Fatigue Properties of Cruciform and Flange-gusset Joints Using Normal and High Strength Steels

The objective of this paper is to investigate and compare the fatigue behavior of Normal Strength Steel (NSS) and High Strength Steel (HSS) welded specimens (cruciform and flange gusset joints). Numerous specimens were tested in the framework of the research project. The experimental S-N curves of the test specimens are determined and analyzed by mathematical statistics to consider the uncertainties and scatter of test results. Statistical analysis of the S-N curves showed that the fatigue behavior of as-welded flange gusset joints is identical in the cases of HSS and NSS specimens, which means that there is no difference in the fatigue lifetime depending on the steel grade. However, the as-welded HSS cruciform joints can be more favorable and their fatigue lifetime is longer than the specimens made from NSS, if the stress range is below 100 MPa. The current study shows that the fatigue behavior of as-welded HSS details depends on the geometry of the investigated specimens and its fatigue lifetime can be larger in the small stress range region than for NSS specimens.