Designers use an allowable stress of 0.3 multiplied by the minimum tensile strength of the pure weld metal. The value 0.3 is a lower bound value, as is the strength. Past research has indicated that the actual allowable strength could be considerably higher, and D1.1 and the AISC's Load and Resistance Factor Design Specification, which has been incorporated into the new manual should include this information. The material does not increase the base value of 0.3, but does provide for allowable stress increases (design strength increases in the case of LRFD) based upon the direction of stress. A weld's strength and ductility will vary, depending upon the direction of the applied load relative to the axis of the weld. A longitudinally loaded weld, one in which the load is applied in the same direction as the weld's axis, will have the least strength but the greatest ductility. A weld loaded transversely to its axis will have a strength roughly 50% higher than the longitudinally loaded weld, but with the sacrifice of reduced ductility. Inclusions in D1.1 and the AISC manual provide increased allowable stresses (design strengths) for such loading conditions. The math looks complicated, but tables will help. The factor 0.3 is multiplied by the tensile strength of the weld electrode. Minimum values are given by specification, E70, as an example. The actual rod or wire will normally have a higher value. Secondly, the base metal involved in the welding also has an effect upon the strength of the weld. A36 today typically has a yield strength of 42 to 44 ksi, and the tri cert steels will have a yield strength of at least 50 ksi. The resultant weld will have a strength higher than that anticipated. Overall, strength 10% above that assumed is about average. When designing the weld, the engineer or detailer will normally round up to the next required size. If a fillet weld size of 0.20" is required, a 1/4" fillet is called for on the plans. Should the weld run slightly below 1/4", the weld will still be strong enough, even without consideration of the above strength factors. Only the engineer or detailer will know the actual weld size required. For groove welds, the same principles apply. The required design thickness may be a 0.55" thick plate. The engineer would round up to the next standard thickness, probably a 5/8" thick plate. If the weld is underfilled, the actual thickness of material required could be used as an acceptance basis, rather than the AWS provisions. Again, only the engineer or the person who determined the part thickness may make this determination. Regardless, the tensile and yield of the weld metal must be at the very minimum, equal to the yield and tensile properties of the base metal. By the way, your 11/16 fillet weld alone is good for 163.33 kips if welded with an E70 electrode.