The welding joint’s configuration and their profile are playing a vital role in ship hull structure integrity. In this article I’d like to reveal some noted points which will be regularly observed during inspection.

JOINT TOLERANCES AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS:

1-Butt joint:

2-Fillet joint

3-Lap joint

4-Special note:

• Fillet leg size for main longitudinal 

The fillet weld is to be fully penetrated, otherwise fillet size is to be equivalent to the sectional area of the longitudinal members.

• General fillet size F1,F2

• Frame of bulk carrier

• Bilge Keel & Pillar End

• Sheer strake and deck

 

• Welding at high stress area

For visual inspection of welding quality, above description is quite enough useful information which can improve your inspecting sense. In particular ship type (Tanker, Bulk, Container ) there more critical points that you have to be aware, hence you’ve not just focus on welding seam quality but also giving the attention about the structure configuration that it suffered to high stress concentration. See next chapter.