Assessment of integrity and remaining working life of welded steel structures

Abstract

Analyzing the period of exploitation of welded steel structures it can be concluded that they are predominantly exposed to the action of variable load. The welded joint as the largest stress concentrator due to the heterogeneity of structural, mechanical and operational properties is a key problem that is further complicated by the possible and realistically probable presence of crack-type faults. The assessment of integrity largely depends on a comprehensive analysis of the welded joint as the most critical place of welded steel structures. Integrity assessment is a necessary obligation for extending the working life, as well as revitalization, as a way to keep the structures in operation, despite the long period of exploitation. This paper presented an analysis of the process of fatigue crack initiation and growth, i.e. an assessment of the of the welded steel structures’ integrity and remaining service life under the influence of variable load.