Resistance of thin sheets lap joints connected by spot welding and brazing

Abstract

The results of an experimental program on lap joints of thin gauge sheets connected by spot welding and MIG brazing are compared to the design code provisions. The results show the dependency of the spot weld lap joints resistance on the thickness of the connected sheets, while the MIG brazed lap joints resistance depends on the minimum thickness of the steel sheets connected. A statistical interpretation of the results shows the accuracy of the joint resistance. The coefficient of variation of the spot weld specimen is smaller than the one for the MIG brazed specimen, while the resistance of the spot weld is higher than the MIG brazed specimen when compared to the nominal resistances.