What does "throat thickness" measure in a fillet weld?

Throat thickness is a crucial measurement in welding, particularly for fillet welds. It refers specifically to the shortest distance from the root of the weld (where the two pieces being joined meet) to the face of the weld (the outer surface of the weld). This measurement is important because it helps to determine the strength and capacity of the weld to withstand loads and stresses that may be applied during use. A properly calculated throat thickness ensures that the weld is capable of providing adequate support and minimizes the risk of failure.

In the context of weld design and analysis, understanding the throat thickness is essential for engineers and welders in ensuring that they meet the structural requirements of the joint. This measurement directly influences the ability of the weld to handle various forces and conditions it may encounter in service.

Other options focus on different aspects of the weld, such as the longest distance from the root to the face, which is not relevant for throat thickness, or measurements that do not pertain to the critical assessment of the weld’s load-bearing capacity. This specificity distinguishes throat thickness as an important characteristic in determining the overall effectiveness and safety of a fillet weld.