Abstract
This paper develops a simplified method for evaluating stress intensity factors in steel tubular T-joints. Line spring elements incorporated into shell models are used for the analysis. A general-purpose finite element package “ABAQUS” is initially used for stress analysis to determine problem spot areas where cracks may develop. The line spring element (LS6) is thereafter utilized in stress intensity factor computations. The results compare favorably with the existing numerical results which are based on the more cumbersome three-dimensional finite element method. This approach will provide an economical tool of analysis for the detection of fatigue cracks, particularly in welded steel tubular joints in offshore structures.
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