Tubular joints are complex geometries present in many offshore structures. Fatigue testing of tubular joints requires either downsizing of the dimensions of the joints or the use of a simplified geometry, to avoid prohibitive costs. For the development of a welding process optimized for the fatigue performance of tubular joints, one needs to use a representative sample: same material, same thickness, use of similar welding positions, same level of restraint as in a real structure, combined with the supplementary requirement of ease of manufacturing and testing.
A novel geometry was developed to fulfil all these requirements. Then, different welds were produced using robot and manual welding in different positions. The fatigue tests proved to be very reproducible, and indicate a strong influence of the welding position on the fatigue resistance. For that reason, an optimized welding procedure and sequence was developed, in which the welds in the most fatigue sensitive locations are produced first in optimum condition, while the less sensitive parts are produced by subsequent welding in position.
