An experimental study on the fatigue strength assessment of longi-web connections in ship structures using structural stress

In this study, a series of fatigue tests are carried out to investigate the fatigue strength of longi-web connection weld details, which are considered to be typical fatigue prone spots in ship-like structures. Estimation of the fatigue life on the test specimens is also performed using the structural stress approach based on finite element method. The structural stress definition is based on the elementary structural mechanics theory and provides a stress state at weld toe with relatively larger mesh size compared to that of conventional approaches. Based on the experimental and analytical results, it is expected to develop a more precise fatigue strength evaluation technique and to reduce time and cost associated with the fatigue design of ship and offshore structures.