The following the figures shows welded joints (xxx indicates welds), for the same load same dimension plate and weld
The joint shown
(a) Figure – I is better because the weld is in shear and the principal stress in the weld is not in line with P
(b) Figure – I is better because the load transfer from the tie bar to the plate is not direct
(c) Figure – II is better because the weld is in tensile and safe stress of weld in tension is greater than in shear.
(d) Figure – II is better because it has less stress