FATIGUE STRENGTH OF STEEL MEMBERS WITH WELDED DETAILS.

Abstract

This paper reviews the governing parameter of stress range, the experimental results on welded stiffeners and attachments, the phenomenon of crack propagation, and the data basis for the specifications. In addition, some secondary considerations which have caused fatigue cracking are examined and possible ways of retrofitting cracked structural details are suggested. Design guidelines were developed from the results of the study and other data available in the literature in terms of stress range and cycle life for various categories of welded details. The concept of fracture mechanics of stable crack propagation was used to evaluate the test data and help define fatigue limits.