Abstract This study presents KIC data obtained from KIC-CVN correlations from Charpy CVN values. For this study, T-welded connections were manufactured from ASTM A36 and E6013 electrodes in dry conditions. Then, a rectangular grinding at the weld toe was carried out and filled with wet welding. Charpy specimens were extracted to obtain CVN values. An exhaustive search through the literature of several authors was performed to collect experimental CVN data about wet welding being applied to A36 steel for comparison with CVN data obtained in this study. By using Charpy impact energy (CVN), KIC values could be predicted by KIC-CVN correlations. In addition, correlations were presented to obtain KIC values in the lower shelf, transition temperature zones and different zones for the energy-temperature curve of A36 steel. Of these correlations, Barsom’s equation was adopted, because he applied the stress yield (σYS) of the material and it can be applied in all zones for the energy-temperature curve. The results revealed that CVN values are proportionate to KIC, this data decreases as water depth increases. This took place because several discontinuities, such as, porosity, slag inclusion, non-metallic inclusion, cracking and microstructures are present in the wet welding.

Abstract The stress concentration factors (SCFs) in welded connections usually occur at zones with high stress levels. Stress concentrations reduce the fatigue behavior of welded connections in offshore structures and cracking can develop. By using the grinding technique, cracking can be eliminated. Stress concentration factors are defined as a ratio of maximum stress at the intersection to nominal stress on the brace. Defining the stress concentration factor is an important stage in the fatigue behavior of welded connections. Several approaches have evolved for designing structures with the classical S-N approach for estimating total life. This work correlates to the stress concentration factors of T-welded connections and the fatigue behavior. Stress concentration factors were computed with the finite element employing 3D T-welded connections with intact and grinding depth conditions. Then, T-welded connections were constructed with A36 plate steel and welded with E6013 electrodes to obtain the stress-life (S-N) approach. The methodology from previous works was used to compute the SCF and fabricate the T-welded connections. The results indicated that the grinding process could restore the fatigue life of the T-welded connections for SCFs values in the range of 1.29. This value can be considered to be a low SCF value in T-welded connection. However, for higher SCF values, the fatigue life decreased, compromising and reducing the structural integrity of the T-welded connections.