For common knife‑edge simple beam shear connection as shown in the figure below, it appears that the shear resistance can be improved by welding across the top edge of the angles. However, beam shear connections must exhibit sufficient end rotation to allow the attainment of bending capacity of a simply supported beam, for example. Therefore, welding the top edge of the angles to the support inhibits end rotation and should therefore be avoided. For more information, please see Part 3 of the CISC Handbook.
