Estimation of fatigue life of steel masts using finite element modelling

Abstract

Fatigue is an important design consideration for tall steel structures. Accurate prediction of fatigue endurance is essential to design the elements subjected to wind and earthquake induced fatigue. The design guidelines given in codes of practices are applicable only to simple shapes and laboratory experimental verification is costly. Therefore, simulation using finite element software is becoming popular. This paper demonstrates successful coupling of Abaqus/FEA and fe-safe software in predicting the uniaxial and multiaxial fatigue behaviour of steel specimens. The simulated results were verified against experimental results available in literature. The verified simulation technique was used to examine the fatigue life of a64 m tall steel mastlocated on top of a 285m tall tower. Sensitivity of different fatigue inducing properties such as fatigue analysis method, surface finish and plate thickness on fatigue endurance was studied.