Fatigue Assessment of Offshore Structures: Guide For The

GUIDE FOR THE
FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE

STRUCTURES
APRIL 2003 (Updated November 2010 – see next page)
American Bureau of Shipping

Incorporated by Act of Legislature of
the State of New York 1862
Copyright © 2003
American Bureau of Shipping
ABS Plaza
16855 Northchase Drive
Houston, TX 77060 USA
Updates
November 2010 consolidation includes:

• April 2003 version plus Corrigenda/Editorials
Foreword
The main purpose of this Guide is to supplement the Rules and the other design and analysis criteria
that ABS has issued for the Classification of some types of offshore structures. The specific Rules
and other Classification criteria that are being supplemented by this Guide include the latest versions
of the following documents:
• Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Installations
• Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units
• Rules for Building and Classing Single Point Moorings
• Guide for Building and Classing Floating Production Installations (FPI)
(however, the fatigue assessment of Ship-Type Floating Installations should be treated in
accordance with the FPI Guide, and not this Guide)
While some of the criteria contained herein may be applicable to ship structure, it is not intended that
this Guide be used in the Classification of a ship.
ABS welcomes comments and suggestions for improvement of this Guide. Comments or suggestions
can be sent electronically to rdd@eagle.org.
ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 iii
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GUIDE FOR THE
FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE
STRUCTURES
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 Introduction ............................................................................5
1 Terminology and Basic Approaches Used in Fatigue
Assessment ...........................................................................5
1.1 General ............................................................................. 5
1.3 S-N Approach.................................................................... 6
1.5 Fracture Mechanics........................................................... 6
1.7 Structural Detail Types...................................................... 6
3 Damage Accumulation Rule and Fatigue Safety Checks......6
3.1 General ............................................................................. 6
3.3 Definitions ......................................................................... 7
3.5 Fatigue Safety Check........................................................ 7
5 Existing Structures .................................................................8
7 Summary................................................................................8
FIGURE 1 Schematic of Fatigue Assessment Process ...............9
SECTION 2 Fatigue Strength Based on S-N Curves .............................11

1 Introduction ..........................................................................11
1.1 General ........................................................................... 11
1.3 Defining Parameters ....................................................... 11
1.5 Tolerances and Alignments............................................. 11
3 Nominal Stress Method........................................................11
3.1 ‘Reference’ Stress and Stress Concentration Factor ...... 11
5 Hot Spot Stress Method.......................................................13
5.1 Non-Tubular Joints.......................................................... 13
5.3 Tubular Joints.................................................................. 13
5.5 Stress Definitions and Related Approaches .................... 14
5.7 Finite Element Analysis to Obtain Hot Spot Stress ......... 15
5.9 FEA Data Interpretation – Stress Extrapolation
Procedure and S-N Curves ............................................. 15
FIGURE 1 Two-Segment S-N Curve...........................................13

FIGURE 2 Stress Gradients (Actual & Idealized) Near a Weld...14
ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 1

SECTION 3 S-N Curves............................................................................ 17
1 Introduction ..........................................................................17
3 S-N Curves and Adjustments for Non-Tubular Details
(Specification of the Nominal Fatigue Strength Criteria) .....17
3.1 ABS Offshore S-N Curves ...............................................17
3.3 AWS S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details.......................18
5 S-N Curves for Tubular Joints .............................................22
5.1 ABS Offshore S-N Curves ...............................................22
5.3 API S-N Curves ...............................................................23
5.5 Parametric Equations for Stress Concentration
Factors ............................................................................24
7 Cast Steel Components .......................................................24
TABLE 1 Parameters for ABS-(A) Offshore S-N Curves for

Non-Tubular Details In Air..........................................19
TABLE 2 Parameters for ABS-(CP) Offshore S-N Curves for
Non-Tubular Details in Seawater with Cathodic
Protection ...................................................................20
TABLE 3 Parameters for ABS-(FC) Offshore S-N Curves for
Non-Tubular Details in Seawater for Free
Corrosion....................................................................21
TABLE 4 Parameters for Class ‘T’ ABS Offshore S-N
Curves........................................................................22
TABLE 5 Parameters for API S-N Curves for Tubular Joints....24
TABLE 6 Parameters for ABS Offshore S-N Curve for Cast
Steel Joints (in-air) .....................................................25
FIGURE 1 ABS-(A) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular
Details In Air...............................................................19
FIGURE 2 ABS-(CP) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular
Details in Seawater with Cathodic Protection ............20
FIGURE 3 ABS-(FC) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular
Details in Seawater for Free Corrosion......................21
FIGURE 4 ABS Offshore S-N Curves for Tubular Joints
(in air, in seawater with cathodic protection
and in seawater for free corrosion) ............................23
FIGURE 5 ABS Offshore S-N Curve for Cast Steel Joints
(in-air).........................................................................25
SECTION 4 Fatigue Design Factors ....................................................... 27

1 General ................................................................................27
TABLE 1 Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details ............28
SECTION 5 The Simplified Fatigue Assessment Method..................... 31

1 Introduction ..........................................................................31
3 Mathematical Development .................................................31
3.1 General Assumptions ......................................................31
2 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

3.3 Parameters in the Weibull Distribution ............................ 32
3.5 Fatigue Damage for the Single Segment S-N Curve....... 32
3.7 Fatigue Damage for the Two Segment S-N Curve.......... 33
3.9 Allowable Stress Range .................................................. 33
3.11 Fatigue Safety Check...................................................... 33
5 Application to Jacket Type Fixed Offshore Installations ......34
SECTION 6 The Spectral-based Fatigue Assessment Method ............35

1 General ................................................................................35
3 Floating Offshore Installations .............................................35
5 Jacket Type Fixed Platform Installations .............................35
7 Spectral-based Assessment for Floating Offshore
Installations ..........................................................................36
7.1 General ........................................................................... 36
7.3 Stress Range Transfer Function ..................................... 36
7.5 Outline of a Closed Form Spectral-based Fatigue
Analysis Procedure ......................................................... 37
9 Time-Domain Analysis Methods ..........................................40
SECTION 7 Deterministic Method of Fatigue Assessment ..................41

1 General ................................................................................41
SECTION 8 Fatigue Strength Based on Fracture Mechanics...............43

1 Introduction ..........................................................................43
3 Crack Growth Model ............................................................43
3.1 General Comments ......................................................... 43
3.3 The Paris Law ................................................................. 44
3.5 Determination of the Paris Parameters, C and m ............ 44
5 Life Prediction ......................................................................44
5.1 Relationship between Cycles and Crack Depth .............. 44
5.3 Determination of Initial Crack Size .................................. 44
7 Failure Assessment Diagram...............................................45
9 Determination of Geometry Function...................................45
APPENDIX 1 Guidance on Structural Detail Classifications for Use

with ABS Offshore S-N Curves ...........................................47
APPENDIX 2 References on Parametric Equations for the SCFs of

Tubular Intersection Joints .................................................55
Simple Joints.....................................................................................55
Multi Planar Joints.............................................................................55
Overlapped Joints .............................................................................55
Stiffened Joints .................................................................................55
X Joints .............................................................................................56
K Joints .............................................................................................56

T/Y Joints ..........................................................................................56
Key to A2/Table 1 .............................................................................57
References........................................................................................57
TABLE 1 SCF Matrix Tables for X, K and T/Y Joints ................56
APPENDIX 3 Alternative Fatigue Design Criteria for an Offshore

Structure to be Sited on the U.S. Outer Continental
Shelf ...................................................................................... 59
1 General ................................................................................59
TABLE 1 Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details ............60

SECTION 1 Introduction
1 Terminology and Basic Approaches Used in Fatigue

Assessment
1.1 General
Fatigue assessment1 denotes a process where the fatigue demand on a structural element (e.g. a
connection detail) is established and compared to the predicted fatigue strength of that element. One
way to categorize a fatigue assessment technique is to say that it is based on a direct calculation of
fatigue damage or expected fatigue life. Three important methods of assessment are called the
Simplified Method, the Spectral Method and the Deterministic Method. Alternatively, an indirect
fatigue assessment may be performed by the Simplified Method, based on limiting a predicted
(probabilistically defined) stress range to be at or below a permissible stress range. There are also
assessment techniques that are based on Time Domain analysis methods that are especially useful for
structural systems that are subjected to non-linear structural response or non-linear loading.
Fatigue Demand is stated in terms of stress ranges that are produced by the variable loads imposed on
the structure. (A stress range is the absolute sum of stress amplitudes on either side of a ‘steady state’
mean stress. The term ‘variable load’ may be used in preference to ‘cyclic load’ since the latter may
be taken to imply a uniform frequency content of the load, which may not be the case.) The fatigue
inducing loads are the results of actions producing variable load effects. Most commonly, for ocean
based structures, the most influential actions producing the higher magnitude variable loadings are
waves and combinations of waves with other variable actions such as ocean current, and equipment
induced variable loads. Since the loads being considered are variable with time, it is possible that
they could excite dynamic response in the structure; this will amplify the acting fatigue inducing
stresses.
The determination of fatigue demand should be accomplished by an appropriate structural analysis.
The level of sophistication required in the analysis in terms of structural modeling and boundary
conditions (i.e. soil-structure interaction or mooring system restraint), and the considered loads and
load combinations are typically specified in the individual Rules and Guides for Classification of
particular types of Mobile Units and offshore structures.
When considering fatigue inducing stress ranges, one also needs to consider the possible influences of
stress concentrations and how these modify the predicted values of the acting stress. The model used
to analyze the structure may not adequately account for local conditions that will modify the stress
range near the location of the structural detail subject to the fatigue assessment. In practice this issue
is dealt with by modifying the results of the stress analysis by the application of a stress concentration
factor (SCF). The selection of an appropriate ‘geometric’ SCF may be obtained from standard
references, or by the performance of Finite Element Analysis that will explicitly compute the
geometric SCF. Two often mentioned examples of geometric SCFs are a circular hole in a flat plate
structure, which nominally has the effect of introducing an SCF of 3.0 at the location on the circle
1
NOTE: ITALICS are used throughout the text to highlight some words and phrases. This is done only to emphasize or define
terminology that is used in the presentation.

Section 1 Introduction 1
where the direction of acting longitudinal membrane stress is tangent to the circular hole. The other
example is the case of a transverse ring stiffener on a tubular member where the SCF to be applied to
the tube’s axial stress can be less than 1.0.
1.3 S-N Approach

In the S-N Approach the fatigue strength of commonly occurring (generic) structural details is
presented as a table, curve or equation that represents a range of data pairs, each representing the
number of cycles (N) of a constant stress range (S) that will cause fatigue failure. The data used to
construct published S-N curves are assembled from collections of experimental data.
However, when comparing actual structural details with the laboratory specimens used to determine
the recommended design S-N curves, questions arise as to what adjustments might need to be made to
reflect the expected performance of actual structural details. In this regard, two major considerations
have been identified as ones that require special awareness and possible adjustment in the fatigue
assessment process. These are the effect of thickness and the relative corrosiveness of the
environment in which the structural detail is being subjected to variable stress. The way in which
these factors are treated in different reference S-N curve sets varies, primarily as a result of how the
various originating or publishing bodies for the S-N curves have chosen to calibrate fatigue failure
predictions against laboratory fatigue testing data and service experience.
1.5 Fracture Mechanics

The determination of Fatigue Strength, to be used in the fatigue assessment, assumes that an S-N
Approach will be employed. The ABS criteria for fatigue assessment do not exclude the use of an
alternative based on a Fracture Mechanics Approach. However, recognizing the dominance of the
S-N Approach, and its wide application, the Fracture Mechanics Approach is often reserved for use in
ancillary or supporting studies dealing with fatigue related issues. For example, Fracture Mechanics
has particular application in studies concerning acceptable or minimum detectable flaw size and crack
growth prediction. Such studies are pursued to establish suitable inspection or component
replacement schedules, or to justify modification of a prescriptive inspection frequency as may be
stated in the Rules. See Section 8.
1.7 Structural Detail Types

A general concept in the subject of characterizing Fatigue Strength concerns the two major categories
of metallic structural details for which fatigue assessment criteria are produced. These are referred to
as Tubular Joints and Non-Tubular Details; the latter (also referred to as Plate Details or Plate
Connections) includes welds, other connections and non-connection details. All of the previously
mentioned concepts and considerations apply to both these categories of structural details, but it is
common throughout a wide variety of structural engineering applications that the distinction between
these structural types is maintained.
3 Damage Accumulation Rule and Fatigue Safety Checks
3.1 General
When the Fatigue Demand and Fatigue Strength are established, they are compared and the adequacy
of the structural component with respect to fatigue is assessed using a Damage Accumulation Rule
and a Fatigue Safety Check. Regarding the first of these, it is accepted practice that the fatigue
damage experienced by the structure from each interval of applied stress range can be obtained as the
ratio of the number of cycles (n) of that stress range applied to the structure to the number of cycles
(N) that will cause a fatigue failure at that stress range, as determined from the S-N curve2. The total
2
NOTE: In the S-N Approach, failure is usually defined as the first through-thickness crack.

or cumulative fatigue damage (D) is the linear summation of the individual damage from all the
considered stress range intervals. This approach is referred to as the Palmgren-Miner Rule. It is
expressed mathematically by the equation:
J
n
D= ∑ Nii
i =1
where ni is the number of cycles the structural detail endures at stress range Si, Ni is the number of
cycles to failure at stress range Si, as determined by the appropriate S-N curve, and J is the number of
considered stress range intervals.
3.3 Definitions
Design Life, denoted T (in years), or as NT when expressed as the number of stress cycles expected in
the design life, is the required design life of the overall structure. The minimum required Design Life
(the intended service life) specified in ABS Rules for the structure of a ‘new-build’ Mobile Drilling
Unit or a Floating Production Installation is 20 years; the calculated fatigue life used in design cannot
be less than this value or its equivalent NT.3
Calculated Fatigue Life, Tf, (or Nf) is the computed life, in units of time (or number of cycles) for a
particular structural detail considering its appropriate S-N curve or Fracture Mechanics parameters.
Fatigue Design Factor, FDF, is a factor (≥ 1.0) that is applied to individual structural details which
accounts for: uncertainties in the fatigue assessment process, the consequences of failure (i.e.
criticality), and the relative difficulty of inspection and repair. Section 4 provides specific information
on the values of FDF.
3.5 Fatigue Safety Check

The fatigue safety check expression can be based on damage or life. When based on damage, the
structural detail is considered safe if:
D≤∆
where
∆ = 1.0/FDF
When based on life, the detail is considered safe if:
Tf ≥ T · FDF
or
Nf ≥ NT · FDF
3
NOTE: For a fixed platform where the main source of major variable stress is ocean waves, the wave data can be readily examined
to establish the number of waves (hence equivalent stress cycles) that the structure will experience annually. For a 20 to 25 year
service life it is common that the number of expected waves will be approximately 1.0 × 108. However, because Mobile Units are not
permanently exposed to the ocean environment, the actual number of stress cycles that they will experience over time is reduced.

5 Existing Structures
For those cases where an existing structure is being reused or converted, the basis of the fatigue
assessment should be modified to reflect past service or previously accumulated fatigue damage. If Dp
denotes the damage from past service, the ‘unused fatigue damage’, ∆R, may be taken as:
∆R = (1 – Dp · α)/FDF
Where α is a factor to reflect the uncertainty with which the past service data are known. When the
data are well documented, α may be taken as 1.0, otherwise a higher value should be used.
7 Summary
As stated previously, the specific information concerning the establishment of the Fatigue Demand,
via structural analysis and modeling, is treated directly in the Rules, Guides and other criteria that
have been issued for particular structural types, therefore these specific issues will not be subject to
much further elaboration. The remainder of this Guide therefore concentrates on:
i) specific fatigue assessment methods such as the Simplified and Spectral approaches,
ii) specific S-N curves which can be employed in the fatigue assessment,
iii) the factors that should be considered in the selection of S-N curves and the adjustments that
should be made to these curves, and
iv) Fatigue Design Factors used to reflect the critical nature of a structural detail or the difficulty
in inspecting such a detail during the operating life of a structure.
A diagram outlining the fatigue assessment process documented in this Guide is given in Section 1,
Figure 1.

FIGURE 1
Schematic of Fatigue Assessment Process
(For each location or structural detail)
CLASSIFY DETAIL,
CONSIDER STRESS
SELECT Fatigue Design CONCENTRATION FACTOR
Factor (FDF) & DECIDE APPLICABILITY OF
NOMINAL OR HOT SPOT
SECTION 4 APPROACH
SECTION 2
INITIAL FATIGUE
SELECT S-N
ASSESSMENT CURVE
SECTION 3
OBTAIN NEEDED FRACTURE
MECHANICS ANALYSIS
PARAMETERS
SECTION 8
FATIGUE
STRENGTH/
SIMPLIFIED DAMAGE DETERMINISTIC
METHOD METHOD
CALCULATION
SECTION 5 BASED ON SECTION 7
SELECTED
METHOD
SPECTRAL-BASED FRACTURE
METHOD MECHANICS METHOD
SECTION 6 SECTION 8
FATIGUE
SAFETY CHECK
SEE 1/3.5

SECTION 2 Fatigue Strength Based on
S-N Curves
1 Introduction
1.1 General
This Section describes the procedures that can be followed when the fatigue strength of a structural
detail is established using an S-N curve. Section 3 presents the specific data that define the various
S-N curves and the required adjustments.
The S-N method and the S-N curves are typically presented as being related to a Nominal Stress
Approach or a Hot Spot Stress Approach. The basis and application of these approaches are described
below.
1.3 Defining Parameters

Section 2, Figure 1 shows a two-segment S-N curve.
When the number of cycles to failure, N, is less than NQ in Section 2, Figure 1, the relationship
between N and stress range (S) is:
N = A · S–m ........................................................................................................................... (2.1)
where A and m are the fatigue strength coefficient and exponent respectively, as determined from
fatigue tests.
When N is greater than NQ cycles,
N = C · S–r ............................................................................................................................ (2.2)

where C and r are again determined from fatigue tests.
1.5 Tolerances and Alignments

The basis of, and the selection and use of, nominal S-N curves should reflect the tolerance and
alignment criteria, and inspection and repair practices employed by the builder. When those actually
to be employed exceed the permissible bounds of acceptable industry practice, they are to be fully
documented and proven acceptable for the intended application.
3 Nominal Stress Method
3.1 ‘Reference’ Stress and Stress Concentration Factor

The nominal stress range for the location where the fatigue assessment is being conducted may need
to be modified to account for local conditions that affect the local stress at that location. The ratio of
the local to nominal stress is the definition of the Stress Concentration Factor (SCF) already described
in Section 1. Depending on specific situations, different SCF may apply to different nominal stress

Section 2 Fatigue Strength Based on S-N Curves 2
components, and while it is most common to encounter SCF values larger than 1.0, thus signifying an
amplification of the nominal stress, there are situations where a value of less than 1.0 can validly
exist.
The nominal S-N curves were derived from fatigue test data obtained mainly from specimens
subjected to axial and bending loads. The reference stresses used in the S-N curves are the nominal
stresses typically calculated based on the applied loading and sectional properties of the specimens.
Therefore, it is important to recognize that when using these design S-N curves in a fatigue
assessment, the applied reference stresses should correspond to the nominal stresses used in creating
these curves. However, in an actual structure, it is rare that a match will be found with the geometry
and loading of the tested specimens. In most cases, the actual details are more complex than the test
specimens, both in geometry and in applied loading, and the required nominal stresses are often not
readily available or are difficult to determine. As general guidance, the following may be applied for
the determination of the appropriate reference stresses required for a fatigue strength assessment:
i) In cases where the nominal stress approach can be used (e.g., in way of cut-outs or access
holes), the reference stresses are the local nominal stresses. The word ‘local’ means that the
nominal stresses are determined by taking into account the gross geometric changes of the
detail (e.g. cutouts, tapers, haunches, presence of brackets, changes of scantlings,
misalignment, etc.).
ii) The effect of stress concentration due to weld profiles should be disregarded. This effect is
embodied in the design S-N curves.
iii) Often the S-N curve selected for the structural detail already reflects the effect of a stress
concentration due to an abrupt geometric change. In this case, the effect of the stress
concentration should be ignored since its effect is implicitly included in the S-N curve.
iv) If the stress field is more complex than a uniaxial field, the principal stress adjacent to
potential crack locations should be used.
v) In making a finite element model for the structure, use smooth transitions to avoid abrupt
changes in mesh sizes. It is also to be noted that it is unnecessary and often undesirable to use
a very fine mesh model to determine the required local nominal stresses.
vi) One exception to the above is with regard to S-N curves that are used in the assessment of
transverse load carrying fillet welds where cracking could occur in the weld throat (Detail
Class ‘W’ of Appendix 1). In this case, the reference stress is the nominal shearing stress
across the minimum weld throat area.
It is to be noted that when the hot spot stress approach is used (see Subsection 2/5 below), an
exception should be made with regard to the above items iii) and v). The specified S-N curve used in
the hot spot approach will not account for local geometric changes; therefore it will be necessary to
perform a structural analysis to determine explicitly the stress concentrations due to such changes.
Also in most cases, a finer-mesh finite element model will be required (i.e. approximate finite element
analysis mesh size of t × t for shell elements immediately adjacent to the hot spot e.g. weld toe where t
is the member thickness).
In addition to the ordinary ‘geometric’ SCF, an additional category of SCF occurs when, at the
location where the fatigue assessment is performed, there is a welded ‘attachment’ present. The
presence of the welded attachment adds uncertainty about the local stress and the applicable S-N
curve at locations in the attachment weld. Many commonly occurring situations of this type are still
covered in the nominal stress Joint Classification guidance, such as shown in Appendix 1 (see also
3/3.1.2). However, in the more complex/uncertain cases recourse is made to the hot spot stress
approach, which is covered in the next subsection.

FIGURE 1
Two-Segment S-N Curve
m
NS =A
Log(S)
1 r
NS = C
m
SQ
1
r
Log (N) NQ
5 Hot Spot Stress Method
5.1 Non-Tubular Joints

For the situation where the local stress and the geometry of the structural detail under consideration
make doubtful the classification of the detail, and therefore, the use of the Nominal S-N Curve
approach described in Subsection 2/3, recourse should be made to the Hot Spot Stress Approach. The
Hot Spot Stress Approach particularly applies to the situation when the location being assessed is the
toe of a weld where an attachment to the structure is present. In this case, the hot spot is the toe of the
weld. An ‘attachment’ is a generic term that refers to a connecting element, such as an intersecting
plate bracket or stiffener end.
The local stress distribution can be established in several ways, but it is usually obtained from an
analysis that employs finite element analysis (FEA) using appropriate and proven structural analysis
computer software. Because of possible variations in analysis results arising from the numerous
factors entailed in local ‘fine-mesh’ stress analysis, and the sensitivity of fatigue damage predictions
to these choices, good FEA modeling practices should be followed. Importantly, it is necessary to use
S-N curves that are compatible with the way that the determination of the Hot Spot stress range is
specified.
The main purpose of this subsection is to give information on the Hot Spot Stress Approach and FEA
modeling practices. The S-N curves that are compatible with the Hot Spot stress recovery
(extrapolation) procedure are presented in Section 3.
5.3 Tubular Joints

The fatigue assessment of a tubular joint detail is typically performed on a hot spot stress basis, using
S-N curves that apply to this purpose (see Subsection 3/5). The hot spot locations that should be
considered in the fatigue assessment are at the toes of the weld on both the chord and the brace sides
of the weld, and considering various locations around the circumference of the weld.

5.5 Stress Definitions and Related Approaches
5.5.1 Stress Definitions

Three categories of stress are illustrated in Section 2, Figure 2, as follows:
i) Nominal stress, Snom. The stress at a cross section of the specimen or structural detail
away from the spot where fatigue crack initiation might occur. There is no geometric
or weld profile effect of the structural detail in nominal stress.
ii) Hot spot stress, Shot. The surface value of the structural stress at the hot spot. Note
that the stress change caused by the weld profile is not included in the hot spot stress,
but the overall effect of the connection geometry on the nominal stress is represented.
iii) Notch stress, Snotch. The total stress at the weld toe. It includes the hot spot stress and
the stress due to the presence of the weld. (Since the determination of both the stress
at the Hot Spot location and the compatible S-N curve are the product of a calibration
process to physical test results for welded specimens, a ‘notch stress’ effect to reflect
the presence of the weld is already embodied in the S-N curve and is therefore not
considered further.)
FIGURE 2
Stress Gradients (Actual & Idealized) Near a Weld
Snotch
Shot
Stress Shot_t/2
Shot_3t/2
Snom
t t/2 Weld Toe

3t/2
5.5.2 Stress Concentration Factor

A Hot Spot SCF is defined as the ratio of the Hot Spot Stress at a location to the nominal
stress computed for that location.
Further to 2/3.1, where the ‘geometric’ SCF was introduced, the hot spot SCF may be
obtained by direct measurement of an appropriate physical model, by the use of parametric
equations, or through the performance of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The use of
parametric equations, which have been suitably derived from physical or mathematical
models, has a long history in offshore engineering practice for welded tubular joints.
Reference should be made to 3/5.5 concerning parametric equation based SCFs used for
various types of tubular joints.

5.7 Finite Element Analysis to Obtain Hot Spot Stress
5.7.1 General Modeling Considerations

The FEA that needs to be performed to obtain the hot spot stress at each critical location on a
structural detail will need to be relatively ‘fine-meshed’ so that an accurate depiction of the
acting stress gradient in way of the critical location will be obtained. However, the mesh
should not be too fine such that peak stresses due to geometric and other discontinuities will
be overestimated. This is especially relevant if the S-N curve used in the fatigue assessment
already reflects the presence of a discontinuity such as the weld itself. There are numerous
literature references giving examples of successful analyses and appropriate recommendations
on modeling practices that should be used to obtain the desired hot spot stress distribution. In
the interest of providing an indication of the level and type of analysis envisioned the
following modeling guidance is presented.
5.7.1(a) Element Type. Linear elastic quadrilateral plate or shell elements are typically used.
The mesh is created at the mid-level of the plate and the weld profile itself is not represented
in the model. In special situations, such as where the focus of the analysis is to establish the
influence of the weld shape itself, recourse can be made to solid elements. The brick element
may be used in this case. The use of triangular elements should be avoided in the hot spot
region.
5.7.1(b) Element Size. The element size in way of the hot spot location should be
approximately t × t. (See Section 2, Figure 2 regarding the dimension, t.)
5.7.1(c) Aspect Ratio. Ideally, an aspect ratio of 1:1 immediately adjacent to the hot spot
location should be used. Away from the hot spot region, the aspect ratio should be ideally
limited to 1:3, and any element exceeding this ratio should be well away from the area of
interest and then should not exceed 1:5. The corner angles of the quadrilateral plate or shell
elements should be confined to the range 50 to 130 degrees.
5.7.1(d) Gradation of the Mesh. The change in mesh size from the finest at the hot spot to
coarser gradations away from the hot spot region should be accomplished in a smooth and
uniform fashion. Immediately adjacent to the hot spot, it is suggested that several of the
elements leading into the hot spot location should be the same size.
5.7.1(e) Stresses of Interest. The hot spot stress approach relies on a linear extrapolation
scheme, where ‘reference’ stresses at each of two locations adjacent to the hot spot location
are extrapolated to the hot spot.
5.9 FEA Data Interpretation – Stress Extrapolation Procedure and S-N Curves
5.9.1 Non-tubular Welded Connections

Section 2, Figure 2 shows an acceptable method, which can be used to extract and interpret
the ‘weld toe’ hot spot stress and to obtain a linearly extrapolated stress at the weld toe.
According to the Figure, the weld’s hot spot stress can be determined by a linear extrapolation
to the weld toe using the calculated ‘reference’ stress at t/2 and 3t/2 from weld toe. When
stresses are obtained in this manner, the use of the ABS Offshore S-N Curve-Joint Class ‘E’
curve is recommended (see Subsection 3/3).
When the finite element analysis employs the plate or shell element idealization of 2/5.7, the
‘reference’ stresses are the element component stresses obtained for the element’s surface that
is on the plane containing the line along the weld toe. Each main surface stress component
for both of the specified distances from the weld toe is individually extrapolated to the weld
toe location. (The main stress components referred to here are typically – the two orthogonal
local coordinate normal stresses and the corresponding shear stress; usually denoted σx, σy,
τxy). Then the extrapolated component stresses are used to compute the maximum principal

stress at the weld toe. The maximum principal stress at the hot spot, determined in this
fashion, should be used in the fatigue assessment.4
A refined linear extrapolation procedure to obtain the hot spot stress, using the mentioned
distances from the hot spot, may be accomplished following the procedure given in the ABS
Steel Vessel Rules, Part 5, Chapter 1, Appendix 1/13.7.
5.9.2 Tubular Joints

In general, the use of parametric SCF equations is preferred to determine the SCFs at welded
tubular connections. Where appropriate parametric equations based SCFs (See 3/5.5 and
Appendix 2) are not available, recourse should be made to a suitable FEA to determine the
applicable SCFs. In this case, the extrapolation procedure is similar to that for non-tubular
welded connections.
4
NOTE: When the angle between the normal to the weld’s axis and the direction of the maximum principal stress at the hot spot is
greater than 45 degrees, consideration may be given to an appropriate reduction of the maximum principal stress used in the fatigue
assessment.

SECTION 3 S-N Curves
1 Introduction
This section presents the various S-N curves that can be used in a fatigue assessment. Subsection 3/3
addresses the S-N curves for non-tubular details using the nominal stress method. Subsection 3/5
primarily addresses the S-N curves which can be applied to tubular joints.
3 S-N Curves and Adjustments for Non-Tubular Details

(Specification of the Nominal Fatigue Strength Criteria)
3.1 ABS Offshore S-N Curves
3.1.1 General
The ABS Offshore S-N Curves for non-tubular details (and non-intersection tubular
connections) are defined according to the geometry of the detail and other considerations such
as the direction of loading and expected fabrication/ inspection methods. The S-N curves are
presented in various categories each representing a class of details (most of which are welded
connection details) as discussed in 3/3.1.2 on ‘Joint Classification’. Section 3, Tables 1, 2
and 3 provide the defining parameters for the ABS Offshore S-N Curves applicable to various
classes of non-tubular details. These Tables apply when the long-term environmental
conditions (referred to here as, ‘corrosiveness’), that the structural detail will experience, are
represented as being: ‘In –Air’ (A), ‘Cathodically Protected’ (CP), and ‘Freely Corroding’
(FC).
The three ‘corrosiveness’ situations for the ABS Offshore S-N Curves are denoted as:
ABS- (A) for the ‘In –Air’ condition
ABS- (CP) for the ‘Cathodic Protection’ condition, and
ABS- (FC) for the ‘Free Corrosion’ condition
Section 3, Figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively, show the S-N curves given in Section 3, Tables 1,
2 and 3.
3.1.2 Joint Classification

The S-N curves categorize structural details into one of eight ‘nominal’ classes: denoted B, C,
D, E, F, F2, G, and W. The classification of a detail requires appropriately matching it to the
most applicable one of these nominal classes while considering the potential cracking
locations in the detail and the direction of the applied loading.
An example of the preferred convention to refer to the particular S-N curve applicable to a
detail would be: ABS- (A) Detail Class ‘F2’.

Section 3 S-N Curves 3
Appendix 1 provides guidance on the classification of structural details in accordance with the
ABS Offshore S-N Curves.
Note: Something that often confuses the classification of a detail is the desire to force the assignment of the
detail into one of the ‘nominal’ classes. It frequently happens that the complex geometry of a detail or
local stress distribution makes the classification to one of the available classes inappropriate or too
doubtful. In this case recourse should be made to the techniques discussed in Subparagraph 2/5.9.1.
3.1.3 Adjusting S-N Curves for Corrosive Environments

The ‘In-Air’ (A) S-N curves are modified for ‘Cathodic Protection’ (CP)’ and ‘Free
Corrosion’ (FC) conditions in seawater. Refer to Section 3, Tables 1, 2 and 3, which apply,
respectively, to the three mentioned conditions.
Note: For high strength steels with yield strengths σy > 400 MPa, the indicated adjustment between the ‘In-Air’
and the others conditions needs to be specially considered.
3.1.4 Adjustment for the Effect of Plate Thickness

The fatigue performance of a structural detail depends on member thickness. For the same
stress range the detail’s fatigue strength may decrease, as the member thickness increases.
This effect (also called the ‘scale effect’) is caused by the local geometry of the weld toe in
relation to the thickness of the adjoining plates and the stress gradient over the thickness. The
basic design S-N curves are applicable to thicknesses that do not exceed the reference
thickness tR = 22 mm (7/8 in). For members of greater thickness, the following thickness
adjustment to the S-N curves applies:
−q
 t 
Sf = S   .......................................................................................................... (3.1)
 tR 
where
S = unmodified stress range in the S-N curve
t = plate thickness of the member under assessment
q = thickness exponent factor (= 0.25)
3.3 AWS S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details5

The AWS S-N Curves may be permitted for the nominal fatigue assessment of applicable structural
details located in ‘above water structure’ (defined under Appendix 3, Table 1). The specification of
the S-N curves, structural detail classifications, and applicable adjustments are to comply with the
AWS Structural Welding Code, D1.1, 2002.
5
NOTE: The application of these S-N curves is meant for use with Appendix 3.

TABLE 1
Parameters for ABS-(A) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details In
Air
Curve A m C r NQ SQ
Class For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi
Units Units Units Units Units Units
B 1.01×1015 4.48×1011 4.0 1.02×1019 9.49×1013 6.0 1.0×107 100.2 14.5
13 10 17 12 7
C 4.23×10 4.93×10 3.5 2.59×10 6.35×10 5.5 1.0×10 78.2 11.4
D 1.52×1012 4.65×109 3.0 4.33×1015 2.79×1011 5.0 1.0×107 53.4 7.75
12 9 15 11 7
E 1.04×10 3.18×10 3.0 2.30×10 1.48×10 5.0 1.0×10 47.0 6.83
F 6.30×1011 1.93×109 3.0 9.97×1014 6.42×1010 5.0 1.0×107 39.8 5.78
11 9 14 10 7
F2 4.30×10 1.31×10 3.0 5.28×10 3.40×10 5.0 1.0×10 35.0 5.08
G 2.50×1011 7.64×108 3.0 2.14×1014 1.38×1010 5.0 1.0×107 29.2 4.24
11 8 14 9 7
W 1.60×10 4.89×10 3.0 1.02×10 6.54×10 5.0 1.0×10 25.2 3.66
FIGURE 1
ABS-(A) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details In Air

TABLE 2
Parameters for ABS-(CP) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details in
Seawater with Cathodic Protection
Curve A m C r NQ SQ
Class For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi
B 4.04×1014 1.79×1011 4.0 1.02×1019 9.49×1013 6.0 6.4×105 158.5 23.0
13 10 17 12 5
C 1.69×10 1.97×10 3.5 2.59×10 6.35×10 5.5 8.1×10 123.7 17.9
D 6.08×1011 1.86×109 3.0 4.33×1015 2.79×1011 5.0 1.01×106 84.4 12.2
E 4.16×1011 1.27×109 3.0 2.30×1015 1.48×1011 5.0 1.01×106 74.4 10.8
11 8 14 10
F 2.52×10 7.70×10 3.0 9.97×10 6.42×10 5.0 1.01×106 62.9 9.13
11 8 14 10 6
F2 1.72×10 5.26×10 3.0 5.28×10 3.40×10 5.0 1.01×10 55.4 8.04
G 1.00×1011 3.06×108 3.0 2.14×1014 1.38×1010 5.0 1.01×106 46.2 6.71
10 8 14 9 6
W 6.40×10 1.96×10 3.0 1.02×10 6.54×10 5.0 1.01×10 39.8 5.78
FIGURE 2
ABS-(CP) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details in Seawater with
Cathodic Protection

TABLE 3
Parameters for ABS-(FC) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details in
Seawater for Free Corrosion
Curve A m
Class For MPa For ksi
Units Units
B 3.37×1014 1.49×1011 4.0
13 10
C 1.41×10 1.64×10 3.5
D 5.07×1011 1.55×109 3.0
11 9
E 3.47×10 1.06×10 3.0
F 2.10×1011 6.42×108 3.0
11 8
F2 1.43×10 4.38×10 3.0
G 8.33×1010 2.55×108 3.0
10 8
W 5.33×10 1.63×10 3.0
FIGURE 3
ABS-(FC) Offshore S-N Curves for Non-Tubular Details in Seawater for
Free Corrosion

5 S-N Curves for Tubular Joints
5.1 ABS Offshore S-N Curves
5.1.1 General
The ABS S-N Curves for tubular intersection joints are denoted as:
ABS - T(A) for the ‘In-Air’ condition
ABS - T(CP) for the ‘Cathodic Protection’ condition
ABS - T(FC) for the ‘Free Corrosion’ condition
The ABS - T(A) curve is defined by parameters A and m, which are defined for Eq. (2.1), and
the parameters r and C, defined for Eq. (2.2). This ‘T’ curve has a change of slope at 107
cycles.
5.1.2 Adjustment for Corrosive Environments

The ABS - T(A) is modified for ‘Cathodic Protection’ (CP)’ and ‘Free Corrosion’ (FC)
conditions. Refer to Section 3, Table 4, which applies, respectively, to the three mentioned
conditions, and Section 3, Figure 4, depicts the curves.
5.1.3 Adjustment for Thickness

The basic ‘T’ curve is applicable to member thickness up to 22 mm (7/8 in.). For members of
greater thickness, Eq. (3.1) applies, using the reference thickness tR = 32 mm (11/4 in) with the
thickness exponent factor (q) equal to 0.25.
Note: This gives a benefit for nodal joints with wall thickness between 22 and 32 mm (7/8 and 11/4 in.).
TABLE 4
Parameters for Class ‘T’ ABS Offshore S-N Curves
S-N A m C r NQ SQ
Curve For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi
T(A) 1.46×1012 4.46×109 3.0 4.05×1015 2.61×1011 5.0 1.0×107 52.7 7.64
11 9 15 11
T(CP) 7.30×10 2.23×10 3.0 4.05×10 2.61×10 5.0 1.77×106 74.5 10.8
T(FC) 4.87×1011 1.49×109 3.0 -- -- -- -- -- --
Note: For service in seawater with free corrosion (FC), there is no change in the curve slope.

FIGURE 4
ABS Offshore S-N Curves for Tubular Joints (in air, in seawater with
cathodic protection and in seawater for free corrosion)
5.3 API S-N Curves6
5.3.1 General
As per API RP-2A (WSD-21st Edition, 12/ 2000) the S-N curves for tubular intersections
(API X and X′) are defined in Section 3, Table 5. The parameters A and m are defined for Eq.
(2.1).
5.3.2 Use of the X′ Curve

The X′ curve is applicable for welds without profile control that conform to a basic standard
flat profile (Ref: AWS D1.1.2002, Figure 3.8) and has a branch thickness less than 16 mm
(5/8 in). For greater wall thickness, the following thickness adjustment should be applied.
The fatigue strength, Sf, is:
−0.25
 t 
Sf = S   ...................................................................................................... (3.2)
 tR 
where
S = allowable stress from the S-N curve
t = branch member thickness
tR = limiting branch thickness
6
NOTE: The application of these S-N curves is meant for use with Appendix 3.

5.3.3 Use of the X Curve

The X curve is applicable to welds with profile control and having a branch thickness less
than 25 mm (1 in). For the same controlled profile at a greater thickness, the thickness
adjustment of Eq. (3.2) should be used. However, reductions below the X′ Curve are not
required. The X curve may be used without the thickness adjustment, provided the profile is
ground smooth to a radius greater than or equal to half the branch thickness. Final grinding
marks should be transverse to the weld axis and the entire finished profile should pass
magnetic particle inspection (MPI).
It is emphasized that the use of the X curve is contingent on the satisfactory performance and
results of 100 percent MPI of the weld. The acceptance in the design review of the X curve
may be reserved pending submission of acknowledgment that the fabricator can and will
provide the required weld profiling, grinding marks and inspections.
TABLE 5
Parameters for API S-N Curves for Tubular Joints
S-N Curve A m Endurance Limit * at
2E+8 cycles
For MPa For ksi For MPa For ksi
Units Units Units Units
X 1.15E + 15 2.44E + 11 4.38 35 5.07
X' 2.50E + 13 1.79E + 10 3.74 23 3.33
* These endurance limits assume effective cathodic protection. For splash

zone, free corrosion, or excessive corrosion conditions, no endurance limit
should be considered. For tubular connections subjected to regular cyclic
loading in atmospheric service, the endurance limits are 107 cycles for the X
curve and 2 × 107 cycles for the X′ curve.
5.5 Parametric Equations for Stress Concentration Factors

The stress range, S is defined as hot spot values for use with the S-N curves for tubular joints in
Section 3, Tables 4 and 5. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the stress concentration factors for
the joint. See Appendix 2 regarding SCFs for tubular intersection joints that are based on parametric
equations. When the fatigue assessment of a tubular intersection is based on Section 3, Table 5, use
may be made of tubular joint SCF parametric equations that are referenced in API-RP 2A.
7 Cast Steel Components

A cast steel component that is fabricated in accordance with an acceptable standard may be used to
resist long-term fatigue loadings. The fatigue strength should be based on the S-N curve given in
Section 3, Figure 5, which represent the ‘in air’ condition. The parameters of this curve are given in
Section 3, Table 6. When the cast steel component is used in a submerged structure with normal
cathodic protection conditions, a factor of 2 should be applied to reduce the ordinates of the ‘in-air’
S-N curve.
The effect of casting thickness should be taken into account, using the approach given in 3/3.1.4. In
Eq. (3.1), the reference thickness should be 38 mm (11/2 in.) and the exponent 0.15.
To verify the position of the maximum stress range in the casting it is recommended that a finite
element analysis should be undertaken for fatigue sensitive joints. For the particular case of cast
tubular nodal connections, it is important to note that the brace to casting circumferential butt weld
may become the most critical location for fatigue.

TABLE 6
Parameters for ABS Offshore S-N Curve for Cast Steel Joints (in-air)
Curve A m
Class For MPa For ksi
Units Units
CS 1.48×1015 6.56×1011 4.0
FIGURE 5
ABS Offshore S-N Curve for Cast Steel Joints (in-air)

SECTION 4 Fatigue Design Factors
1 General
The Fatigue Design Factor (FDF) is a parameter with a value of 1.0 or more, which is applied to
increase the required design fatigue life or to decrease the calculated permissible fatigue damage; see
1/3.5. Section 4, Table 1 presents the FDF values for various types of offshore structures, structural
details, detail locations and other considerations. The ‘Notes for Table 1’, listed after the table, must
be observed when using the table.
Designers and Analysts are advised that a cognizant Regulatory Authority for the Offshore Structure
may have required technical criteria that could be different from those stated herein. ABS will
consider the use of such alternative criteria as a basis of Classification where it is shown that the use
of the alternative criteria produces a level of safety that is not less than that produced by the criteria
given herein. Ordinarily the demonstration of an alternative’s acceptability is done by the designer’s
submission of comparative calculations that appropriately consider the pertinent parameters
(including loads, S-N curve data, FDFs, etc.) and calculation methods specified in the alternative
criteria. However, where satisfactory experience exists with the use of the regulatory mandated
alternative criteria, they may be accepted for classification after consideration of the claimed
experience by ABS and consultation with the structure’s Operator. An example of acceptable
alternative criteria, for a steel Offshore Structure located on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the
United States, are the fatigue design requirements cited in the technical criteria issued by Minerals
Management Service (MMS). For the use of U.S. OCS platform clients, an alternative version of
Table 1 is presented in Appendix 3 of this Guide.

Section 4 Fatigue Design Factors 4
TABLE 1
Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details**
** The minimum Factor to be applied to uninspectable ‘ordinary’ or uninspectable ‘critical’
structural details is 5 or 10, respectively.
STRUCTURAL DETAIL (3) GOVERNING APPLICATION (1)
FATIGUE STRENGTH CATEGORY**
CRITERIA
LOCATION ORDINARY CRITICAL (2)
(4)
Structural Subsystem Type
FIXED & FLOATING INSTALLATION
ABOVE WATER STRUCTURE
Non-Integral Deck (5) Non Tubular (7) ABS-(A) 1 2
Tubular ABS-T(A) 1 2
Intersection (8)
Integral Deck (6) Non Tubular ABS- (A) 2 3
Tubular ABS-T(A) 2 3
Intersection
IN WATER & SUBMERGED STRUCTURE (9)
Fixed Non-Floating Non Tubular ABS- (CP) (16) 2 3
Structure Tubular ABS- T(CP) (16) 2 3
(e.g. fixed jacket, tower and Intersection
template)
(10)
Fixed Floating Structure Non Tubular ABS- (CP) 3 5
(e.g. TLP, Column Tubular ABS-T(CP) 3 5
Stabilized & SPAR; but Intersection
excluding Ship-type &
MODU (14))
FOUNDATION COMPONENTS (12) ABS- (CP) or NA 10
ABS-T(CP) NA 10
MOORING COMPONENTS (13) ABS FPI Guide (11) NA 3
(13)
TLP TENDON See Note 15 NA 10
NOTES for TABLE 1

1 The stated Factors presume that the detail can be inspected at times of anticipated scheduled survey or when structural
damage is suspected. The need to move equipment or covers to provide direct visual access or to employ inspection tools
does not disqualify the detail as being ‘inspectable’. However where the ability to perform direct visual inspection is not
evident from the submitted design documentation, any ‘Inspection Plan’ as required by the applicable Rules is to address
how it is intended that the required, effective inspection will be accomplished. The use of uninspectable details should be
avoided as far as is practicable.
2 A detail is considered critical if its failure will cause the rapid loss of structural integrity AND this produces an event of
unacceptable consequence (e.g. loss of life; pollution; loss of platform; collision damage to another structure, facility, or
important natural feature). In this context ‘rapid’ means that even a very local failure can not be detected, inspected and
repaired
• before the occurrence of a broader, catastrophic structural failure, or
• before steps can be taken to eliminate any potential unacceptable consequence.
The designer is responsible to identify all potentially ‘critical’ structural details and to advise what rationale is being taken if
the detail is being categorized as ‘ordinary’ (i.e. a detail that is redundant having a lower failure consequence).
3 ‘Structural Detail’ refers to both welded connections and non-welded details.
4 At an interface connection between structural subsystems, the higher (more demanding) of the two applicable requirements
shall apply on both sides of the interface connection.

Section 4 Fatigue Design Factors 4
5 ‘Non-Integral Deck Structure’ means the deck is not essential for the structural integrity of the structural subsystem
supporting the deck.
6 ‘Integral Deck Structure’ means the deck structure is an essential component of the structural integrity of the overall
platform structure [e.g. the deck structure spanning the columns of a TLP or a Column Stabilized type platform.]
7 ‘Non-Tubular’ means both non-tubular details (also called ‘plate details’) and non-intersecting tubular details (e.g. butt joints
of tubular members and attachments to tubular members)
8 ‘Tubular Intersection’ refers to the nodal connections of tubular brace (branch) members with a tubular chord member.
9 This region is defined as being from the top of the air-gap down to the seabed and beneath to the bottom of the foundation
elements (e.g. pile tips). But, for a non-integral deck and for the purposes of the fatigue assessment only, this region can be
defined as being from the ‘deck to jacket (or hull) connection’ down to (and below) the seabed.
10 Internal structural tanks that are used for the (non-permanent) storage of seawater may be designed to the ABS- (A) criteria
provided:
• complete recoating is planned to occur in or before the 10th year of structural life,
• an effective coating system is provided to the entire tank (to be considered effective, there should be appropriate surface
preparation prior to coating, appropriate application and monitoring of a 2 coat epoxy coating, or at least an equally
effective coating),
• the space is accessible for close-up visual inspection to assess coating condition, and
• arrangements are provided to perform local coating renewal at weld detail locations.
11 Refer to API RP 2SK concerning the components and criteria to be assessed.
12 The factor listed is applicable to the in-place condition. Other criteria may be considered when assessing the installation
condition.
13 The appropriate criteria to be used for cast structural components will be specially considered.
14 The fatigue assessment of a MODU (e.g. Column Stabilized and Self Elevating types) typically employs the ABS (A) or
(CP) criteria, as applicable, with a Fatigue Design Factor of 1.0 for the structural details required by the MODU Rules to
undergo a fatigue assessment.
15 Requires special consideration. For guidance use may be made of AWS C1 or API X S-N data for tendon girth welds, but
note AWS criteria may have limitations regarding available geometry, material thickness and corrosiveness. The
acceptability of these AWS and API S-N curves requires very high quality NDT of the welds, and appropriate corrosion
protection via coating, cathodic protection or both.
16 In the ‘splash zone’ (see OI Rules 3/3.5.5b), the use of the ABS (FC) S-N data may be required.

SECTION 5 The Simplified Fatigue
Assessment Method
1 Introduction
The so-called ‘simplified’ method is also sometimes referred to as the ‘permissible’ or ‘allowable’
stress range method, which can be categorized as an indirect fatigue assessment method because the
result of the method’s application is not necessarily a value of fatigue damage or a fatigue life value.
Often a ‘pass/fail’ answer results depending on whether the acting stress range is below or above the
permissible value.
This method is often used as the basis of a fatigue screening technique. A screening technique is
typically a rapid, but usually conservatively biased, check of structural adequacy. If the structure’s
strength is adequate when checked with the screening criterion, no further analysis may be required.
If the structural detail fails the screening criterion, the proof of its adequacy may still be pursued by
analysis using more refined techniques. Also, a screening approach is quite useful to identify fatigue
sensitive areas of the structure, thus providing a basis to develop fatigue inspection planning for future
periodic inspections of the structure and Condition Assessment surveys of the structure.
3 Mathematical Development
3.1 General Assumptions

In the simplified fatigue assessment method, the two-parameter Weibull distribution is used to model
the long-term distribution of fatigue stresses. The cumulative distribution function of the stress range
can be expressed as:
  S γ 
Fs(S) = 1 – exp −    , S > 0........................................................................................ (5.1)
  δ  
where
S = a random variable denoting stress range
γ = the Weibull shape parameter
δ = the Weibull scale parameter
Based on the long-term distribution of stress range, a closed form expression for fatigue damage can
be derived. A major feature of the simplified method is that appropriate application of experience
data can be made to establish or estimate the Weibull shape parameter, thus avoiding a lengthy
spectral analysis.
The other major assumptions underlying the simplified approach are that the linear cumulative
damage (Palmgren-Miner) rule applies, and that fatigue strength is defined by the S-N curves.

Section 5 The Simplified Fatigue Assessment Method 5
3.3 Parameters in the Weibull Distribution

The scale parameter, δ, which is also called the ‘characteristic value’ of the distribution, is obtained as
follows.
Define a ‘reference’ stress range, SR, which characterizes the largest stress range anticipated in a
reference number of stress cycles, NR. The probability statement for SR is:
1
P(S > SR) = .................................................................................................................. (5.2)
NR
where
NR = number of cycles in a referenced period of time
SR = value which the fatigue stress range exceeds on average once every NR cycles.
For a particular offshore site, the selection of an NR and the determination of the corresponding value
of SR can be obtained from empirical data or from long-term wave data (using wave scatter diagram)
coupled with appropriate structural analysis.
From the definition of the distribution function, it follows from Eqs. (5.1) and (5.2) that:
SR
δ= ................................................................................................................... (5.3)
(ln N R )1 / γ
The shape parameter, γ, can be established from a detailed stress spectral analysis or its value may be
assumed based on experience.
The results of the simplified fatigue assessment method can be very sensitive to the values of the
Weibull shape parameter. Therefore, where there is a need to refine the accuracy of the selected
shape parameters, the performance of even a basic level global response analysis can be very useful in
providing more realistic values. Alternatively, it is suggested that when the basis for the selection of a
shape factor is not well known, then a range of probable shape factor values should be employed so
that a better appreciation of how selected values affect the fatigue assessment will be obtained.
3.5 Fatigue Damage for the Single Segment S-N Curve

Consider the bilinear S-N curve of Section 2, Figure 1. Assume that the left segment, defined by m
and A, is extrapolated into the high number of cycles range down to S = 0; i.e., there is no slope
change at 107 cycles. (Such a single segment curve would be used for the case of free corrosion in
seawater for tubular and non-tubular details.)
For the single segment case, the cumulative fatigue damage can be expressed as:
NT δ m  m 
D= Γ + 1 ........................................................................................................... (5.4)
A γ 
where NT is the design life in cycles and Γ(x) is the gamma function, defined as:
∞ x −1 −t
Γ( x ) = ∫0 t e dt ............................................................................................................. (5.5)

3.7 Fatigue Damage for the Two Segment S-N Curve

The cumulative fatigue damage for the two-segment case of Section 2, Figure 1 is expressed as:
NT δ m  m  N δr r 
D= Γ + 1, z  + T Γ0  + 1, z  ...................................................................... (5.6)
A γ  C γ 
For symbols refer to Section 2, Figure 1 and Subsection 5/3.5. Γ(a,z) and Γ0(a,z) are incomplete
gamma functions (integrals z to ∞ and 0 to z, respectively). Values of these functions may be obtained
from handbooks.
∞ a −1 −t
Γ( a, z ) = ∫z t e dt = Γ(a ) − Γ0 ( a, z ) ............................................................................... (5.7)
z a −1 −t
Γ0 (a, z ) = ∫0 t e dt .......................................................................................................... (5.8)
γ
 SQ 
z =   ........................................................................................................................... (5.9)
 δ 
where SQ is the stress range at which the slope of the S-N curve changes.
3.9 Allowable Stress Range

An alternative way to characterize fatigue strength is in terms of a maximum allowable stress range.
This can be done to include consideration of the Fatigue Design Factors (FDF), defined in 1/3.2.
Letting D = ∆ = 1/FDF in Eq. (5.6), the maximum allowable stress range, S R′ , at the probability level
corresponding to NR is found as
1/ m
 
 m/γ

 (ln N R ) 
S R′ =   ........................................ (5.10)
 m    
 FDF ⋅ NT Γ + 1, z  A + δ r − mΓ0  r + 1, z  C  
  γ 
  γ     
Note that an iterative method is needed to find S R′ because δ also depends on S R′ .

The following relationship can be used to find the allowable stress range corresponding to another
number of cycles, NS:
1/ γ
 ln N S 
S S′ = S R′   ........................................................................................................... (5.11)
 ln N R 
3.11 Fatigue Safety Check

When the fatigue damage is determined in terms of damage ratio, D, as in 5/3.5 or 5/3.7, the safety
check is performed according to 1/3.5.
When the fatigue is assessed in terms of allowable stress range as in 5/3.9, the safety check expression
corresponding to Eq. 5.10 is:
SR ≤ S R′ .............................................................................................................................. (5.12)

Or if the allowable stress range is modified to reflect a different number of cycles, NS, the safety check
is:
SS ≤ S S′ .............................................................................................................................. (5.13)
In practice, it is likely that NR will be based on the Design Life so that the acting reference stress range
and maximum allowable stress range (SR and S R′ ) will refer to NT.
5 Application to Jacket Type Fixed Offshore Installations

The simplified method is widely used in Offshore Engineering. For the commonly occurring steel
jacket type platform, and similar structural types that meet the application criteria of API RP 2A,
significant effort has been expended over the years to calibrate the simplified fatigue assessment
method contained in API RP 2A so that it will serve as an appropriate basis for the fatigue design of
such structures. When applicable, ABS recognizes the RP 2A ‘simplified method’ as an acceptable
basis to perform the fatigue assessment for a fixed platform submitted for ABS Classification.
The use of the RP 2A simplified fatigue assessment criteria for a jacket structure at offshore sites
where it is shown that the long-term fatigue inducing effects of the environment are equal to, or less
severe than, Gulf of Mexico sites allows its use in these situations as well.
It may not be prudent to use this assessment method as the only basis to judge the acceptability of a
design in deeper water [i.e. water depths greater than 120 m. (400 ft.)] because of possibly significant
dynamic amplification, or in areas with environmental actions that will have greater fatigue inducing
potential. In such cases the method can be employed as a ‘screening’ tool to help identify and
prioritize fatigue sensitive areas of the jacket structure. However, it would be expected that the
fatigue assessment will ultimately be based on a direct calculation method; and this most likely should
be a spectral-based fatigue assessment. The spectral-based method of fatigue assessment is discussed
in the next section.

SECTION 6 The Spectral-based Fatigue
Assessment Method
1 General
A spectral-based fatigue assessment produces results in terms of fatigue induced damage or fatigue
life, and it is therefore referred to as a direct method. With ocean waves considered the main source
of fatigue demand, the fundamental task of a spectral fatigue analysis is the determination of the stress
range transfer function, Hσ(ω|θ), which expresses the relationship between the stress, σ, at a particular
structural location per ‘unit wave height,’ and wave of frequency (ω) and heading (θ).
Spectral-based Fatigue Analysis is a complex and numerically intensive technique. As such there is
more than one variant of the method that can be validly applied in a particular case. The method is
most appropriate when there exists a linear relationship between wave height and the wave-induced
loads, and the structural response to these loads is linear. Adaptations to the basic method have been
developed to account for various non-linearities, but where there is doubt about the use of such
methods, recourse can be made to Time-Domain Analysis Methods as mentioned in Subsection 6/9.
3 Floating Offshore Installations

For Column-stabilized and similar structures with large (effective) diameter structural elements, the
wave and current induced load components are not dominated by the drag component. Then a linear
relationship between wave height and stress range exists. In such a case, the method described
Subsection 6/7 may be employed.
5 Jacket Type Fixed Platform Installations

For a jacket type platform, because of the typical sizes of the submerged structural elements, the wave
and wave with current induced loads are likely to be drag-dominated, thus requiring a structural
analysis method that will linearize the hydrodynamic loads, or the transfer function. If the dynamic
response characteristics of the platform structure make dynamic amplification likely, this effect also
should be included in the Spectral Analysis Method to be employed in the fatigue assessment of the
structure. Reference should be made to API RP 2A-WSD, Commentary Section 5, for information on
analysis procedures that are applied in the fatigue analysis of this type of offshore installation.

Section 6 The Spectral-based Fatigue Assessment Method 6
7 Spectral-based Assessment for Floating Offshore

Installations
7.1 General
As mentioned previously, for Column-stabilized, and similar structural types with large (effective)
diameter elements, a direct linear fatigue assessment procedure can be established. This will be
described below, and this presentation closely follows information on this topic that was issued by
ABS in its publication, ABS Guide for Spectral-Based Fatigue Analysis for Floating Production,
Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Installations.
As for the main assumptions underlying the Spectral-Based Fatigue Analysis method, these are listed
below.
i) Ocean waves are the source of the fatigue inducing stress range acting on the structural
system being analyzed.
ii) In order for the frequency domain formulation and the associated probabilistically based
analysis to be valid, load analysis and the associated structural analysis are assumed to be
linear. Hence scaling and superposition of stress range transfer functions from unit amplitude
waves are considered valid.
iii) Non-linearities, brought about by non-linear roll motions and intermittent application of loads
such as wetting of the side shell in the splash zone, are treated by correction factors.
iv) Structural dynamic amplification, transient loads and effects such as springing are
insignificant.
Also, for the particular method presented below, it is assumed that the short-term stress variation in a
given sea-state is a random narrow banded stationary process. Therefore, the short-term distribution of
stress range can be represented by a Rayleigh distribution.
7.3 Stress Range Transfer Function

It is preferred that a structural analysis is carried out at each frequency, heading angle, and ‘Platform
Loading Condition’ employed in the analysis, and that the resulting stresses are used to generate the
stress transfer function directly.
The frequency range and the frequency increment that are used should be appropriate to establish
adequately the transfer functions and to meet the needs of the extensive numerical integrations that are
required in the spectral-based analysis method. For the wave heading range of 0 to 360 degrees,
increments in heading should not be larger than 30 degrees.
Note: Suggested Approach. In some (so called ‘Closed Form’) formulations to calculate fatigue demand, the fraction of the
total time on-site for each Base Platform Loading Condition is used directly. In this case, potentially useful information
about the separate fatigue damage from each loading condition is not obtained. Therefore it is suggested that the fatigue
damage from each loading condition be calculated separately. Then the ‘combined fatigue life’ is calculated as a weighted
average of the lives resulting from considering each case separately. For example if two base loading conditions are
employed (say: deep and shallow hull draft conditions) and the calculated fatigue life for a structural location due to the
respective base loading conditions are denoted L1 and L2; and it is assumed that each case is experienced for one-half of the
platform’s on-site service life, then the combined fatigue life, LC is:
LC = 1/[0.5(1/L1) + 0.5(1/L2)].
As a further example, if there were three base loading conditions L1, L2, L3 with exposure time factors of 40, 40 and 20
percent, respectively; then the combined fatigue life, LC is:
LC = 1/[0.4(1/L1) + 0.4(1/L2) + 0.2(1/L3)].

7.5 Outline of a Closed Form Spectral-based Fatigue Analysis Procedure
7.5.1 General
In the ‘short-term closed form’ approach, described below, the stress range is normally
expressed in terms of probability density functions for different short-term intervals
corresponding to the individual cells (or bins) of the wave scatter diagram. These short-term
probability density functions are derived by a spectral approach based on the Rayleigh
distribution method whereby it is assumed that the variation of stress is a narrow banded
random Gaussian process. When a narrow banded assumption is not valid for the stress
process, a correction factor, e.g. Wirsching’s “rainflow correction” factor, is applied in the
calculation of short-term fatigue damage. Having calculated the short-term damage, the total
fatigue damage is calculated through their weighted linear summation (using Miner’s rule).
Mathematical representations of the steps of the Spectral-based Fatigue Analysis approach
just described are given below.
7.5.2 Key Steps in Closed Form Damage Calculation

7.5.2(a) Determine the complex stress transfer function, Hσ(ω|θ), at a structural location of
interest for a particular load condition. This is done in a direct manner where structural
analyses are performed for the specified ranges of wave frequencies and headings, and the
resulting stresses are used to generate the stress transfer function explicitly.
7.5.2(b) Generate a stress energy spectrum, Sσ(ω|Hs, Tz, θ), by scaling the wave energy
spectrum Sη(ω|Hs, Tz) in the following manner:
Sσ(ω|Hs, Tz, θ) = |Hσ(ω|θ)|2 Sη(ω|Hs, Tz)................................................................. (6.1)
7.5.2(c) Calculate the spectral moments. The nth spectral moment, mn, is calculated as
follows:
∞
∫
mn = ωn Sσ(ω|Hs, Tz, θ) dω .................................................................................. (6.2)
0
Most fatigue damage is associated with low or moderate seas, hence confused short-crested
sea conditions must be allowed. Confused short-crested seas result in a kinetic energy spread,
which is modeled using the cosine-squared approach, (2/π) cos2θ. Generally, cosine-squared
spreading is assumed from +90 to –90 degrees on either side of the selected wave heading.
Applying the wave spreading function modifies the spectral moment as follows:
∞ θ + 90
2
mn = ∫ θ∑   cos2θ ωn Sσ(ω|Hs, Tz, θ) dω .......................................................... (6.3)
π
−90  
0
7.5.2(d) Using the spectral moments, the Rayleigh probability density function (pdf)
describing the short term stress-range distribution, the zero up-crossing frequency of the stress
response and the bandwith parameter used in calculating Wirsching’s “rainflow correction”
are calculated as follows:
Rayleigh pdf:
s   s 
2
g (s) = exp −    ............................................................................... (6.4)
4σ 2   2 2σ
  


Zero-up crossing frequency, in Hz:

1 m2
f = .......................................................................................................... (6.5)
2π m0
Bandwidth Parameter:
m22
ε = 1− ....................................................................................................... (6.6)
m0m4
where
s = stress range (twice the stress amplitude)
σ = m0
m0, m2, m4 = spectral moments

7.5.2(e) Calculate cumulative fatigue damage based on Palmgren-Miner’s rule, which
assumes that the cumulative fatigue damage (D) inflicted by a group of variable amplitude
stress cycles is the sum of the damage inflicted by each stress range (di), independent of the
sequence in which the stress cycles occur:
J J
n
D= ∑ di = ∑ Nii ................................................................................................ (6.7)
i =1 i =1
where
ni = number of stress cycles of a particular stress range
Ni = average number of loading cycles to failure under constant amplitude
loading at that stress range according to the relevant S-N curve
J = number of considered stress range intervals
Failure is predicted to occur when the cumulative damage (D) over J exceeds a critical value
equal to unity.
The short term damage incurred in the i-th sea-state assuming a S-N curve of the form
N = AS-m is given by:
∞
T 
∫
Di =   s m f 0i p i g i ds ........................................................................................ (6.8)
 A 0
where
Di = damage incurred in the i-th sea-state
m, A = physical parameters describing the S-N curve
T = design life, in seconds
f0i = zero-up-crossing frequency of the stress response, Hz
pi = joint probability of Hs and Tz
gi = probability density function governing s in the i-th sea state
s = specific value of stress range

Summing Di over all the sea-states in the wave scatter diagram leads to the total cumulative
damage, D. Therefore:
∞
 f 0T  m  M 
D=  s 
 A  0  i =1
∫ ∑
f 0i p i g i / f 0  ds ..................................................................... (6.9)

where
D = total cumulative damage
f0 = “average” frequency of s over the lifetime
= Σi pif0i (where the summation is done from i = 1 to M, the number of
considered sea-states)
Introducing, long-term probability density function, g(s) of the stress range as:
∑ f 0i p i g i
g (s) = i ............................................................................................... (6.10)
∑ f 0i p i
i
and
NT = total number of cycles in design life = f0T
the expression for total cumulative damage, D can be re-written as:
∞
N
∫s
m
D= T g ( s )ds ............................................................................................. (6.11)
A
0
7.5.2(f) If the total number of cycles NT corresponds to the required minimum Design Life of
20 years, the Calculated Fatigue Life would then be equal to 20/D. Increasing the design life
to higher values can be done accordingly. The fatigue safety check is to be done in
accordance with 1/3.5.
7.5.3 Closed Form Damage Expression

For all one-segment linear S-N curves, the closed form expression of damage, D as given by
Eq. 6.9 is as follows:
M
T
D=
A
(2 2 ) m Γ(m/2 + 1) ∑ λ(m, ε i ) f 0i pi (σ i ) m ........................................... (6.12)
i =1
where
σi = m0 for the i-th considered sea state
λ = rain flow factor of Wirsching and is defined as:

λ(m, εi) = a(m) + [1 – a(m)][1 – εi]b(m) .............................................. (6.13)
where
a(m) = 0.926 – 0.033m
b(m) = 1.587m – 2.323
εi = Spectral Bandwidth (Eq. 6.6)

For bi-linear S-N curves (see Section 2, Figure 1) where the negative slope changes at point
Q = (NQ, SQ) from m to r = m + ∆m (∆m > 0) and the constant A changes to C, the expression
for damage as given in equation 6.12 is as follows:
M
T
D=
A
(2 2 ) m Γ(m/2 + 1) ∑ λ(m, ε i )µ i f 0i pi (σ i ) m ....................................... (6.14)
i =1
where
µi = endurance factor having its value between 0 and 1 and measuring the
contribution of the lower branch to the damage. It is defined as:
SQ SQ
 A
∫ ∫
s g i ds −   s m + ∆m g i ds
m
0
C 0
µi = 1 − ∞
........................................... (6.15)
∫s
m
g i ds
0
If g(s) is a Rayleigh distribution, then µi is:
Γ0 (m / 2 + 1, vi ) − (1 / vi ) ∆m / 2 Γ0 ( r / 2 + 1, vi )
µi = 1 − .......................... (6.16)
Γ(m / 2 + 1)
where
2
 SQ 
vi =  
 2 2σ 
 i 
Γ0 = incomplete gamma function and is
x
∫
Γ0 (a, x) = u a −1 exp(−u )du
0
See 6/7.5.2(f) regarding the fatigue safety check and related fatigue terminology.
9 Time-Domain Analysis Methods

Due to the limitations of the spectral method, e.g. linear and hard to predict low-frequency fatigue
stresses, the Time-Domain Method along with its associated rainflow counting technique is employed
in the fatigue assessment of Tension Leg Platforms and SPAR Platforms. In the time-domain
approach, the long-term wave condition is discretized into representative sea-states of short duration
and constant intensity. A time history of the wave kinematics for the short duration is generated from
the wave spectrum. Hydrodynamic loads are then calculated based on the wave kinematics and
applied to the structural model. Nonlinear effects can be included in the analysis. Structural analyses
are performed to estimate stress responses. Rainflow counting technique is applied to estimate the
number of stress cycles based on the stress time-history.

SECTION 7 Deterministic Method of Fatigue
Assessment
1 General
This method may be considered as a ‘simplified’ version of the spectral method. The main
simplification involves how wave-induced load effects are characterized. In the spectral method a
relationship to characterize the expected energy in individual sea states is employed (such the Pierson-
Moskowitz or JONSWOP spectral formulations), with a ‘scatter diagram’ that describes the expected
long-term probability of occurrence information for sea-states at a platform’s installation site. In the
deterministic method, a sea state is simply characterized using a deterministic wave height and period.
Since a deterministic approach does not represent the energy content of the sea state, it cannot be used
directly to calculate dynamic response. Also, there is a significant element of judgment, guided by
experience, that is needed to properly select the collection of discrete deterministic waves that will be
sufficient to establish the fatigue demand that the structure will experience. For these reasons, when
an explicit fatigue assessment is to be pursued for both fixed and floating Offshore Installations that
are designed on a site-specific basis, preference is given to spectral based fatigue assessments over a
deterministic approach.
However, the classification of a Mobile Unit is not based on site-specific sea state data; and in the
case of self-elevating units there can be significant variations in water depth. Hence, there can be large
variations of the structural response to waves. Even the most important locations on the legs for
fatigue assessment will most likely change. In this case the fatigue assessment will be, of necessity,
‘notional’ in nature; meaning that a set of notional sea states and structural configurations is
employed. This essentially is a deterministic approach.

SECTION 8 Fatigue Strength Based on
Fracture Mechanics
1 Introduction
While fatigue strength characterizations based on the S-N approach are recommended for fatigue
assessment and design, fracture mechanics (FM) methods may be used to assess remaining life after a
crack is discovered. FM is especially useful for evaluating crack growth and to develop and refine
inspection programs.
The objective of this Section is to provide basic information on the fracture mechanics based fatigue
strength model. Use of this information for life prediction is described in Subsection 8/5.
Fracture mechanics may be used in those cases where the S-N based fatigue assessment method is
inappropriate, or needs to be refined or validated; e.g.:
i) When assessing the fitness for purpose of a detail/joint for which a crack is discovered and
measured. The crack is difficult and/or expensive to repair and a ‘repair/no-repair’ decision
must be made.
ii) In a design context when the detail/joint is unusual and is not adequately represented by the
standard S-N classification or when a detail/joint is subjected to the influence of multiple,
complex stress concentrations. For these special cases, ABS may require additional FM
based studies to be conducted
iii) When developing and updating in-service inspection planning programs
iv) When assessing the remaining fatigue life of an aging structure
The assumptions made for the fracture mechanics analysis model may be based on, or calibrated
through, comparisons with the S-N approach.
3 Crack Growth Model
3.1 General Comments

The fracture mechanics analysis for fatigue strength relies on crack growth data. Strength is
characterized by a relationship between the crack growth rate, da/dN, and the stress intensity factor
range, ∆K, in which N is the number of cycles, a is the depth of the crack, a function of N, and ∆K is:
∆K = Y(a)S πa .................................................................................................................. (8.1)
where
Y(a) = geometry function (see Subsection 8/9)
S = stress range
A constant amplitude stress process is assumed.

Section 8 Fatigue Strength Based on Fracture Mechanics 8
3.3 The Paris Law

Historical crack growth data has indicated that the Paris Law is generally a reasonable model for the
central, linear portion of the crack growth process.
da
= C (∆K ) m .................................................................................................................... (8.2)
dN
where
C = Paris coefficient
m = exponent as determined from crack growth data
3.5 Determination of the Paris Parameters, C and m

The Paris parameters C and m depend on the material and the applied conditions, such as stress ratio,
environment, test load frequency and waveform in the crack growth test. Whenever possible, data
relevant to the particular material under service conditions should be used and where any doubt exists
concerning the influence of the environment such data should be obtained. If the available data are
sufficient to define C, the chosen values should correspond to the mean plus two standard deviation of
log da/dN. When such data are not available, suitable values of C and m should be determined from
other relevant published data.
5 Life Prediction
5.1 Relationship between Cycles and Crack Depth

The analysis objective is cycles to failure, or alternatively the crack size associated with a given life.
In doing so, it is assumed that the real flaws can be idealized as sharp-tipped cracks.
The number of cycles, N, required for a crack to propagate from an initial size, ai, to a crack depth a,
can be determined from Eq. (8.3):
a
1 1
NS m = ∫
C [Y ( x)] (πx) m / 2
m
dx ........................................................................................... (8.3)
a i
When a = ac, the critical crack depth, failure is assumed, and N would be the cycles to failure.
Note that this form is identical to the S-N model of Section 2, NSm = A. The fatigue strength
coefficient, A, will be equal to the right hand side of Eq. (8.3). This can be useful for the simplified
fatigue method of Section 5.
5.3 Determination of Initial Crack Size

The fracture mechanics model critically depends upon the value of the initial flaw size ai, whose value
is to be determined accounting for the accuracy of the NDE inspection methods, which are used to
detect defects during fabrication.
In the context of design, an assumption of initial crack size must be made. The initial crack size to be
used in the calculation should be evaluated in each case, taking into account the defect size for various
fabrication welds, geometries and the inspection accuracy. For surface cracks starting from the
transition between weld/base material, a crack depth of 0.5 mm (e.g. due to undercuts and micro-
cracks at the bottom of the undercuts) may be assumed if no other reliable data on crack depth are
available.

Section 8 Fatigue Strength Based on Fracture Mechanics 8
7 Failure Assessment Diagram

The analyst must use engineering judgment with regard to the choice of ac. Each of the following
failure modes should be considered carefully in making this judgment:
i) Unstable brittle fracture
ii) Yielding of the remaining section
iii) Leakage
iv) Stress corrosion
v) Instability
vi) Creep
9 Determination of Geometry Function

There are several options for determining Y(a). Direct analysis for Y(a) or the use of applicable,
recognized solutions may be employed. As applicable, the analyst should submit documentation
demonstrating the validity of the analysis method, or of the published parameters used in the Fracture
Mechanics based analysis.

APPENDIX 1 Guidance on Structural Detail
Classifications for Use with ABS
Offshore S-N Curves*
Type number, description and notes on Class Explanatory comments Examples, including failure modes
mode of failure
TYPE 1 MATERIAL FREE FROM WELDING
Notes on potential modes of failure
In plain steel, fatigue cracks initiate at the surface, usually either at surface irregularities or at corners of the cross-section. In welded construction,
fatigue failure will rarely occur in a region of plain material since the fatigue strength of the welded joints will usually be much lower. In steel with
rivet or bolt holes or other stress concentrations arising from the shape of the member, failure will usually initiate at the stress concentration.
1.1 Plain steel
(a) In the as-rolled condition, or with B Beware of using Class B for a member
cleaned surfaces but with no which may acquire stress concentrations
flame-cut edges of re-entrant during its life, e.g. as a result of rust
corners. pitting. In such an event Class C would
be more appropriate.
(b) As (a) but with any flame-cut B Any re-entrant corners in flame-cut
edges subsequently ground or edges should have a radius greater than
machined to remove all visible the plate thickness.
sign of the drag lines.
(c) As (a) but with the edges machine C Note, however, that the presence of a re-
flame-cut by a controlled entrant corner implies the existence of a
procedure to ensure that the cut stress concentration so that the design
surface is free from cracks. stress should be taken as the net stress
multiplied by the relevant stress
concentration factor.
TYPE 2 CONTINUOUS WELDS ESSENTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE DIRECTION OF APPLIED STRESS
With the excess weld metal dressed flush, fatigue cracks would be expected to initiate at weld defect locations. In the as-welded condition, cracks
might initiate at stop-start positions or, if these are not present, at weld surface ripples.
General comments
i) Backing strips
If backing strips are used in making these joints: (a) they must be continuous, and (b) if they are attached by welding those welds must also comply
with the relevant Class requirements (note particularly that tack welds, unless subsequently ground out or covered by a continuous weld, would
reduce the joint to Class F, see joint 6.5).
ii) Edge distance
An edge distance criterion exists to limit the possibility of local stress concentrations occurring at unwelded edges as a result, for example, of
undercut, weld spatter, or accidental overweave in manual fillet welding (see also notes on joint Type 4). Although an edge distance can be
specified only for the 'width' direction of an element, it is equally important to ensure that no accidental undercutting occurs on the unwelded
corners of, for example, cover plates or box girder flanges. If it does occur it should subsequently be ground smooth.
2.1 Full or partial penetration butt welds, or
Applied
fillet welds. Parent or weld metal in stress
members, without attachments, built up
of plates or sections, and joined by
continuous welds.
*
The contents of Appendix 1 have been adapted from publications of the U.K. Health and Safety Executive. Permission from the Health and Safety
Executive to use the source material is gratefully acknowledged.

Appendix 1 Guidance on Structural Detail Classifications for Use with ABS Offshore
S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
(a) Full penetration butt welds with the weld B The significance of defects should be
overfill dressed flush with the surface and determined with the aid of specialist
finish-machined in the direction of stress, advice and/or by the use of fracture
and with the weld proved free from mechanics analysis. The NDT technique
significant defects by nondestructive must be selected with a view to ensuring
examination. the detection of such significant defects.
(b) Butt or fillet welds with the welds made C If an accidental stop-start occurs in a
by an automatic submerged or open arc region where Class C is required remedial
process and with no stop-start positions action should be taken so that the finished
within the length. weld has a similar surface and root profile Edge distance from
weld toe to edge of
to that intended. flange > 10 mm
(c) As (b) but with the weld containing stop- D For situation at the ends of flange cover
start positions within the length. plates see joint Type 6.4.
TYPE 3 TRANSVERSE BUTT WELDS IN PLATES (i.e. essentially perpendicular to the direction of applied stress)
With the weld ends machined flush with the plate edges, fatigue cracks in the as-welded condition normally initiate at the weld toe, so that the
fatigue strength depends largely upon the shape of the weld overfill. If this is dressed flush the stress concentration caused by it is removed and
failure is then associated with weld defects. In welds made on a permanent backing strip, fatigue cracks initiate at the weld metal/strip junction,
and in partial penetration welds (which should not be used under fatigue conditions), at the weld root
Welds made entirely from one side, without a permanent backing, require care to be taken in the making of the root bead in order to ensure a
satisfactory profile.
Design stresses
In the design of butt welds of Types 3.1 or 3.2 which are not aligned the stresses must include the effect of any eccentricity. An approximate
method of allowing for eccentricity in the thickness direction is to multiply the normal stress by (1 + 3 e/t), where e is the distance between centers
of thickness of the two abutting members; if one of the members is tapered, the center of the untapered thickness must be used, and t is the
thickness of the thinner member.
With connections which are supported laterally, e.g. flanges of a beam which are supported by the web, eccentricity may be neglected.
3.1 Parent metal adjacent to, or weld metal Note that this includes butt welds which
in, full penetration butt joints welded do not completely traverse the member,
from both sides between plates of equal such as welds used for inserting infilling
width and thickness or where differences plates into temporary holes.
in width and thickness are machined to a
smooth transition not steeper than 1 in 4.
(a) With the weld overfill dressed flush with C The significance of defects should be
the surface and with the weld proved free determine with the aid of specialist
from significant defects by non- advice and/or by the use of fracture
destructive examination. mechanics analysis. The NDT technique
must be selected with a view to ensuring
the detection of such significant defects.
(b) With the welds made, either manually or D In general welds made by the submerged
by an automatic process other than arc process, or in positions other than
submerged arc, provided all runs are downhand, tend to have a poor
made in the downhand position. reinforcement shape, from the point of
view of fatigue strength. Hence such
welds are downgraded from D to E.
(c) Welds made other than in (a) or (b). E In both (b) and (c) of the corners of the
cross-section of the stressed element at
the weld toes should be dressed to a
smooth profile.
Note that step changes in thickness are in
general, not permitted under fatigue t
conditions, but that where the thickness
of the thicker member is not greater than
1.15 × the thickness of the thinner e = eccentricity of
member, the change can be centerlines
accommodated in the weld profile
without any machining. Step changes in
width lead to large reductions in strength
(see joint Type 3.3).

S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
3.2 Parent metal adjacent to, or weld metal F Note that if the backing strip is fillet
in, full penetration butt joints made on a welded or tack welded to the member the
permanent backing strip between plates joint could be reduced to Class G (joint
of equal width and thickness or with Type 4.2).
differences in width and thickness
machined to a smooth transition not No tack welds
steeper than 1 in 4.
3.3 Parent metal adjacent to, or weld metal in, F2 Step changes in width can often be avoided
full penetration butt welded joints made from by the use of shaped transition plates,
both sides between plates of unequal width, arranged so as to enable butt welds to be
with the weld ends ground to a radius not less made between plates of equal width.
than 1.25 times the thickness t. Note that for this detail the stress r ≥ 1.25t
concentration has been taken into account in t
the joint classification.
TYPE 4 WELDED ATTACHMENTS ON THE SURFACE OR EDGE OF A STRESSED MEMBER

When the weld is parallel to the direction of the applied stress fatigue cracks normally initiate at the weld ends, but when it is transverse to the direction
of stressing they usually initiate at the weld toe; for attachments involving a single, as opposed to a double weld, cracks may also initiate at the weld
root. The cracks then propagate into the stressed member. When the welds are on or adjacent to the edge, of the stressed member the stress
concentration is increased and the fatigue strength is reduced; this is the reason for specifying an ‘edge distance’ in some of these joints (see also note
on edge distance in joint Type 2).
4.1 Parent metal (of the stressed member) Butt welded joints should be made with an
adjacent to toes or ends of bevel-butt or fillet additional reinforcing fillet so as to provide a
welded attachments, regardless of the similar toe profile to that which would exist
orientation of the weld to the direction of in a fillet welded joint.
applied stress, and whether or not the welds
are continuous round the attachment.
(a) With attachment length (parallel to the F The decrease in fatigue strength with
direction of the applied stress) ≤ 150 mm and increasing attachment length is because more
with edge distance ≥ 10 mm. load is transferred into the longer gusset
giving an increase in stress concentration. Edge
distance
(b) With attachment length (parallel to the F2
direction of the applied mess) >150 mm and
with edge distance. ≥ 10 mm.
4.2 Parent metal (of the stressed member) at the G Note that the classification applies to all
toes or the ends of butt or fillet welded sizes of attachment. It would therefore
attachments on or within 10 mm of the edges include, for example, the junction of two
or corners of a stressed member, and flanges at right angles. In such situations a Edge distance
regardless of the shape of the attachment. low fatigue classification can often be
avoided by the use of a transition plate
(see also joint Type 3.3).
4.3 Parent metal (of the stressed member) at the Note that this classification does not apply to
toe of a butt weld connecting the stressed fillet welded joints (see joint Type 5.1b).
member to another member slotted through However it does apply to loading in either
it. direction (L or T in the sketch).
T
(a) With the length of the slotted-through F
member, parallel to the direction of the
applied stress, ≤ 150 mm and edge distance L
≥ 10 mm. L
(b) With the length of the slotted-through F2

member, parallel to the direction of the T
applied stress, > 150 mm and edge distance

≥ 10 mm.
(c) With edge distance < 10 mm. G

S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
TYPE 5 LOAD-CARRYING FILLET AND T BUTT WELDS
Failure in cruciform or T joints with full penetration welds will normally initiate at the weld toe, but in joints made with load-carrying fillet or partial penetration
butt welds cracking may initiate either at the weld toe and propagate into the plate or at the weld root and propagate through the weld. In welds parallel to the
direction of the applied stress, however, weld failure is uncommon; cracks normally initiate at the weld end and propagate into the plate perpendicular to the
direction of applied stress. The stress concentration is increased, and the fatigue strength is therefore reduced, if the weld end is located on or adjacent to the edge
of a stressed member rather than on its surface.
5.1 Joint description
Parent metal adjacent to cruciform Member Y can be regarded as one with X
joints or T joints (member marked X in a non-load-carrying weld (see joint Y
sketches Type 4.1). Note that in this instance the
edge distance limitation applies.
X
(a) Joint made with full penetration welds F
and with any undercutting at the corners
of the member dressed out by local X
grinding. Y
X
Y
(b) Joint made with partial penetration or F2 In this type of joint, failure is likely to X
fillet welds with any undercutting at the occur in the weld throat unless the weld is
comers of the member dressed out by made sufficiently large (see joint Type
local grinding. 5.4).
X
Y
5.2 Parent metal adjacent to the toe of load- The relevant stress in member X should
carrying fillet welds which are be calculated on the assumption that its Edge
essentially transverse to the direction of effective width is the same as the width distance
applied stress (member X in sketch). of member Y. Y
(a) Edge Distance ≥ 10 mm. F2 These classifications also apply to

joints with longitudinal welds only. X
(b) Edge Distance < 10 mm. G

5.3 Parent metal at the ends of load- G Edge distance
carrying fillet welds which are
essentially parallel to the direction of
applied stress. with the weld end on X Y
plate edge (member Y in sketch).
5.4 Weld metal in load-carrying joints W This includes joints in which a pulsating
made with fillet or partial penetration load may be carried in bearing, such as the
welds, with the welds either transverse connection of bearing stiffeners of
or parallel to the direction of applied flanges. In such examples the welds
stress (based on nominal shear stress on should be designed on the assumption that
the minimum weld throat area). none of the load is carried in bearing.
TYPE 6 DETAILS IN WELDED GIRDERS
Fatigue cracks generally initiate at weld toes and are especially associated with local stress concentrations at weld ends, short lengths of return
welds, and changes of direction. Concentrations are enhanced when these features occur at or near an edge of a part (see notes on joint Type
4).
General comment
Most of the joints in this section are also shown, in a more general form, in joint Type 4; they are included here for convenience as being the
joints which occur most frequently in welded girders. Where edge distance is mentioned in the joint types below, it refers to the distance from
a free (unwelded) edge.

S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
6.1 Parent metal at the toe of a weld Edge distance refers to distance from a
connecting a stiffener, diaphragm, etc. free, i.e. unwelded, edge. In this
to a girder flange. example, therefore, it is not relevant as
far as the (welded) edge of the
(a) Edge distance ≥ 10mm (see joint Type F Web plate is concerned. For reason for
4.2). edge distance see note on joint Edge
distance
(b) Edge Distance < 10 mm. G Type 2.
6.2 Parent metal at the end of a weld E This classification includes all
connecting a stiffener, diaphragm, etc. attachments to girder webs.
to a girder web in a region of combined
bending and shear.
6.3 Parent metal adjacent to welded shear

connectors.
(a) Edge distance ≥ 10mm. F Edge distance
(b) Edge distance < 10mm (see Type 4.2). G

6.4 Parent metal at the end of a partial G This Class includes cover plates which
length welded cover plate, regardless of are wider than the flange. However,
whether the plate has square or tapered such a detail is not recommended
ends and whether or not there are welds because it will almost inevitably result
across the ends. in undercutting of the flange edge
where the transverse weld crosses it, as
well as involving a longitudinal weld
terminating on the flange edge and
causing a high stress concentration.
6.5 Parent metal adjacent to the ends of E This also includes tack welds which are
discontinuous welds, e.g. intermittent not subsequently buried in a continuous
web/flange welds, tack welds unless weld. This may be particularly relevant
subsequently buried in continuous runs. in tack welded backing strips.
Note that the existence of the cope hole
is allowed for in the joint classification
Ditto. Adjacent to cope holes. F It should not be regarded as an
additional stress concentration.
TYPE 7 DETAILS RELATING TO TUBULAR MEMBERS
7.1 Parent material adjacent to the toes of T In this situation, design should be based
full penetration welded nodal joints. on the hot spot stress as defined in Section
3 of this Guide.
7.2 Parent metal at the toes of welds F
associated with small (≤ 150 mm in the
direction parallel to the applied stress)
attachments to the tubular member.
Ditto, but with attachment length > 150 F2

mm.

S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
7.3 Gusseted connections made with full F Note that the design stress must include
penetration or fillet welds. (But note that any local bending stress adjacent to the
full penetration welds are normally weld end.
required).
W For failure in the weld throat of fillet

welded joints.
7.4 Parent material at the toe of a weld F Stress should include the stress
attaching a diaphragm or stiffener to a concentration factor due to overall shape
tubular member. of adjoining structure.
7.5 Parent material adjacent to the toes of In this type of joint the stress should
circumferential butt welds between tubes. include the stress concentration factor to
allow for any thickness change and for
fabrication tolerances.
(a) Weld made from both sides with the weld C The significance of defects should be
overfill dressed flush with the surface and determined with the aid of specialist
with the weld proved free from significant advice and/or by the use of fracture
defects by non-destructive examination. mechanics analysis. The NDT technique
should be selected with a view to ensuring
the detection of such significant defects.
(b) Weld made from both sides. E
(c) Weld made from one side on a permanent F
backing strip.
(d) Weld made from one side without a F2 Note that step changes in thickness are in
backing strip provided that full penetration general, not permitted under fatigue
is achieved. conditions, but that where the thickness of
the thicker member is not greater than
1.15 × the thickness of the thinner
member, the change can be
accommodated in the weld profile without
any machining.
7.6 Parent material at the toes of C Class and stress should be those
circumferential butt welds between E corresponding to the joint type as
tubular and conical sections. F indicated in 7.5, but the stress must also
F2 include the stress concentration factor due
to overall form of the joint.
7.7 Parent material (of the stressed member) F Class depends on attachment length
adjacent to the toes of bevel butt or fillet or (see Type 4.1) but stress should include
welded attachments in a region of stress F2 the stress concentration factor due to the
concentration overall shape of adjoining structure.

S-N Curves A1
mode of failure
7.8 Parent metal adjacent to, or weld metal in, D In this situation the relevant stress should
welds around a penetration through the include the stress concentration factor due
wall of a member (on a plane essentially to the overall geometry of the detail.
perpendicular to the direction of stress).
Note that full penetration welds are stress
normally required in this situation.
7.9 Weld metal in partial penetration or fillet W The stress in the weld should include an section x x
welded joints around a penetration appropriate stress concentration factor to
through the wall of a member (on a plane allow for the overall joint geometry.
essentially parallel to the direction of
stress).
stress

APPENDIX 2 References on Parametric
Equations for the SCFs of Tubular
Intersection Joints*
Several parametric formulae have been produced for the prediction of SCFs for tubular joints, based
on data from both physical and FE models.
Simple Joints
A2/Table 1 indicates acceptable formulae for the prediction of SCFs for simple joints. These have
been validated against data from large scale steel models and also checked against data from acrylic
models and have been shown to provide acceptable predictions.
Multi Planar Joints

For multi planar joints SCFs are usually determined assuming there is no interaction between joints in
different planes. However, in certain load cases, significant interaction can occur between joints in
different planes. These effects, which can result in significantly different SCFs, should be assessed
using appropriate methods, e.g. expressions used in Efthymiou 1988.
Overlapped Joints
Parametric formulae for the prediction of SCFs in overlapped joints have been published (Efthymiou
1988). They have not been validated because of the limited database available.
Stiffened Joints
Parametric SCF formulae for ring-stiffened joints have been developed from acrylic model test data
(Smedley and Fisher 1990), which give the brace/chord intersection SCFs in terms of the equivalent,
unstiffened joint SCFS. Equations to predict the SCF at the ring inner edge have also been given
(Smedley and Fisher 1990).
*
The contents of Appendix 2 have been adapted from publications of the U.K. Health and Safety Executive. Permission from the Health and Safety
Executive to use the source material is gratefully acknowledged.

Appendix 2 References on Parametric Equations for the SCFs of Tubular Intersection Joints A2
TABLE 1
SCF Matrix Tables for X, K and T/Y Joints
X Joints
Loading Position Efthy S&F

Chord Saddle Y X
Chord Crown X* X*
Balanced Axial
Brace Saddle Y Y
Brace Crown Y Y
Chordside Y Y
Balanced O.P.B
Braceside Y Y
Chordside Y Y
Balanced I.P.B
Braceside Y Y
K Joints

Chordside X Y
Balanced Axial
Braceside X Y
Chordside Y Y
Unbalanced O.P.B
Braceside Y Y
Chordside Y Y
Balanced I.P.B
Braceside YC Y
T/Y Joints

Chord Saddle Y Y
Chord Crown Y Y
Axial
Brace Saddle Y Y
Brace Crown YC Y
Chordside Y Y
O.P.B
Braceside Y Y
Chordside Y Y
I.P.B
Braceside Y X

Appendix 2 References on Parametric Equations for the SCFs of Tubular Intersection Joints A2
Key to A2/Table 1
Y Recommend the equation
YC Recommend the equation – but note that the equation is generally conservative
X Not recommend the equation, since it fails to meet the acceptance criteria
X* The equation cannot be recommended since there are less than 15 steel and
acrylic joints in the SCF database.
Efthy Efthymiou Equations (Efthymiou 1988)
S&F Smedley and Fisher Equations (Smedley and Fisher 1991)
NB For X Joints For the chord crown under axial load, the database is too small to recommend any
equation. It is recommended that the chord saddle SCF be applied at all
periphery locations unless another appropriate method is established.
References
P. Smedley and P. Fisher (1990), ‘A Review of Stress Concentration Factors for Complex Tubular
Joints’, Integrity of Offshore Structures Conference, Glasgow
P. Smedley and P. Fisher (1991), ‘Stress Concentration Factors for Simple Tubular Joints’, ISOPE
M. Efthymiou (1988), ‘Development of SCF Formulae and Generalized Influence Functions for Use
in Fatigue Analyses’, Proceedings of Offshore Tubular Joints Conference, Surrey [with corrections]

APPENDIX 3 Alternative Fatigue Design Criteria
for an Offshore Structure to be
Sited on the U.S. Outer
Continental Shelf
1 General
This Appendix is referred to in Sections 3 and 4. It is provided for the use of clients who are required
to apply the fatigue criteria cited by the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) for a steel
Offshore Structure. The MMS regulations indicate compliance is required with cited U.S. based
practices and codes. For steel Offshore Structures, the main criteria referred to for fatigue are those
provided in various Recommended Practice documents issued by the American Petroleum Institute
(API); i.e. RP 2A, RP 2T, and RP 2FPS. The API RPs in turn make reference to other U.S. based
standards, such as those issued by the American Welding Society (AWS).
Appendix 3, Table 1 presents the FDF values and the applicable S-N curves for various types of:
offshore structures, structural details, detail locations and other considerations. The ‘Notes for Table
1’, listed after the table, must be observed when using the table.

Appendix 3 Alternative Fatigue Design Criteria for an Offshore Structure to be Sited on the
U.S. Outer Continental Shelf A3
TABLE 1
Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details**
** The minimum Factor to be applied to uninspectable ‘ordinary’ or uninspectable ‘critical’
structural details is 5 or 10, respectively.
STRUCTURAL DETAIL (3) GOVERNING APPLICATION (1)
FATIGUE STRENGTH CATEGORY**
CRITERIA
LOCATION ORDINARY CRITICAL (2)
(4)
Structural Subsystem Type
FIXED & FLOATING INSTALLATION
ABOVE WATER STRUCTURE
Non-Integral Deck (5) Non Tubular (7) AWS (13) 2 3
Tubular API 2 3
Intersection (8)
Integral Deck (6) Non Tubular AWS (13) 3 5
Tubular API 3 5
Intersection
IN WATER & SUBMERGED STRUCTURE (9)
Fixed Non-Floating Non Tubular ABS- (CP) (17) 2 3
Structure Tubular API 2 3
(e.g. fixed jacket, tower and Intersection
template)
(10)
Fixed Floating Structure Non Tubular ABS- (CP) 3 5
(e.g. TLP, Column Tubular API 3 5
Stabilized & SPAR; but Intersection
excluding Ship-type &
MODU (15))
Foundation Components (12) ABS- (CP) or NA 10
API (for Tubular NA 10
Intersection Details)
MOORING COMPONENTS (14) ABS FPI Guide (11) NA 3
(14)
TLP TENDON See Note 16 NA 10
NOTES for TABLE 1

1 The stated Factors presume that the detail can be inspected at times of anticipated scheduled survey or when structural
damage is suspected. The need to move equipment or covers to provide direct visual access or to employ inspection tools
does not disqualify the detail as being ‘inspectable’. However, where the ability to perform direct visual inspection is not
evident from the submitted design documentation, any ‘Inspection Plan’ as required by the applicable Rules is to address
how it is intended that the required, effective inspection will be accomplished. The use of uninspectable details should be
avoided as far as is practicable.
2 A detail is considered critical if its failure will cause the rapid loss of structural integrity AND this produces an event of
unacceptable consequence (e.g. loss of life; pollution; loss of platform; collision damage to another structure, facility, or
important natural feature). In this context, ‘rapid’ means that even a very local failure can not be detected, inspected and
repaired:
• before the occurrence of a broader, catastrophic structural failure, or
• before steps can be taken to eliminate any potential unacceptable consequence.
The designer is responsible to identify all potentially ‘critical’ structural details and to advise what rationale is being taken if
the detail is being categorized as ‘ordinary’ (i.e. a detail that is redundant having a lower failure consequence).
3 ‘Structural Detail’ refers to both welded connections and non-welded details.

Appendix 3 Alternative Fatigue Design Criteria for an Offshore Structure to be Sited on the
U.S. Outer Continental Shelf A3
4 At an interface connection between structural subsystems, the higher (more demanding) of the two applicable requirements
shall apply on both sides of the interface connection.
5 ‘Non-Integral Deck Structure’ means the deck is not essential for the structural integrity of the structural subsystem
supporting the deck.
6 ‘Integral Deck Structure’ means the deck structure is an essential component of the structural integrity of the overall
platform structure [e.g. the deck structure spanning the columns of a TLP or a Column Stabilized type platform.]
7 ‘Non-Tubular’ means both non-tubular details (also called ‘plate details’) and non-intersecting tubular details (e.g. butt joints
of tubular members and attachments to tubular members)
8 ‘Tubular Intersection’ refers to the nodal connections of tubular brace (branch) members with a tubular chord member.
9 This region is defined as being from the top of the air-gap down to the seabed and beneath to the bottom of the foundation
elements (e.g. pile tips). But, for a non-integral deck and for the purposes of the fatigue assessment only, this region can be
defined as being from the ‘deck to jacket (or hull) connection’ down to (and below) the seabed.
10 Internal structural tanks that are used for the (non-permanent) storage of seawater may be designed to the ABS- (A) criteria
provided:
• complete recoating is planned to occur in or before the 10th year of structural life,
• an effective coating system is provided to the entire tank (to be considered effective, there should be appropriate surface
preparation prior to coating, appropriate application and monitoring of a 2 coat epoxy coating, or at least an equally
effective coating),
• the space is accessible for close-up visual inspection to assess coating condition, and
• arrangements are provided to perform local coating renewal at weld detail locations.
11 Refer to API RP 2SK concerning the components and criteria to be assessed.
12 The factor listed is applicable to the in-place condition. Other criteria may be considered when assessing the installation
condition.
13 AWS Criteria may have limitations regarding available geometry, material thickness and corrosiveness.
14 The appropriate criteria to be used for cast structural components will be specially considered.
15 The fatigue assessment of a MODU (e.g. Column Stabilized and Self Elevating types) typically employs the ABS (A) or
(CP) criteria, as applicable, with a Fatigue Design Factor of 1.0 for the structural details required by the MODU Rules to
undergo a fatigue assessment.
16 Requires special consideration. For guidance, use may be made of AWS C1 or API X curve for tendon girth welds, but see
also note 13 regarding AWS criteria. The acceptability of these AWS and API S-N curves requires very high quality NDT of
the welds, and appropriate corrosion protection via coating, cathodic protection or both.
17 In the ‘splash zone’ (see OI Rules 3/3.5.5b), the use of the ABS (FC) S-N curves may be required.


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GUIDE FOR THE

FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE

APRIL 2003 (Updated November 2010 – see next page)

American Bureau of Shipping

November 2010 consolidation includes:

FIGURE 1 Schematic of Fatigue Assessment Process ...............9

SECTION 2 Fatigue Strength Based on S-N Curves .............................11

FIGURE 1 Two-Segment S-N Curve...........................................13

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 1

TABLE 1 Parameters for ABS-(A) Offshore S-N Curves for

SECTION 4 Fatigue Design Factors ....................................................... 27

TABLE 1 Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details ............28

SECTION 5 The Simplified Fatigue Assessment Method..................... 31

2 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

SECTION 6 The Spectral-based Fatigue Assessment Method ............35

SECTION 7 Deterministic Method of Fatigue Assessment ..................41

SECTION 8 Fatigue Strength Based on Fracture Mechanics...............43

APPENDIX 1 Guidance on Structural Detail Classifications for Use

APPENDIX 2 References on Parametric Equations for the SCFs of

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 3

TABLE 1 SCF Matrix Tables for X, K and T/Y Joints ................56

APPENDIX 3 Alternative Fatigue Design Criteria for an Offshore

TABLE 1 Fatigue Design Factors for Structural Details ............60

4 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

1 Terminology and Basic Approaches Used in Fatigue

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 5

1.3 S-N Approach

1.5 Fracture Mechanics

1.7 Structural Detail Types

3 Damage Accumulation Rule and Fatigue Safety Checks

6 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

3.5 Fatigue Safety Check

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 7

8 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 9

1.3 Defining Parameters

N = C · S–r ............................................................................................................................ (2.2)

1.5 Tolerances and Alignments

3 Nominal Stress Method

3.1 ‘Reference’ Stress and Stress Concentration Factor

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 11

12 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

5 Hot Spot Stress Method

5.1 Non-Tubular Joints

5.3 Tubular Joints

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 13

5.5 Stress Definitions and Related Approaches

5.5.1 Stress Definitions

t t/2 Weld Toe

5.5.2 Stress Concentration Factor

14 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

5.7 Finite Element Analysis to Obtain Hot Spot Stress

5.7.1 General Modeling Considerations

5.9.1 Non-tubular Welded Connections

ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003 15

5.9.2 Tubular Joints

16 ABS GUIDE FOR THE FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES . 2003

3 S-N Curves and Adjustments for Non-Tubular Details

3.1 ABS Offshore S-N Curves