| Review: |
Tubular welded joints in offshore structures are subjected to millions of cycles of variable-amplitude loading by the sea and wave action. This is a major cause of fatigue. Jack-up structures, which have traditionally been used for short-term operations, are being increasingly used in water of depth 100 m with an intended life of 35 years. This book contains the results of an investigation to assess the performance of a typical high-strength weldable Jack-up steel platform under realistic loading and environmental conditions. It begins by looking at the methods used and the influences on fatigue resistance and develops a simulated loading service history for a typical Jack-up platform. It goes on to discuss large-scale fatigue testing - looking at initiation behaviour, fatigue crack growth rates and stress life data. The last chapter uses fracture mechanics to describe and solve fatigue crack problems. |