2 Symbols and signs used to identify welded joints
in connection with the fabrication of welded joints are laid
shall be explained if they depart from the symbols and
down in the Rules for Welding, Volume VI.
definitions contained in the relevant standards (e.g. DIN
standards). Where the weld preparation (together with
approved methods of welding) conforms both to normal 3.2 The weld quality grade of welded joints without proof
shipbuilding practice and to these Rules and recognized by calculation (see 1.1) depends on the significance of the
standards, where applicable, no special description is needed. welded joint for the total structure and on its location in the
structural element (location to the main stress direction)
and on its stressing. For details concerning the type, scope
2. Materials, weldability and manner of testing, see Rules for Welding, Volume VI,
Section 12, I. Where proof of fatigue strength is required,
2.1 Only base materials of proven weldability (see in addition the requirements of Section 20 apply.
Section 2) may be used for welded structures. Any approval
conditions of the steel or of the procedure qualification tests
and the steelmaker's recommendations are to be observed.
B. Design
2.2 For normal strength hull structural steels grades A,
B, D and E which have been tested by BKI, weldability
normally is considered to have been proven. The suitability 1. General design principles
of these base materials for high efficiency welding processes
with high heat input shall be verified. 1.1 During the design stage welded joints are to be
planned such as to be accessible during fabrication, to be
2.3 Higher strength hull structural steels grade located in the best possible position for welding and to permit
AH/DH/EH/FH which have been approved by BKI in the proper welding sequence to be followed.
accordance with the relevant requirements of Rules for
Materials, Volume V, have had their weldability examined 1.2 Both the welded joints and the sequence of welding
and, provided their handling is in accordance with normal involved are to be so planned as to enable residual welding
shipbuilding practice, may be considered to be proven. The stresses to be kept to a minimum in order that no excessive
suitability of these base materials for high efficiency welding deformation occurs. Welded joints should not be over
processes with high heat input shall be verified. dimensioned, see also 3.3.3.
19 - 2 Section 19 - Welded Joints B

1.3 When planning welded joints, it shall first be 2.1.4 Wherever possible, joints (especially site joints) in
established that the type and grade of weld envisaged, such girders and sections shall not be located in areas of high
as full root weld penetration in the case of HV or DHV (K) bending stress. Joints at the knuckle of flanges are to be
weld seams, can in fact be perfectly executed under the avoided.
conditions set by the limitations of the manufacturing process
involved. If this is not the case, a simpler type of weld seam 2.1.5 The transition between differing component
shall be selected and its possibly lower load bearing capacity dimensions shall be smooth and gradual. Where the depth
taken into account when dimensioning the component. of web of girders or sections differs, the flanges or bulbs
are to be bevelled and the web slit and expanded or pressed
1.4 Highly stressed welded joints which, therefore, are together to equalize the depths of the members. The length
generally subject to examination are to be so designed that of the transition should be at least equal twice the difference
the most suitable method of testing for faults can be used in depth.
(radiography, ultrasonic, surface crack testing methods) in
order that a reliable examination may be carried out. 2.1.6 Where the plate thickness differs at joints
perpendicularly to the direction of the main stress, differences
1.5 Special characteristics peculiar to the material, such in thickness greater than 3 mm shall be accommodated by
as the lower strength values of rolled material in the thickness bevelling the proud edge in the manner shown in Fig. 19.1
direction (see 2.5.1) or the softening of cold worked at a ratio of at least 1 : 3 or according to the notch category.
aluminium alloys as a result of welding, are factors which Differences in thickness of 3 mm or less may be
have to be taken into account when designing welded joints. accommodated within the weld.
Clad plates where the efficiency of the bond between the
base and the clad material is proved may generally be treated
as solid plates (up to medium plate thicknesses where mainly
fillet weld connections are used).

1.6 In cases where different types of material are paired

and operate in sea water or any other electrolytic medium,
for example welded joints made between 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 Fig. 19.1 Accommodation of differences of thickness
susceptibility to corrosion and shall therefore be given special
attention. Where possible, such welds are to be positioned
2.1.7 For the welding on of plates or other relatively
in locations less subject to the risk of corrosion (such as
thin-walled elements, steel castings and forgings should
on the outside of tanks) or special protective
be appropriately tapered or provided with integrally cast
counter-measures are to be taken (such as the provision of
or forged welding flanges in accordance with Fig. 19.2.
a protective coating or cathodic protection).

2. Design details

2.1 Stress flow, transitions

2.1.1 All welded joints on primary supporting members

shall be designed to provide as smooth a stress profile as
possible with no major internal or external notches, no
discontinuities in rigidity and no obstructions to strains, see Fig. 19.2 Welding flanges on steel castings or forgings
Section 3, H.
2.1.8 For the connection of shaft brackets to the boss and
2.1.2 This applies in analogous manner to the welding of shell plating, see 4.3 and Section 13, D.2.; for the connection
subordinate components on to primary supporting members of horizontal coupling flanges to the rudder body, see 4.4
whose exposed plate or flange edges should, as far as For the required thickened rudderstock collar required with
possible, be kept free from notch effects due to welded build-up welds and for the connection of the coupling flange,
attachments. Regarding the inadmissibility of weldments see 2.7 and Section 14, D.2.4. The joint between the rudder-
to the upper edge of the sheer strake, see Section 6, C.3.4. stock and the coupling flange are to be connected by full
This applies similarly to weldments to the upper edge of penetration weld.
continuous hatchway side coamings.

2.1.3 Butt joints in long or extensive continuous structures 2.2 Local clustering of welds, minimum spacing
such as bilge keels, fenders, crane rails, slop coamings, etc.
attached to primary structural members are therefore to be 2.2.1 The local clustering of welds and short distances
welded over their entire cross-section. between welds are to be avoided. Adjacent butt welds should
 Section 19 - Welded Joints B 19 - 3

be separated from each other by a distance of at least: 2.4 Local reinforcements, doubling plates

50 mm + 4 × plate thickness. 2.4.1 Where plating (including girder plates and tube walls)
are subjected locally to increased stresses, thicker plates
should be used wherever possible in preference to doubling
Fillet welds should be separated from each other and from
plates. Bearing bushes, hubs etc. shall invariably take the
butt welds by a distance of at least:
form of thicker sections welded into the plating, see 2.2.2.
30 mm + 2 × plate thickness.
2.4.2 Where doublings cannot be avoided, the thickness
of the doubling plates should not exceed twice the plating
The width of replaced or inserted plates (strips) should, thickness. Doubling plates whose width is greater than
however, be at least 300 mm or ten times the plate thickness, approximately 30 times their thickness shall be slot welded
whichever is the greater. to the underlying plating in accordance with 3.3.11 at
intervals not exceeding 30 times the thickness of the doubling
plate.
2.2.2 Reinforcing plates, welding flanges, mountings and
similar components socket-welded into plating should be
2.4.3 Along their (longitudinal) edges, doubling plates
of the following minimum size:
shall be continuously fillet welded with a throat thickness
"a" of 0,3 x the doubling plate thickness. At the ends of
Dmin =
doubling plates, the throat thickness "a" at the end faces
shall be increased to 0,5 x the doubling plate thickness but
D = diameter of round or length of side of angular shall not exceed the plating thickness, see Fig. 19.4.
weldments [mm]
The welded transition at the end faces of the doubling plates
t = plating thickness [mm]. to the plating should form with the latter an angle of 45E
or less.
The corner radii of angular socket weldments should be
5t [mm] but at least 50 mm. Alternatively the ”longitudinal
seams” are to extend beyond the ”transverse seams”. Socket
weldments are to be fully welded to the surrounding plating.
Regarding the increase of stress due to different thickness
of plates see also Section 20, B.1.3.

2.3 Welding cut-outs

2.3.1 Welding cut-outs for the (later) execution of butt Fig. 19.4 Welding at the ends of doubling plates
or fillet welds following the positioning of transverse
members should be rounded (minimum radius 25 mm or
twice the plate thickness, whichever is the greater) and 2.4.4 Where proof of fatigue strength is required (see
should be shaped to provide a smooth transition on the Section 20), the configuration of the end of the doubling
adjoining surface as shown in Fig. 19.3 (especially necessary plate shall conform to the selected detail category.
where the loading is mainly dynamic).
2.4.5 Doubling plates are not permitted in tanks for
flammable liquids.

2.5 Intersecting members, stress in the thickness

direction

2.5.1 Where, in the case of intersecting members, plates

or other rolled products are stressed in the thickness direction
by shrinking stresses due to the welding and/or applied loads,
suitable measures shall be taken in the design and fabrication
of the structures to prevent lamellar tearing (stratified
Fig. 19.3 Welding cut-outs fractures) due to the anisotropy of the rolled products.

2.5.2 Such measures include the use of suitable weld shapes

2.3.2 Where the welds are completed prior to the with a minimum weld volume and a welding sequence
positioning of the crossing members, no welding cut-outs designed to reduce transverse shrinkage. Other measures
are needed. Any weld reinforcements present are to be are the distribution of the stresses over a larger area of the
machined off prior to the location of the crossing members plate surface by using a build-up weld or the joining together
or these members are to have suitable cut-outs. of several "fibres" of members stressed in the thickness
19 - 4 Section 19 - Welded Joints B

direction as exemplified by the deck stringer/sheer strake 2.7 Build - up welds on rudderstocks and pintles
joint shown in Fig. 19.12.
2.7.1 Wear resistance and/or corrosion resistant build-up
2.5.3 In case of very severe stresses in the thickness
welds on the bearing surfaces of rudderstocks, pintles etc.
direction due, for example, to the aggregate effect of the
shall be applied to a thickened collar exceeding by at least
shrinkage stresses of bulky single or double-bevel butt welds
20 mm the diameter of the adjoining part of the shaft.
plus high applied loads, plates with guaranteed through
thickness properties (extra high-purity material and
guaranteed minimum reductions in area of tensile test 2.7.2 Where a thickened collar is impossible for design
specimens taken in thickness direction)1) are to be used. reasons, the build-up weld may be applied to the smooth
shaft provided that relief-turning in accordance with 2.7.3
is possible (leaving an adequate residual diameter).
2.6 Welding of cold formed sections, bending radii
2.7.3 After welding, the transition areas between the welded
2.6.1 Wherever possible, welding should be avoided at and non-welded portions of the shaft shall be relief-turned
the cold formed sections with more than 5% permanent with large radii, as shown in Fig. 19.5, to remove any base
elongation2) and in the adjacent areas of structural steels material whose structure close to the concave groove has
with a tendency towards strain ageing. been altered by the welding operation and in order to effect
the physical separation of geometrical and metallurgical
"notches".
2.6.2 Welding may be performed at the cold formed
sections and adjacent areas of hull structural 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 than those specified
in Table 19.1.

Table 19.1 Minimum inner bending radius r

Fig. 19.5 Build-up welds applied to rudderstocks and
Pintles
Plate thickness Minimum inner
t bending radius r
3. Weld shapes and dimensions
up to 4 mm 1,0 × t
up to 8 mm 1,5 × t
3.1 Butt joints
up to 12 mm 2,0 × t
up to 24 mm 3,0 × t
3.1.1 Depending on the plate thickness, the welding method
over 24 mm 5,0 × t
and the welding position, butt joints shall be of the square,
V or double-V shape conforming to the relevant standards
Note : (e.g. EN 22553/ISO 2533, ISO 9692-1, -2, -3 or -4). Where
other weld shapes are applied, these are to be specially
The bending capacity of the material may necessitate a larger described in the drawings. Weld shapes for special welding
bending radius. processes such as single-side or electrogas welding shall
have been tested and approved in the context of a welding
procedure test.
2.6.3 For other steels and other materials, where applicable,
the necessary minimum bending radius shall, in case of
doubt, be established by test. Proof of adequate toughness 3.1.2 As a matter of principle, the rear sides of butt joints
after welding may be stipulated for steels with minimum shall be grooved and welded with at least one capping pass.
nominal upper yield point of more than 355 N/mm2 and plate Exceptions to this rule, as in the case of submerged-arc
thicknesses of 30 mm and above which have undergone welding or the welding processes mentioned in 3.1.1, require
cold forming resulting in 2% or more permanent elongation. to be tested and approved in connection with a welding
procedure test. The effective weld thickness shall be deemed
to be the plate thickness, or, where the plate thicknesses
differ, the lesser plate thickness. Where proof of fatigue
strength is required (see Section 20), the detail category
1) depends on the execution (quality) of the weld.
See Rules for Materials, Vol. V, Section 4, I.
2)
Elongation g in the outer tensile-stressed zone
3.1.3 Where the aforementioned conditions cannot be met,
ε = e.g. where the welds are accessible from one side only, the
r = inner bending radius [mm] joints shall be executed as lesser bevelled welds with an
t = plate thickness [mm] open root and an attached or an integrally machined or cast,
 Section 19 - Welded Joints B 19 - 5

permanent weld pool support (backing) as shown in

Fig..19.63).

Fig. 19.8 Single and double-bevel welds with full root

penetration

Fig. 19.6 Single-side welds with permanent weld pool 3.2.2 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints with a
support (backings) defined incomplete root penetration, as shown in Fig. 19.9,
shall be made as single or double-bevel welds, as described
3.1.4 The weld shapes illustrated in Fig. 19.7 shall be used in 3.2.1, with a back-up weld but without grooving of the
for clad plates. These weld shapes shall be used in analogous root.
manner for joining clad plates to (unalloyed and low alloyed)
hull structural steels.

Fig. 19.9 Single and double-bevel welds with defined

incomplete root penetration

The effective weld thickness may be assumed as the

thickness of the abutting plate t, where f is the incomplete
root penetration of 0,2 t with a maximum of 3 mm, which
is to be balanced by equally sized double fillet welds on
each side. Where proof of fatigue strength is required (see
Section 20), these welds are to be assigned to type D1.

3.2.3 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints with both

an unwelded root face c and a defined incomplete root
penetration f shall be made in accordance with Fig. 19.10.

Fig. 19.7 Weld shapes for welding of clad plates

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

3.2.1 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints with

complete union of the abutting plates shall be made as single
or double-bevel welds with a minimum root face and
adequate air gap, as shown in Fig. 19.8, and with grooving
of the root and capping from the opposite side. Fig. 19.10 Single and double-bevel welds with
unwelded root face and defined incomplete
The effective weld thickness shall be assumed as the root penetration
thickness of the abutting plate. Where proof of fatigue
strength is required (see Section 20), the detail category
The effective weld thickness shall be assumed as the
depends on the execution (quality) of the weld.
thickness of the abutting plate t minus (c + f), where f is
to be assigned a value of 0,2 t subject to a maximum of
3 mm. Where proof of fatigue strength is required (see
3) Section 20), these welds are to be assigned to types D2 or
On special consideration, different combination of
D3.
welding angle and gap may be approved.
19 - 6 Section 19 - Welded Joints B

3.2.4 Corner, T and double-T (cruciform) joints which

are accessible from one side only may be made in accordance
with Fig. 19.11 in a manner analogous to the butt joints
referred to in 3.1.3 using a weld pool support (backing),
or as single-side, single bevel welds in a manner similar
to those prescribed in 3.2.2.

Fig. 19.13 Welding together three plates

3.3 Fillet weld connections

3.3.1 In principle fillet welds are to be of the double fillet

weld type. Exceptions to this rule (as in the case of closed
Fig. 19.11 Single-side welded T joints
box girders and mainly shear stresses parallel to the weld)
The effective weld thickness shall be determined by analogy are subject to approval in each individual case. The throat
with 3.1.3 or 3.2.2, as appropriate. Wherever possible, these thickness "a" of the weld (the height of the inscribed isosceles
joints should not be used where proof of fatigue strength triangle) shall be determined in accordance with Table 19.3
is required (see Section 20). or by calculation according to C. The leg length of a fillet
weld is to be not less than 1,4 times the throat thickness "a".
For fillet welds at doubling plates, see 2.4.3; for the welding
3.2.5 Where corner joints are flush; the weld shapes shall of the deck stringer to the sheer strake, see Section 7, A.2.1,
be as shown in Fig. 19.12 with bevelling of at least 30E of and for bracket joints, see C.2.7.
the vertically drawn plates to avoid the danger of lamellar
tearing. A similar procedure is to be followed in the case
of fitted T joints (uniting three plates) where the abutting 3.3.2 The relative fillet weld throat thicknesses specified
plate is to be socketed between the aligned plates. in Table 19.3 relate to normal strength and higher strength
hull structural steels and comparable structural steels. They
may also be generally applied to high-strength structural
steels and non-ferrous metals provided that the "tensile shear
strength" of the weld metal used is at least equal to the tensile
strength of the base material. Failing this, the "a" dimension
shall be increased accordingly and the necessary increment
shall be established during the welding procedure test (see
Rules for Welding, Volume VI, Section 12, F.). Alternatively
proof by calculation taking account of the properties of the
weld metal may be presented.

Note :
In case of higher strength aluminium alloys (e.g.
Fig. 19.12 Flush fitted corner joints AlMg4,5Mn0,7), such an increment may be necessary for
cruciform joint subject to tensile stresses, as experience
shows that in the welding procedure tests the tensile-shear
3.2.6 Where, in the case of T joints, the direction of the strength of fillet welds (made with matching filler metal)
main stress lies in the plane of the horizontal plates (e.g. often fails to attain the tensile strength of the base material.
the plating) shown in Fig. 19.13 and where the connection See also Rules for Welding Volume VI, Section 12, F.
of the perpendicular (web) plates is of secondary importance,
welds uniting three plates may be made in accordance with
Fig. 19.13 (with the exception of those subjected mainly 3.3.3 The throat thickness of fillet welds shall not exceed
to dynamic loads). For the root passes of the three plate weld 0,7 times the lesser thickness of the parts to be connected
sufficient penetration shall be achieved. Sufficient (generally the web thickness). The minimum throat thickness
penetration has to be verified in way of the welding is defined by the expression:
procedure test.

The effective thickness of the weld connecting the horizontal amin = [mm]
plates shall be determined in accordance with 3.2.2. The
requisite "a" dimension is determined by the joint uniting but not less than 3 mm
the vertical (web) plates and shall, where necessary, be
determined an accordance with Table 19.3 or by calculation t1 = lesser (e.g. the web) plate thickness [mm]
as for fillet welds. t2 = greater (e.g. the flange) plate thickness [mm].
 Section 19 - Welded Joints B 19 - 7

3.3.4 It is desirable that the fillet weld section shall be flat In water and cargo tanks, in the bottom area of fuel oil tanks
faced with smooth transitions to the base material. Where and of spaces where condensed or sprayed water may
proof of fatigue strength is required (see Section 20), accumulate and in hollow components (e.g. rudders)
machining of the weld ( grinding to remove notches) may threatened by corrosion, only continuous or intermittent
be required depending on the notch category. The weld fillet welds with scallops shall be used. This applies
should penetrate at least close to the theoretical root point. accordingly also to areas, structures or spaces exposed to
extreme environmental conditions or which are exposed
to corrosive cargo.
3.3.5 Where mechanical welding processes are used which
ensure deeper penetration extending well beyond the
There shall be no scallops in areas where the plating is
theoretical root point and where such penetration is uniformly
subjected to severe local stresses (e.g. in the bottom section
and dependably maintained under production conditions,
of the fore ship) and continuous welds are to be preferred
approval may be given for this deeper penetration to be
where the loading is mainly dynamic.
allowed for in determining the throat thickness. The effective
dimension:

[mm]

shall be ascertained in accordance with Fig. 19.14 and by

applying the term "e min" to be established for each welding
process by a welding procedure test. The throat thickness
shall not be less than the minimum throat thickness related
to the theoretical root point.

Fig. 19.15 Scallop, chain and staggered welds

3.3.9 The throat thickness au of intermittent fillet welds

Fig. 19.14 Fillet welds with increased penetration is to be determined according to the selected pitch ratio b/R
by applying the formula:
3.3.6 When welding on top of shop primers which are
particularly liable to cause porosity, an increase of the "a" au = [mm]
dimension by up to 1 mm may be stipulated depending on
the welding process used. This is specially applicable where
minimum fillet weld throat thicknesses are employed. The a = required fillet weld throat thickness [mm] for
size of the increase shall be decided on a case by case basis a continuous weld according to Table 19.3 or
considering the nature and severity of the stressing following determined by calculation
the test results of the shop primer in accordance with the
Rules for Welding, Volume VI, Section 12, F. This applies b = pitch = e + R [mm]
in analogous manner to welding processes where provision
has to be made for inadequate root penetration. e = interval between the welds [mm]

R = length of fillet weld [mm]

3.3.7 Strengthened fillet welds continuous on both sides
are to be used in areas subjected to severe dynamic loads The pitch ratio b/R should not exceed 5. The maximum
(e.g. for connecting the longitudinal and transverse girders unwelded length (b - R with scallop and chain welds, or
of the engine base to top plates close to foundation bolts, b/2 - R with staggered welds) should not exceed 25 times
see Section 8, C.3.2.5 and Table 19.3), unless single or the lesser thickness of the parts to be welded. The length
double bevel welds are stipulated in these locations. In these of scallops should, however, not exceed 150 mm.
areas the "a" dimension shall equal 0,7 times the lesser
thickness of the parts to be welded.
3.3.10 Lap joints should be avoided wherever possible and
are not to be used for heavily loaded components. In the
3.3.8 Intermittent fillet welds in accordance with case of components subject to low loads lap joints may be
Table 19.3 may be located opposite one another (chain accepted provided that, wherever possible, they are
intermittent welds, possibly with scallops) or may be orientated parallel to the direction of the main stress. The
staggered, see Fig. 19.15. In case of small sections other width of the lap shall be 1,5 t + 15 mm (t = thickness of the
types of scallops may be accepted. thinner plate). Except where another value is determined
19 - 8 Section 19 - Welded Joints B

by calculation, the fillet weld throat thickness "a" shall equal 4.2 Joints between section ends and plates
0,4 times the lesser plate thickness, subject to the requirement
that it shall not be less than the minimum throat thickness
4.2.1 Welded joints connecting section ends and plates
required by 3.3.3. The fillet weld shall be continuous on
may be made in the same plane or lapped. Where no design
both sides and shall meet at the ends.
calculations have been carried out or stipulated for the
welded connections, the joints may be made analogously
3.3.11 In the case of slot welding, the slots should, wherever
to those shown in Fig. 19.17.
possible, take the form of elongated holes 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 "R" in the
intermittent welds covered by 3.3.8. The fillet weld throat
thickness "au" may be established in accordance with 3.3.9.
The width of the holes shall be equal to at least twice the
thickness of the plate and shall not be less than 15 mm. The
ends of 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 distance
of 1,5x the plate thickness subject to a maximum of 20 mm.
Wherever possible only the necessary fillet welds shall be
welded, while the remaining void is packed with a suitable
filler. In special cases, instead of slot welding, plug weld
may be approved by BKI. Lug joint welding is not allowed.

4. Welded joints of particular components

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

intermittently welded girders or stiffeners is to be
continuously welded to the plating or the flange plate, as
applicable, over a distance at least equal to the depth "h"
of the girder or stiffener subject to a maximum of 300 mm.
Regarding the strengthening of the welds at the ends,
extending normally over 0,15 of the span, see Table 19.3.
Fig. 19.17 Joints uniting section ends and plates

4.2.2 Where the joint lies in the plane of the plate, 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 continuous on both sides
and shall meet at the ends. The necessary "a" dimension
Fig. 19.16 Welds at the ends of girders and stiffeners 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.
4.1.2 The areas of bracket plates should be continuously
welded over a distance at least equal to the length of the
bracket plate. Scallops are to be located only beyond a line
imagined as an extension of the free edge of the bracket
4.3 Welded shaft bracket joints
plate.

4.1.3 Wherever possible, the free ends of stiffeners shall 4.3.1 Unless cast in one piece or provided with integrally
abut against the transverse plating or the webs of sections cast welding flanges analogous to those prescribed in 2.1.7
and girders so as to avoid stress concentrations in the plating. (see Fig. 19.18), strut barrel and struts are to be connected
Failing this, the ends of the stiffeners are to be sniped and to each other and to the shell plating in the manner shown
continuously welded over a distance of at least 1,7 h subject in Fig. 19.19.
to a maximum of 300 mm.

4.1.4 Where butt joints occur in flange plates, the flange 4.3.2 In the case of single-strut shaft brackets no welding
shall be continuously welded to the web on both sides of is to be performed on the arm at or close to the position of
the joint over a distance at least equal to the width of the constraint. Such components shall be provided with integrally
flange. forged or cast welding flanges.
 Section 19 - Welded Joints B 19 - 9

Fig. 19.18 Shaft bracket with integrally cast welding

flanges
t = plate thickness in accordance with Section 14,
E.3.1 [mm]
tf = actual flange thickness [mm]

t' = [mm] where tf < 50 mm

= [mm] where tf 50 mm

Fig. 19.20 Horizontal rudder coupling flanges

t = plating thickness in accordance with Section 6, F.

[mm]

t' = [mm] where d < 50mm

= [mm] where d 50mm

For shaft brackets of elliptically shaped cross section d may be

substituted by 2/3 d in the above formulae.

Fig. 19.19 Shaft bracket without integrally cast

welding flanges

4.4 Rudder coupling flanges

4.4.1 Unless forged or cast steel flanges with integrally

forged or cast welding flanges in conformity with 2.1.7 are Fig. 19.21a Welded joint between rudder stock and
used, horizontal rudder coupling flanges are to be joined coupling flange
to the rudder body by plates of graduated thickness and
full penetration single or double-bevel welds as prescribed
in 3.2.1, see Fig. 19.20. See also Section 14, D.1.4 and D.2.4.

4.4.2 Allowance shall be made for the reduced strength

of the coupling flange in the thickness direction, see 1.5
and 2.5. In case of doubt, proof by calculation of the
adequacy of the welded connection shall be produced.

4.4.3 The welded joint between the rudder stock (with

thickened collar, see 2.1.8) and the flange shall be made
in accordance with Fig. 19.21a.
Fig. 19.21b Welded joint between rudder stock and
coupling flange for small stock diameter
For small stock diameter welded joint in accordance with
Fig. 19.21b may be applied.
19 - 10 Section 19 - Welded Joints C

C. Stress Analysis Q = shear force at the point considered [N]

1. General analysis of fillet weld stresses S = first moment of the cross sectional area of the
flange connected by the weld to the web in
1.1 Definition of stresses relationship to the neutral beam axis [cm3]
I = moment of inertia of the girder section [cm4]
For calculation purposes, the following stresses in a fillet
weld are defined (see also Fig. 19.22): W = section modulus of the connected section [cm3].

σz = normal stresses acting vertically to the direction

2. Determination of stresses
of the weld seam
2.1 Fillet welds stressed by normal and shear forces
τz = shear stress acting vertically to the direction of
the weld seam
Flank and frontal welds are regarded as being equal for the
purposes of stress analysis. In view of this, normal and
τ## = shear stress acting in the direction of the weld
shear stresses are calculated as follows:
seam.
σ = τ = [N/mm2]

Joint as shown in Fig. 19.23:

Fig. 19. 22 Stresses in a fillet weld

Fig. 19.23 Weld joint of an overlapped lifting eye
Normal stresses acting in the direction of the weld seam
need not be considered. - Stresses in frontal fillet welds:

For calculation purposes the weld seam area is a @ R τz = [N/mm2]

Due to equilibrium condition the following applies to the

flank area vertical to the shaded weld seam area
τ## = [N/mm2]
τz = σz

The equivalent stress is to be calculated by the following Ft = [mm2]

formula:
- Stresses in flank fillet welds :
σv =
τz = [N/mm2]

1.2 Definitions
τ## = [N/mm2]
a = throat thickness [mm]

R = length of fillet weld [mm] R1, R2, e [mm]

P = single force [N] - Equivalent stress for frontal and flank fillet welds:

M = bending moment at the position considered [Nm] σv = [N/mm2]

 Section 19 - Welded Joints C 19 - 11

Joint as shown in Fig. 19.24:

τ## max = [N/mm2]

Is = moment of inertia of the welded joint

related to the x-axis [cm4]
Ss (z) = the first moment of the connected weld
section at the point under consideration
[cm3]
z = distance from the neutral axis [cm].
Fig. 19.24 Weld joint of a vertically mounted lifting
eye .3 Equivalent stress :
It has to be proved that neither σzmax in the region
τz = [N/mm ] 2 of the flange nor max in the region of the neutral
axis nor the equivalent stress σv= exceed
the permitted limits given in 2.8 at any given point.
2 The equivalent stress σv should always be calculated
τ## = [N/mm ]
at the web-flange connection.

S Equivalent stress :
2.3 Fillet welded joints stressed by bending and
σv = [N/mm2] torsional moments and shear forces

Regarding the normal and shear stresses resulting from

bending, see 2.2. Torsional stresses resulting from the
2.2 Fillet weld joints stressed by bending moments torsional moment MT are to be calculated:
and shear forces

The stresses at the fixing point of a girder are calculated τT = [N/mm2]

as follows (in Fig. 19.25 a cantilever beam is given as an
example) :
MT = torsional moment [Nm]
Am = sectional area [mm2] enclosed by the weld seam.
The equivalent stress composed of all three components
(bending, shear and torsion) is calculated by means of the
following formulae:

σv = [N/mm2]

Fig. 19.25 Fixing point of cantilever beam where and τT have not the same direction

.1 Normal stress due to bending moment: σv = [N/mm2]

σz(z) = [N/mm2]
where and τT have the same direction.

σzmax = [N/mm2], if eu > e0 2.4 Continuous fillet welded joints between web and
flange of bending girders

The stresses are to be calculated in way of maximum shear

= [N/mm2], if eu < e0 forces. Stresses in the weld’s longitudinal direction need
not to be considered. In the case of continuous double fillet
weld connections the shear stress is to be calculated as
.2 Shear stress due to shear force: follows:

τ## (z) = [N/mm2] τ## = [N/mm2]

19 - 12 Section 19 - Welded Joints C

The fillet weld thickness required is: The equivalent stress is :

areq = [mm]
σv = [N/mm2]

2.5 Intermittent fillet weld joints between web and c, d, R1, R2, r [mm] see Fig. 19.27
flange of bending girders
c = [mm]
Shear stress :

τ## = [N/mm2] As the influence of the shear force can generally be

neglected, the required fillet weld thickness may be
determined by the following formula :
b = pitch
α = 1,1 stress concentration factor which takes
into account increases in shear stress at areq = [mm]
the ends of the fillet weld seam "R ".

2.6.2 Profiles joined by means of two flank and two

frontal fillet welds (all round welding as shown in
Fig. 19.28):

τz = [N/mm2]

τ## = [N/mm2]
Fig. 19.26 Intermittent fillet weld joint
The equivalent stress is :
The fillet weld thickness required is :
σv = [N/mm2]
areq = [mm]
areq = [mm]

2.6 Fillet weld connections on overlapped profile

joints

2.6.1 Profiles joined by means of two flank fillet welds

(see Fig. 19.27):

τz = [N/mm2]

Fig. 19.28 Profile joined by means of two flank and

τ## = [N/mm2] two frontal fillet welds (all round welding)

2.7 Bracket joints

Where profiles are joined to brackets as shown in Fig. 19.29,

the average shear stress is :

τ = [N/mm2]

Fig. 19.27 Profile joined by means of two flank fillet

joints
d = length of overlap [mm]
 Section 19 - Welded Joints C 19 - 13

2.8 Permissible stresses

The permissible stresses for various materials under mainly

static loading conditions are given in Table 19.2. The values
listed for high strength steels, austenitic stainless steels and
aluminium alloys are based 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 shall be increased accordingly (see also
Fig. 19.29 Bracket joint with idealized stress B.3.3.2).
distribution resulting from moment M and
shear force Q

The required fillet weld thickness is to be calculated from

the section modulus of the profile as follows :

areq = [mm].

(The shear force Q has been neglected.)

Table 19.2 Permissible stresses in fillet weld seams

ReH or Rp0,2 Permissible stresses [N/mm2]

Material equivalent stress, shear stress
[N/mm2] σvp, τp
normal strength hull structural steel KI - A/B/D/E 235 115
KI - A/D/E/F 32 315 145
higher strength
KI - A/D/E/F 36 355 160
hull structural steel
KI - A/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
Al Mg 3/5754 80 1) 35
Al Mg 4,5 Mn0,7/5083 125 1) 56
aluminium alloys
Al Mg Si/6060 65 2) 30
Al Mg Si Mn/6082 110 2) 45
1)
Plates, soft condition
2)
Sections, cold hardened
19 - 14 Section 19 - Welded Joints C

Table 19.3 Fillet Weld Connections

Basic thickness of
fillet welds a / t0 1) Intermittent
Structural parts to be connected for double fillet welds
continuous fillet permissible 3)
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 bottom 0,30
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
4)
– to top plates 0,50
4)
– in way of foundation bolts 0,70
– to brackets and stiffeners 0,30
longitudinal girders of thrust bearing to inner bottom 0,40
Decks
to shell (general) 0,40
deckstringer to sheerstrakes (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
Transverse, 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
0,25 ×
plating to webs
Stem
0,25 ×
plating to webs
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.