AWS A2.4 §10 · D1.1:2025 §4.11

Slot Weld Symbol

How to read a slot weld symbol — width, length, depth of filling, countersink angle, and pitch. How to distinguish it from a plug weld, and D1.1:2025 spacing requirements.

Slot Weld Symbol — Anatomy
3/4 2 width left, length right no Ø = slot (not plug)
Basic slot — 3/4" × 2"
3/4 1/4 2-6 fill inside, length-pitch right
With fill + 2" on, 6" pitch
Ø3/4 plug (Ø) 3/4 2 slot (W+L)
Plug (Ø) vs Slot (W+L)
Key distinction: Plug weld = Ø prefix (round hole, one dimension). Slot weld = no Ø (elongated hole, width + length). Same rectangle symbol, different dimension format.

Slot Weld Symbol Dimensions

Per AWS A2.4 §10, slot weld dimensions follow the same side-of-reference-line rule as all weld symbols. All dimensions appear on the same side as the symbol.

Where Each Dimension Goes

Width — to the LEFT of the symbol. No Ø prefix (that is the plug weld identifier).

Length — to the RIGHT of the symbol.

Depth of filling — INSIDE the rectangle. Omission means complete fill.

Countersink angle — above or below the symbol.

Pitch — to the RIGHT, in length-pitch format for multiple slots.

Number of slot welds — in parentheses.

Fillet welds in slots: Per A2.4 §10.1.4, if you want fillet welds inside a slot (not filling the whole slot), that is NOT a slot weld — use the fillet-in-slots notation per A2.4 §8.5 instead.

Slot Weld Requirements

D1.1 §4.11.2 governs slot weld spacing. Like plug welds, slot welds are prohibited in certain high-strength steels.

Requirement Value Source
Min transverse spacing 4 × slot width (center-to-center) §4.11.2
Min longitudinal spacing 2 × slot length (center-to-center) §4.11.2
Q&T restriction Prohibited in steels with Fy > 70 ksi §4.11.4
Technique Position-specific per §7.24 §7.24
Same restriction as plug welds: Slot welds are prohibited in quenched and tempered steels with Fy > 70 ksi (D1.1 §4.11.4). The confined geometry causes rapid cooling and unacceptable hardness.

Slot Weld Symbol FAQ

What is a slot weld symbol?
A slot weld symbol is an open rectangle on the reference line — visually identical to the plug weld symbol. The difference is in the dimensions: a slot weld specifies width to the left and length to the right (no diameter sign Ø), while a plug weld uses Ø followed by a diameter. A slot weld fills an elongated hole in one member to fuse it to the underlying member.
How do you tell a slot weld symbol from a plug weld symbol?
Both use the same open rectangle shape on the reference line. The distinction is entirely in the dimensions. A plug weld has a diameter preceded by the Ø symbol to the left. A slot weld has width (no Ø) to the left and length to the right. If you see Ø before the number, it is a plug weld (round hole). If you see width and length without Ø, it is a slot weld (elongated hole).
What are the minimum slot weld spacing requirements per D1.1?
Per D1.1:2025 §4.11.2, the minimum transverse spacing (across the slot width) is 4 times the slot width, center-to-center. The minimum longitudinal spacing (along the slot length direction) is 2 times the slot length, center-to-center. These minimums ensure adequate load distribution between adjacent slot welds.
Can you use fillet welds inside slots instead of slot welds?
Yes, but the notation is different. Per AWS A2.4 §10.1.4, fillet welds inside slots are not slot welds — they use fillet weld in slots notation per A2.4 §8.5. A slot weld fills the entire slot with weld metal. A fillet weld in a slot runs fillet welds along the slot edges without filling the slot. The symbol and dimensioning are completely different.