Probabilistic fatigue analysis of existing steel structure

Abstract

The paper deals with evaluation of possible fatigue damage of existing steel crane structure. It is possible to use the some traditional methods to solve the problem - a concept of fatigue S-N curves (which are mainly used for designing of a new structures) or the procedures based on linear fracture mechanics utilizing the Paris-Erdogan’s law (which are suitable for estimation of remaining lifetime). For the resistance assessment the relevant data of load effects caused by cyclically loaded structure operation are necessary for both concepts. For the prediction of fatigue damage over time, calibration functions for short edge cracks were derived based on the results of the experiment, and the acceptable size of the fatigue crack in damaged structural component under analysis was determined. Using the derived relationships, a stochastic analysis of the selected element was performed and the results are discussed.