Code development based on UFLP for marine structures

Abstract

Fatigue strength assessment has become more important in the structural design of ships and marine structures due to the increase in structure size and the strength of the constructed structural steel. The cracks or crack-like defects are usually pre-existing or initiated in weld details in these welded structures. Fracture mechanics is recommended for use in the assessment of acceptable defects, evaluation of acceptance criteria for fabrication and for planning in-service inspection.