Validated Methodology for Assessment of Welded Steel Structures by Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis

Nonlinear finite element analysis is a powerful tool for the determination of ultimate capacities of steel components. To produce reliable predictions with high confidence of structural strength, it is of fundamental importance that nonlinear finite element analyses are based on a validated methodology. This paper presents a validated methodology with statistically calibrated failure (fracture) criteria providing either a characteristic or mean level of capacity/response for the detailed finite element assessment of strength of typical structural details forming a part of offshore structures. More than 60 large-scale physical tests representing plated details/joints as well as tubular joints form the basis of the developed methodology.