Re-analysis of fatigue data for welded joints using the notch stress approach

Experimental fatigue data for welded joints have been collected and subjected to re-analysis using the notch stress approach according to IIW recommendations. This leads to an overview regarding the reliability of the approach, based on a large number of results (767 specimens). Evidently, there are some limitations in the approach regarding mild notch joints, such as butt joints, which can be assessed non-conservatively. In order to alleviate this problem, an increased minimum notch factor of Kw>2.0 is suggested instead of the current recommendation of Kw>1.6. The data for most fillet-welded joints agree quite well with the FAT 225 curve; however a reduction to FAT 200 is suggested in order to achieve approximately the same safety as observed in the nominal stress approach.