Combination Groove Weld Symbols
A combination groove uses different edge shapes together so the welding symbol reflects the actual asymmetric joint configuration.
- Match two different edge shapes to their members
- Interpret groove-element orientation with the actual joint
- Keep dimensions attached to the correct preparation element
A correct icon is not yet a correct decision.
Combination grooves exist because one familiar groove family cannot describe the joint. Simplifying the symbol into a V, bevel, or flare can send the wrong member to machining and change root geometry or weld volume.
What each mark tells you—and what it does not.
Use the third column as a stop-check. It prevents a familiar mark from turning into an unsupported assumption.
| Visual cue | What it tells you | What you must still verify |
|---|---|---|
| Joint section | Shows which member is curved, square, beveled, or otherwise prepared | Name each edge shape before reading dimensions. |
| Two combined groove elements | Different edge shapes act together at one joint | Do not collapse them into one symmetric family. |
| Element orientation | Can depict the actual configuration under the AWS A2.4:2020 convention | Use the arrow and detail; reversed drawing does not automatically mean other side. |
| Local dimensions | Control the corresponding preparation element | Associate angle, depth, opening, and size individually. |
A rolled edge meets a machined bevel
DETAIL B shows a curved formed member against a straight prepared plate, with the combination symbol oriented to match that physical configuration.
Trace the arrow to DETAIL B, match the flare element to the rolled member and the bevel element to the machined plate, then assign each angle, depth, and opening by position.
Only the intended plate is machined, the formed radius is preserved, and dimensions are not borrowed across the two groove elements.
How to read it without guessing
Match each side of the groove symbol to the corresponding member shape in the joint detail. Read each groove element's orientation, then assign depth, size, angle, root opening, and contour to the correct preparation.
- Match each side of the groove symbol to the corresponding member shape in the joint detail.
- Read each groove element's orientation, then assign depth, size, angle, root opening, and contour to the correct preparation.
- A combination groove communicates two different edge shapes; a V, U, or square groove uses one matching groove family.
- Verify member profiles, symbol orientation, preparation dimensions, root condition, reference-line use, access, and WPS.
A rolled edge meets a machined bevel
DETAIL B shows a curved formed member against a straight prepared plate, with the combination symbol oriented to match that physical configuration.
Rotated view: locate the joint from “Joint section,” not page direction.
Crowded callout: keep “Two combined groove elements” separate from “Element orientation”.
Off-view requirement: stop if “Verify root fit, machining, access, and WPS” is not available.
Write one defensible instruction for the Combination Groove. Name the physical joint or surface, state what the visible cue controls, and identify the final item that must be verified before release.
Reveal the expert read +
Trace the arrow to DETAIL B, match the flare element to the rolled member and the bevel element to the machined plate, then assign each angle, depth, and opening by position. Only the intended plate is machined, the formed radius is preserved, and dimensions are not borrowed across the two groove elements.
Similar-looking instructions, different fabrication decisions
Combination groove
Two different edge shapes share one joint
DECIDING CHECKCan you name each member's preparation?V or U groove
Matching preparation family on both members
DECIDING CHECKAre the two edge shapes actually symmetric?Single bevel or J
One prepared member meets an unprepared mate
DECIDING CHECKDoes the second member contribute a different formed shape?Three mistakes that change the instruction
Collapsing two shapes into one family
A combination groove intentionally communicates different edge forms. Naming only V, bevel, or flare loses one member's preparation.
Treating reversed drawing as other side
A groove element may be drawn backward to depict actual joint configuration; orientation must be read with the arrow and detail.
Borrowing one dimension for both elements
Angle, depth, root opening, and preparation can belong to different parts of the combined joint. Associate every value by placement.
Combination Groove practice
Recognition → evidence → field release
Skill: joint classification
What does a combination groove symbol communicate?
Five checks for this symbol
This is a drawing-reading checklist, not an acceptance standard. Use it before fabrication, fit-up, inspection, or answering a test question.
- 01Open the referenced section/detail
- 02Name each member edge shape
- 03Match each symbol element to its member
- 04Assign every dimension by position
- 05Verify root fit, machining, access, and WPS
Standards and editorial basis
This guide teaches common AWS-style drawing interpretation. It is educational material, not a substitute for the purchased standard, project specification, code, WPS, or qualified engineering direction.
Editorial method. Original training diagrams, worked decisions, misconception checks, and questions are written for learning—not copied from a standards table. Production interpretation must still follow the governing documents.
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Related symbol guides
Groove Welds Overview
Bevel Groove
Flare GroovesEducational practice only. Verify production work against the governing drawing, applicable standard, WPS, and qualified instruction.