How is the actual throat of a weld best described?

The actual throat of a weld is defined as the shortest distance between the weld root and the face of a fillet weld. This measurement is critical because it directly impacts the strength and performance of the weld in service. In a fillet weld, which is typically used to join two surfaces at an angle, the throat represents the effective portion of the weld that contributes to its load-bearing capacity. It essentially indicates how much material is available to carry loads, making it a key factor in design and inspection.

Understanding the throat is important for ensuring that welds meet structural requirements and can withstand anticipated stresses. The shorter the throat, the less effective the weld may be under tension or shear loads. Therefore, ensuring an adequate throat dimension is crucial for weld integrity and overall joint strength.