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GATE 2026 ME – Question 21

Machine Design · Bolted, riveted and welded joints · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A rectangular plate is perfectly welded to a gusset plate with parallel fillet weld joints as shown in the figure below. The length of the weld is $l$ and the fillet weld leg size is $h$. The allowable shear strength of the weldment is $\tau_{all}$. A tensile force $P$ is applied on the plate in a direction parallel to the length of the weld. Assuming the throat of the weld as the weakest section, the critical load is

A rectangular plate attached to a fixed gusset plate by two parallel fillet welds, one on top and one at the bottom. The tensile force $P$ pulls the plate along the length of the welds.
  1. $\sqrt{2}hl\tau_{all}$
  2. $hl\tau_{all}$
  3. $hl\tau_{all}/\sqrt{2}$
  4. $hl\tau_{all}/2$

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Correct answer: (A) $\sqrt{2}hl\tau_{all}$

Explanation

The throat of a fillet weld is $h\cos 45° = \frac{h}{\sqrt{2}}$. One weld has a throat area of $\frac{hl}{\sqrt{2}}$, and there are two welds, so the total area is $\sqrt{2}hl$. The load is parallel to the weld, so it is carried as shear, and the critical load is $\sqrt{2}hl\tau_{all}$.