A stochastic model for estimating the fatigue life of structural steel details

Abstract This paper describes a model which allows the numerical simulation of fatiguw crack growth in structural steel details, taking into account the effects of random variations in both the applied loads and the material parameters. A detailed analysis of the numerical code is presented, as well as a discussion of how all the parameters governing crack growth have been considered and implemented. The calibration needed to simulate correctly the fatigue tests on structural details of practical interest is also discussed. Initially, the effects of the individual parameters of the model are investigated. Next the behavior of certain typical structural steel details is simulated, and the numerical results are compared with available test data, for both cases of constant and variable amplitude loading. The agreement between test data and proposed model has proved to be decidedly satisfactory, although the numerical model can be improved further.

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