Unbeveled strip of the joint edge at the root, typically about 1/16 to 3/32 inch on pipe. Its thickness, together with the root opening, controls how the root penetrates: a heavy land needs more heat or a wider gap, while a knife edge burns through. Welders file or grind the land even all the way around before fit-up.
Land's down to nothing on that side, knife-edged, tighten the gap or you'll blow through.
Also heard as
- root face
- nose
- flat
Related terms
Bevel
An angled edge prepared on a plate or pipe end so a groove weld can reach the root.
Root opening
The gap between members at the root of a joint, set during fit-up before welding.
Root pass
The first weld pass in a joint, laid at the root, which sets the quality of everything above it.
Fit-up
Positioning and holding parts for welding with the right gaps, alignment and clean bevels.