Multiaxial fatigue assessment of welded joints: a review of EC3 and IIW criteria with different stress analysis approaches

This paper reviews quantitively the multiaxial fatigue assessment of steel and aluminium welded joints, focusing on Eurocodes (ECs) and the recommendations of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Extensive fatigue data under constant and variable amplitude loading are reanalysed using stress analysis approaches such as nominal stress, hot spot stress, and effective notch stress. Evaluation of the ECs and IIW criteria reveals effective assessment of multiaxial fatigue, with a satisfactory level of conservatism. Further research is needed especially for variable amplitude (VA) loading to enhance precision and reliability of assessments, contributing to improved design practices and structural integrity in welded joint applications.