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AWS A2.4 §6.3, §6.4 · D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1 Type 4

Bevel Groove Weld Symbol

How to read a bevel groove weld symbol — the broken arrow convention, perpendicular leg rule, groove angle, and D1.1:2025 prequalified CJP joint details.

Bevel Groove Weld Symbol — Anatomy
45° 1/4 perp leg LEFT always
Single bevel — 45°
broken arrow → bevel THIS member
Broken arrow convention
weld both sides
Double bevel (K-groove)
Two critical rules: (1) The perpendicular leg is always on the left per A2.4 §6.3. (2) The broken arrow points to the member that must be beveled per A2.4 §6.4.1. A straight arrow means either member may be beveled.
The Broken Arrow

Which Member Gets the Bevel?

The broken arrow is the most important — and most commonly misunderstood — convention in welding symbol reading. Per A2.4 §6.4.1:

Broken arrow (kinked) — the arrow has a visible bend or kink in its shaft. It points at the member that must receive the edge preparation. The fabricator has no choice — that specific member gets beveled.

Straight arrow — per A2.4 §7.1.3.2, a straight arrow means either member may have the desired edge shape. The fabricator can choose which member to bevel based on access, material thickness, or shop preference.

The broken arrow applies to all asymmetric groove types: bevel groove, J-groove, and flare-bevel groove. It does NOT apply to symmetric types like V-groove, U-groove, or flare-V groove.

Field reality: Many drawings omit the broken arrow when it should be present. If you see a bevel groove symbol with a straight arrow and it is not obvious which member should be beveled, ask the engineer before proceeding. Beveling the wrong member wastes material and may require re-fabrication.
D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1

Prequalified Single-Bevel CJP Details

Process Designation Root Opening Groove Angle Positions
SMAW B-U4a 1/4" 45° All
SMAW B-U4a 3/8" 30° All
GMAW/FCAW B-U4a-GF 3/16" 30° All
SAW B-U4a-S 1/4" 45° F only
SAW (backgouge) B-U4b-S 0 60° F only
T-joints and corners: Single-bevel is especially common in T-joint and corner joint connections (TC-U4a designation). The perpendicular member typically remains square while the abutting member receives the bevel. Same angle rules apply.
Common Questions

Bevel Groove Weld Symbol FAQ

What is the broken arrow on a bevel groove weld symbol?
The broken arrow (bent arrow) is an AWS A2.4 convention used to identify which member in a joint receives the bevel preparation. Per A2.4 §6.4.1, when only one member is to be prepared, the arrow has one break (a kink or bend) and points toward that member. A straight arrow means either member may be beveled. The broken arrow applies to bevel groove, J-groove, and flare-bevel groove symbols. It is the most commonly misunderstood welding symbol convention.
What is the difference between a bevel groove and a V-groove?
In a bevel groove, only one member is beveled while the other remains square. In a V-groove, both members are beveled symmetrically. The bevel groove symbol has a perpendicular leg (always on the left per A2.4 §6.3) and an angled line representing the bevel. The V-groove symbol is symmetric with no perpendicular leg rule. Bevel grooves use the broken arrow convention; V-grooves do not. Bevel grooves use less weld metal than V-grooves but produce asymmetric distortion.
Why is the perpendicular leg always on the left?
Per AWS A2.4 §6.3, fillet, bevel-groove, J-groove, and flare-bevel-groove weld symbols shall be drawn with the perpendicular leg always to the left. This is a fixed drawing convention that ensures consistent reading across all welding drawings. The perpendicular leg represents the square (unprepared) face of the joint. It does not indicate direction, joint orientation, or which member is square — that information comes from the broken arrow.
What is the standard bevel groove angle per D1.1?
Per D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1 (prequalified CJP joints), standard single-bevel groove angles are: SMAW — 45° with 1/4-inch root opening (all positions) or 30° with 3/8-inch root opening (all positions). GMAW/FCAW — 30° with 3/16-inch root opening (all positions). SAW — 45° with 1/4-inch root opening or 60° with zero root opening (flat only, with backgouge). Using a groove angle less than the prequalified minimum voids the prequalification.
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