Weld Capacity Calculator (CSA S16)
Factored shear resistance of a fillet weld per CSA S16. The tool checks the base metal on the fusion face and the weld metal on the throat, including the increase for load direction, then reports the lower value and which one governs.
CSA S16By Arun Kishore, P.Eng. Updated
Open calculatoropens in a new tabCode references
- CSA S16 Cl. 13.13.2.1: base metal resistance on the fusion face
- CSA S16 Cl. 13.13.2.2: weld metal resistance on the throat, with the (1 + 0.5 sin^1.5 θ) direction factor
Inputs and outputs
| Inputs | Length of weld, L (mm) |
|---|---|
| Leg size of weld, D (mm) | |
| Angle between load and weld axis, θ (deg): 0 for longitudinal, 90 for transverse | |
| Least ultimate tensile strength of the joined parts, Fu (MPa) | |
| Electrode: E43XX, E49XX, E55XX, E62XX or E82XX | |
| Outputs | Fusion face area Am and throat area Aw |
| Base metal resistance Vr1 and weld metal resistance Vr2 | |
| Maximum factored shear resistance, Vr | |
| Governing failure: base metal or weld metal |
Worked example
Worked example coming soon.
Limitations and assumptions
- Equal-leg fillet welds: the throat is taken as 0.707 D.
- The resistance factor is fixed at φw = 0.67.
- One weld segment under one load direction. Weld groups, eccentric loads and mixed orientations are not covered.
These calculators are aids, not a substitute for engineering judgment. Check results independently and against the governing code edition before relying on them.