What type of weld is typically used to resist shear and tension loads in structural steel without the need for edge penetration?

The fillet weld is specifically designed to join two pieces of metal at an angle, making it particularly effective in resisting shear and tension loads. Unlike a butt weld, which requires edge penetration and is suited for situations where the joint faces are aligned, a fillet weld can be applied on the corners, creating a triangular cross-section. This characteristic allows fillet welds to be made quickly and more easily, especially in challenging joint configurations, while still providing the necessary strength to handle various loads.

In structural applications, fillet welds are commonly used in connections like beams to columns, where they can effectively secure loads without the complexities of needing to penetrate the material edges. This makes them a practical choice in construction, where efficiency, strength, and the ability to weld in positions that may be difficult for butt welds are required.

The other types of welds listed, such as butt welds and bevel welds, either require proper edge preparation or penetration that fillet welds do not. Spot welds, on the other hand, are typically used in thinner materials and for joining sheet metals rather than structural steel. Therefore, the choice of a fillet weld for resisting shear and tension loads without requiring edge penetration aligns perfectly with its fundamental properties and common