Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a welded joint between abutting pieces of steel. The welded joint is produced by first forming a strength weld and then depositing additional weld metal on the toe of the strength weld to form a toughness weld. The fusion interface of the toughness weld forms a minimum angle with the direction of the maximum tensile load across the welded joint. The toughness weld toe is separated from the heat-affected zone of the strength weld to effectively prevent propagation of a crack initiated at the toughness weld toe into the heat-affected zone of the strength weld. The welded joint so produced is substantially resistant to failure by brittle fracture.