Bevel Groove Weld Symbol
The bevel groove weld symbol is a half-V: a vertical leg on the left and a slanted leg, both starting at the reference line. Only one member is bevelled, and when that is not obvious the arrow has a break and points at the member to prepare. Below the line is arrow side, above is other side; sizes go left, root opening inside and groove angle beyond.
How to read the bevel groove weld symbol
In a bevel groove only one edge is cut at an angle; the other stays square. The symbol shows that: one perpendicular leg (always drawn on the left) and one slanted leg.
Because only one part is prepared, the drawing must say which. When it matters, the arrow line has a break (a jog) and points toward the member to be bevelled. Side works as usual: below the line is arrow side, above is other side, and both sides is a double bevel.
What each dimension position means
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Left (S) | Depth of the bevel preparation. |
| Left, in parentheses (E) | Groove weld size: depth of fusion required. |
| Inside (R) | Root opening. |
| Beyond (A) | Bevel (groove) angle. With one bevelled member it is the angle of that one edge. |
| Arrow break | Points to the member that gets the bevel. Omitted when the choice is obvious or does not matter. |
Example callout, read aloud
“On the other side of the joint, bevel one member to 45 degrees, 1/4 inch deep, with a 1/8-inch root opening, and weld to a groove weld size of 1/4 inch using flux-cored arc welding.”
Example: reading the callout piece by piece
- Bevel symbol above the line: other side, so the weld is on the side opposite the arrow.
- 45° beyond: bevel angle 45° on the prepared member.
- 1/8 inside: root opening 1/8 inch.
- 1/4(1/4): bevel depth 1/4 inch, weld size 1/4 inch.
Result: On the other side of the joint, bevel one member to 45 degrees, 1/4 inch deep, with a 1/8-inch root opening, and weld to a groove weld size of 1/4 inch using flux-cored arc welding.
When it is used
- T-joints and corner joints that need more strength than a fillet, where only the abutting member can be bevelled.
- Butt joints where one part cannot be prepared, such as a plate welded to a heavy casting.
- Double bevels on thick T-joints welded from both sides.
Common mistakes
- Bevelling the wrong member. Follow the arrow break: it points to the member to prepare.
- Drawing the vertical leg on the right. The perpendicular leg is always on the left.
- Doubling the angle as for a V. With one bevelled edge, the angle shown is the bevel on that edge.
- Using a fillet where penetration is required. A fillet does not fuse through the joint. Use a bevel groove, possibly with a reinforcing fillet.
Related weld symbols
- V-groove weld: A V-groove bevels both members.
- J-groove weld: A J-groove is the curved-bottom version of a bevel.
- Fillet weld: A fillet is the no-preparation alternative on T-joints.
- Back and backing weld: A backing weld or back weld can complete the root.
- Square groove weld: No bevel at all on thin material.
Every weld symbol page: welding symbols chart
Calculators and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which member gets the bevel?
The one the arrow points to when the arrow has a break. Without a break, either member may be bevelled.
Why is the vertical leg always on the left?
It is a drawing convention so the symbol reads the same way whichever direction the arrow points.
Is the bevel angle the same as the groove angle?
With only one member bevelled, yes: the groove angle is the bevel angle of that member.
What is a double bevel?
A bevel symbol on both sides of the reference line: the member is bevelled from both sides and welded from both sides.
Sources
- AWS A2.4 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination, American Welding Society
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