Fatigue Strength Assessment on a Multiplanar Tubular KK Joints by Scaled Model Test

Abstract

Multiplanar tubular KKjoints are one of the most popular joint types in offshore structures, which are exposed to cyclic loads and fatigue damages. In this paper, a fatigue prediction method based on scaled model test is proposed. First, a scaled KKjoint, including deviations for model simplification, was designed based on sensitive analysis and similarity analysis. Then, static and fatigue tests on the scaled model under axial loading were performed, by which hot spot stress (HSS) distributions and the maximum HSS were recorded. From the test, the fatigue crack initiates from the location of the maximum HSS and propagates along the weld toe. Finally, the maximum HSS of original KKjoint was deduced by finite element analysis (FEA), and then, the fatigue life was predicted accordingly and compared with the rulebased result.