Your example is for determining the governing thickness when joining two parts, or as stated in the Code, " the governing thickness of a welded part " The thinner of the two parts would have a thickness equal to the weld, whereas the thicker part would not. Ref. UCS-66(a)(1)
If you want to apply to a non welded part, you need to apply the rules for governing thickness of non welded parts or materials as you put it, which are different.
Read UCS-66(a)(1), (2), and (3) because there are different criteria for each and each shall be treated as separate components.
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