Analysis of common fatigue details in steel truss structures

Generally, the number of fatigue cycles, the range of the repeated stresses, and the type of the structural details are the key factors affecting fatigue in large-scale welded structures. Seven types of struc- ture details were tested using a 2000-kN hydraulic-pressure-servo fatigue machine to imitate fatigue behav- ior in modern steel-truss-structures fabricated using thicker welded steel plates and integral joint technology. The details included longitudinal edge welds, welded attachment affecting detail, integral joint, and weld re- pairs on plate edges. The fatigue damage locations show that the stress (normal or shear), the shape, and the location of the weld start and end points are three major factors reducing the fatigue strength. The test results can be used for similar large structures.