Fatigue crack growth assessment using BS 7910:2013 - Background and recommended developments

The UK procedure for fracture mechanics-based assessment of flaws (BS 7910) was extensively updated in late 2013. This paper describes the changes made in the recent revision with respect to fatigue assessment. It also provides brief background information about the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) curves given in the standard and recommends future developments for fatigue assessment. A worked example is provided to highlight the importance of taking into account the profile of the weld root in the fatigue assessment of single-sided girth welds.