The fatigue design curves given in EN 13445 are based on those given in fatigue design rules based

on the socalled 'nominal stress approach'. As already explained, they incorporate the stress
concentration effect of the weld detail tested to generate the data from which they were derived. In
those cases where the main potential failure mode is by fatigue cracking from the weld toe, this
consists partly of the local notch effect of the weld toe but also that due to the overall joint
geometry. Thus, in practice the design curves are used in conjunction with the nominal stress near
the weld detail, increased if necessary to allow for any other source of stress concentration. In the
context of a pressure vessel this might be a nozzle that introduces an extra stress concentration
factor near the weld toe of Kt. Then, the design curve would be used in conjunction with Kt x
nominal stress. However, without a precise definition of Kt there is no guarantee that it really does
account for all differences between the stress concentration effects of the test specimen and the
real structure. However, this should be possible using the structural hot-spot stress. The structural
hot-spot stress is the structural stress at the weld toe. Since it includes all sources of stress
concentration except that due to the local notch effect of the weld toe, it should be possible to
correlate fatigue data obtained from any welded joint geometry that fatigue cracks from the weld
toe. Such correlation has already been demonstrated for tubular joints and the hot-spot stress used
in conjunction with a single design S-N curve has been the basis of their design for offshore
applications for over 20 years. Some progress has been made in developing the same approach for
other types of structure, but proposals are still tentative and awaiting further validation (32).
Preliminary guidance on the use of hot spot stress is given in EN 13445, based directly on that
developed by the IIW (30). However, in view of the lack of experience in the use of the hot-spot
stress approach or calculation of the structural hot-spot stress in pressure vessels, the cautious
decision was made to use it in conjunction with the 'nominal stress approach' design S-N curves. This
means that, with confidence from more experience and further experimental validation, it should be
possible to use higher design curves for some details.