Australian Weld Symbols — AS 1101.3 Standard Guide
Quick access: [[Australian Steel Grades|/reference/australian-steel-grades/]] | [[Australian Steel Properties|/reference/australian-steel-properties/]] | [[Australian Beam Sizes|/reference/au-beam-sizes/]] | [[Australian Bolt Capacity|/reference/australian-bolt-capacity/]] | [[AS 4100 Beam Design|/reference/as4100-beam-design-example/]] | [[All Australian References|/reference/]]
Reference for standard weld symbols per AS 1101.3-2005 for structural steel detailing in Australia. Covers fillet, butt, groove, plug, and stud weld symbols with reference line notation.
Basic Weld Symbol Reference
| Weld Type | Symbol | Arrow Side | Other Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fillet (F) | ╱ or triangle | Below reference line | Above reference line |
| Butt (square) | ‖ | Below line | Above line |
| Butt (single V) | V | Below line | Above line |
| Butt (double V) | X | Both sides | Both sides |
| Butt (single bevel) | L (rotated) | Below line | Above line |
| Butt (J-groove) | J | Below line | Above line |
| Plug/slot | Ellipse | Below line | Above line |
| Stud | • | Below line | Above line |
| Seam | ⌇ | Below line | Above line |
Standard Weld Notation per AS 1101.3
Finish symbol (m=grind, c=chip)
|
| Contour symbol
| |
(Groove angle)
| | |
v v v
[Root opening]──[Weld size]─(Weld symbol)──┬──
│ Reference line (arrow side) │ Tail
└────────────────────────────────┘
(Process, specification)
Example reading: 8(FW) — fillet weld, 8 mm leg size, field weld.
| Notation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 6 FW | 6 mm fillet weld, field weld |
| 10(FW)-100 | 10 mm fillet, 100 mm long (field) |
| 8-50-150(3) | 8 mm fillet, 50 mm long, 150 mm pitch, 3 welds |
| ½ V 60°-12 | Single V butt, 60° groove angle, 12 mm root opening |
Common Australian Detailing Examples
| Detail | Symbol Notation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Web-to-flange weld | 8 FW | 8 mm fillet, field weld |
| Column splice (full pen) | ½ V 60°-12 | Single V butt, full penetration |
| Stiffener to web | 6-75-200(2) | 6 mm fillet, 75 mm long, 200 mm c/c, 2 welds |
| End plate to beam | 8 FW (both sides) | 8 mm fillet each side |
| Cap plate to column | 10 FW (all around) | 10 mm fillet, weld all around |
Design Resources
- [[Australian Steel Grades|/reference/australian-steel-grades/]] | [[Australian Steel Properties|/reference/australian-steel-properties/]] | [[Australian Beam Sizes|/reference/au-beam-sizes/]] | [[Australian Bolt Capacity|/reference/australian-bolt-capacity/]] | [[AS 4100 Beam Design|/reference/as4100-beam-design-example/]] | [[All Australian References|/reference/]]
FAQ
What does "8 FW" mean on Australian drawings? 8 mm fillet weld leg size, field weld (FW = field weld, SW = shop weld). Standard notation per AS 1101.3.
How are intermittent fillet welds specified? Format "size-length-pitch(number)" e.g., "6-75-200(2)" means 6 mm fillet, 75 mm long, 200 mm centre-to-centre, 2 welds.
What is the difference between FW and SW? FW = field weld (welded on site), SW = shop weld (welded in fabrication shop). FW is typically more expensive and requires mobile equipment.
Educational Use Only — This reference is for educational and preliminary design purposes only. All structural designs must be independently verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) in accordance with AS 4100:2020 and all applicable Australian Standards. Results are not for construction.