Experimental fatigue tests were carried out on three tubular T-joints with the same geometrical parameters subjected to in-plane bending (IPB) only, combination of IPB and out-of-plane bending (OPB), and combination of axial loading (AX), IPB and OPB respectively. Static tests were first carried out to investigate the Hot Spot Stress (HSS) distribution around the intersection of chord and brace, and to determine the peak HSS and its location around the joints when subjected to these load cases. In the fatigue tests, Alternating Current Potential Drop (ACPD) technique was used to monitor the crack growth and crack shape development on the joints. All the experimental data were analysed and the fatigue performances of the T-joints subjected to basic and combined load cases were investigated. The crack growth curves and growth rate on each specimen were presented. The results showed that the UK DEn tubular joint fatigue design Tcurve that is derived from single axis test data is still applicable to Tjoints subjected to combined load cases.
展开▼