U-groove weld
A U with a stem on the reference line: a U-groove weld, made in a groove with a rounded bottom.
How to read it
A groove weld is made by depositing filler metal in a groove between two members to be joined. A U-groove is shaped with a radius, the groove radius, which is used only for special groove joint designs such as the U- and J-groove. India's IS 813:1986, which draws on ISO 2553, calls it a single-U butt weld, with parallel or sloping sides.
This explains what a symbol specifies on a drawing. It isn't welding instruction, and a drawing's own notes and the governing code take precedence.
Read next
- Next in Welding symbolsJ-groove weldAn upright with a curve beside it on the reference line: a J-groove weld, made in a groove with a curved side.
- The same shape in Dashboard warning lightsHeadlight levelling symbolThe headlight levelling control or warning: it sets how high the headlight beams point, which changes with the load in the car.
More welding symbols
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with arrows, curves and waves or lines.
Sources
- Steelworker, Volume 1, NAVEDTRA 14250, 1996, Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center, U.S. Navy (Internet Archive), Chapter 3, Drawings and specifications
- Welding Theory and Application, TM 9-237, 1967, Department of the Army (Internet Archive), Glossary
- Scheme of symbols for welding, IS 813:1986, Bureau of Indian Standards (Internet Archive, Public.Resource.Org), Table 1
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 25, 2026. How we research
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