Considering fatigue load sequence effects by applying the Local Strain Approach and a fracture mechanics based damage parameter

•Analyses of the problems and the causes of sequence effects for life calculations.•Consider the mean stress sensitivity and take the size effects into account.•Modifications for different damage parameters.

Calculating the fatigue life of a structure under loadings with variable amplitudes is of current interest in German industry. This paper analyses the problems and the causes of sequence effects for life calculations and discusses an approach to handling sequence effects, considering mean stress sensitivity and taking size effects into account by modifying different damage parameters.