Application of the engineering treatment model (ETM) to tension loaded tubular T-joints

Welded tubular T-joints are widely used design elements in engineering structures and components. As shown in many practical cases those joints carry the potential risk that surface cracks may nucleate and propagate in the highly stressed regime near the weld. These surface cracks can severely influence the load carrying capacity of the joint. Therefore reliable failure assessment methods are needed in order to quantify the risk caused by the flaw. The Engineering Treatment Model (ETM) is an engineering assessment method for the prediction of the end-of-life state of flawed components. It offers formulae for the estimation of fracture parameters such as the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) or the J-integral -- the so-called crack driving force. The aim of the present work was an investigation of the applicability of the ETM to the tubular joints.