SkyCiv Directly Welded Web Connection Calculator
The SkyCiv Directly Welded Web Connection is a specialized weld calculator designed to evaluate utility ratios and shear capacities for directly welded web connections in structural steel design. This connection type eliminates intermediate plates or angles by welding the web of a beam directly to a supporting member, such as a column or main girder.
The calculator rigorously evaluates weld capacities, web shear strength, and base-metal limits under vertical shear forces, supporting both ASD (Allowable Strength Design) and LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design) methodologies in compliance with AISC 360-16 / 360-22 standards.
About this Weld Calculator
What Weld Calculator is a Directly Welded Web Connection?
A directly welded web connection is a simple shear connection weld calculator where the web of a secondary beam is welded directly to the flange or web of a supporting member (like a column or primary girder). Because it uses no intermediate fitting material (such as shear tabs, angles, or end plates), it provides a compact, low-profile connection that relies entirely on the weld deposit to transfer vertical shear forces.
What Components Make Up a Directly Welded Web Connection?
Unlike plate or angle connections, a directly welded web connection minimizes material components:
Beam Web: The primary member transferring shear, which must be checked for web shear yield and web shear rupture.
Supporting Flange/Web: The face (e.g., column flange or main girder web) to which the secondary beam web is attached.
Fillet or Groove Welds: Structural welds applied along both sides of the beam web to transfer shear stresses directly into the supporting steel.
Where are Directly Welded Web Connections Commonly Used?
Directly welded web connections are ideal when simple fabrication, low material costs, or strict architectural clearance constraints are required. Common applications include:
Seismic Moment Frames: Used as secondary shear attachments before full-penetration flange welds are made.
Industrial Platforms & Crane Structures: Where heavy vibration or cyclic loading benefits from rigid, continuous welded joints rather than bolted connections.
Tight Architectural Clearances: In floor systems where protruding plates or bolt heads would interfere with cladding, services, or equipment.
Modular Steel Fabrication: Shop-welded assemblies where automated welding can quickly secure members without fitting extra hardware.
Key Calculations in Directly Welded Web Design
Weld Shear Strength: Checks the effective weld size, length, and electrode strength against the applied shear force.
Beam Web Shear Yielding & Rupture: Verifies that the beam web thickness and clear depth can withstand the shear stress without plastic yielding or local tearing.
Base Metal Shear Limit: Evaluates the fusion zone on both the supported beam web and the supporting member flange/web to prevent base-metal shear failure.
How to Use this Weld Calculator
Select Design Method: Choose between LRFD or ASD according to your project specifications.
Define Member Profiles: Input or select standard AISC W-shapes, hollow sections, or custom profiles for the supported beam and supporting member.
Input Weld Details: Specify weld type, weld size, weld length, and electrode classification (e.g., E70XX).
Enter Design Loads: Input the applied vertical shear force.
Run Analysis: Click Calculate to output instant utility ratios, governing failure modes, and detailed step-by-step design checks.
Why Choose SkyCiv’s Web Weld Calculator?
SkyCiv streamlines complex weld mechanics into a fast, transparent workflow. By automating AISC 360 geometric and strength checks, the calculator ensures your all-welded connections are structurally sound, fully compliant, and optimized for shop fabrication—saving engineering time while reducing material overhead.
