Quantifying parameters for fatigue damage prediction of offshore structures

Abstract

The present work provides with informations for assessment of fatigue strength of offshore structures. It reviews parameters which have an effect on fatigue damage results: stresses, S-N curves, stress concentration factors (SCF) and fatigue approaches. Recommendations from Classification Societies are reviewed with critical emphasis on the suggested fatigue assessment procedure and the hot spot stress extrapolation procedure.Furthermore the hot spot stress approach fot welded joints is developed by studying the FE-modelling requirement for the calculation of the hot spot stress. An extrapolation procedure for hot spot stress determination is derived by considering the stress distribution through the thickness plate.