Abstract

(1) EN 1999-1-3 gives the basis for the design of aluminium alloy structures with respect to the limit state of fracture induced by fatigue.
(2) EN 1999-1-3 gives rules for:
-   Safe life design;
-   damage tolerant design;
-   design assisted by testing.
(3) EN 1999-1-3 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1090-3 "Technical requirements for the execution of aluminium structures" which contains the requirements necessary for the design assumptions to be met during execution of components and structures.
(4) EN 1999-1-3 does not cover pressurised containment vessels or pipe-work.

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
27-Feb-2011
Publication Date
16-Jan-2012
Technical Committee
KON - Structures
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
05-Sep-2011
Due Date
10-Nov-2011
Completion Date
17-Jan-2012

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Amendment

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012

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SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is the Slovenian adoption of CEN amendment EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2011 for Eurocode 9 on aluminium structures susceptible to fatigue. It updates the fatigue design rules for aluminium alloy structures, including safe life design, damage tolerant design and design assisted by testing, and it is intended to be used together with EN 1090-3 during execution.

What does SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 specify?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 specifies how to design aluminium alloy structures against the limit state of fatigue fracture. It also sets out the associated design methods, loading treatment, partial factors, execution assumptions and inspection-related guidance.

The scope of the underlying part remains focused on structural fatigue, not on pressurised containment vessels or pipe-work. In practice, that means the document is for structural members, connections and details where repeated stress cycles can lead to crack initiation and growth.

The amendment is organized as modifications to the foreword, definitions in 1.5.2.34 and 1.6, Clause 2 on basis of design, Clauses 5.8.1, 5.8.2 and 6.2.1, Annex A procedures, Annex A.3 damage tolerant design prerequisites, and a new Annex L. Annex L gathers guidance for design methods, inspection intervals, partial factors, damage limits and execution parameters when Annex J resistance data is adopted.

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 requires the designer to choose an appropriate fatigue design route early, based on the use of the structure, the consequence class of the components and the possibility of inspection. Clause 2.1.1 says the main options are safe life design (SLD), damage tolerant design (DTD), and design assisted by testing. In practice, this choice affects whether you rely mainly on calculated fatigue life, planned inspection, or test evidence.

Fatigue design method selection

Clause 2.2.1 sets out SLD as a method based on predicted stress histories, cycle counting and endurance data. The design is checked either by linear damage accumulation or by an equivalent stress range approach. The practical point is that the designer must build a credible load history, assess stress ranges at crack-prone details and confirm that accumulated damage stays within the permitted limit.

Clause 2.2.2 sets out DTD as a method that depends on a defined inspection and maintenance programme. The structure should be detailed so cracks grow slowly, load can be redistributed where possible, critical details are inspectable, and damaged parts can be repaired or replaced. In practice, DTD is only suitable when the structure can actually be inspected and maintained during service.

Clause 2.2.3 allows design assisted by testing when standards or other sources do not provide the needed loading, response, fatigue strength or crack growth data, or when the designer wants to optimize a detail. The tests must be performed and used under controlled conditions. This matters because testing can support special details, but only if the test method and interpretation are disciplined.

Fatigue loading and safety factors

Clause 2.3 requires all sources of fluctuating stress to be identified, including lifting appliances, rolling loads, vibration, wind, crowd action, moving structures and fluid-flow effects. Fatigue loads should come from EN 1991 or another relevant European Standard, and dynamic effects must be included unless they are already built into the fatigue load effects. In practice, this means the load case for fatigue is not just a static design load, but a realistic history of repeated action.

Clause 2.3.2 says fatigue loading is normally described as a design load spectrum with intensity levels and the number of repetitions over the design life. Where measured data are used, the document points to continuous strain or deflection monitoring and later analysis of the structural response. Clause 2.4 then applies the partial factor for fatigue loads, γFf, to obtain the design load. The practical effect is that the load history used for design must be conservative enough to cover expected service conditions.

Calculation procedures and execution assumptions

Clause 5.8.1 and 5.8.2 align the fatigue assessment with the reference stress range and the nominal stress range approach. They also introduce damage equivalent factors λ and the stress concentration factor Kgt for local geometry that is not already covered by the reference fatigue curve. In practice, this is the step where local detail geometry and the fatigue load spectrum are translated into the stress range used for the check.

Clause 6.2.1 clarifies the stress-range definitions, the meaning of γ factors and the slope of the log stress-range to log life curve. This matters because fatigue calculations depend on consistent terminology when checking construction details and stress cycles.

Clause 2.5 ties the fatigue design assumptions to execution classes under EN 1090-3. The execution class should be selected with the service category in mind. In practice, the design and fabrication assumptions have to match, or the fatigue detail may not perform as intended.

Annex procedures for life assessment and inspection

Annex A gives the step-by-step procedure for SLD. It covers establishing the service load sequence, estimating the stress history at the crack initiation site, applying stress concentration factors where needed, counting cycles, forming the stress-range spectrum, calculating damage and comparing safe life with design life. If the calculated safe life is too short, the designer must reduce stress, choose a better detail category, or move to DTD.

Annex A.3 sets prerequisites for DTD. Cracks must be likely to start at accessible surfaces, practical inspection methods must be able to find them before they become fracture critical, and the maintenance manual must state the required information for each crack location. This is the basis for defining inspection intervals and maintenance actions.

Annex L adds guidance for SLD-I, SLD-II, DTD-IA, DTD-IB and DTD-II when Annex J resistance data is used. It also gives recommended start times for general inspection and fatigue inspection, maximum inspection intervals, partial factors and limits for design fatigue damage values, plus criteria for service category SC1 and the utilization grade U. For users, Annex L is the part that links fatigue design to inspection planning and execution parameters.

What terms does SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 define?

  • Safe life - The period during which a structure is expected to perform safely with an acceptable probability that fatigue cracking will not cause failure.
  • Safe life design (SLD) - A fatigue design method that relies on calculated fatigue damage or stress-range limits, usually without depending on in-service inspection for fatigue damage.
  • Damage tolerant design (DTD) - A fatigue design method that assumes cracks may occur but can be found and managed through inspection, maintenance and repair.
  • Design load spectrum - A description of the intensity levels of a live load event and how many times each level occurs during the design life.
  • Damage equivalent factor λ - A factor that reflects the load situation, structural characteristics and other influences when converting fatigue loading into a design check.
  • Design fatigue damage value D_L,d - The accumulated fatigue damage calculated for the full design life.
  • Utilization grade U - A measure used in Annex L to compare fatigue demand with fatigue resistance for service-category classification.

Who uses SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is used by structural engineers, fatigue specialists, designers of aluminium components, and checking engineers who need to verify fatigue life. It is also used by quality managers, execution contractors and fabrication teams working under EN 1090-3, because the design assumptions depend on how the structure is made and assembled.

Owners, asset managers and maintenance planners use it when they need inspection programmes, repair strategies and service-life planning for aluminium structures. Inspection teams and NDT personnel use it when defining access, crack detection capability and inspection intervals.

What changed in SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 modifies EN 1999-1-3:2007. The amendment updates the foreword’s nationally selectable clauses, replaces the definition of safe life, revises symbol definitions, rewrites Clause 2 on basis of design, changes the fatigue assessment text in Clauses 5.8.1 and 5.8.2, clarifies Clause 6.2.1, updates Annex A procedures, tightens the prerequisites for DTD in Annex A.3, and adds Annex L for guidance when Annex J resistance data is adopted.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 1999-1-3:2012?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is intended to be used with EN 1090-3, which provides the execution requirements needed to make the design assumptions valid in fabrication and erection. It also uses EN 1991 as the source for fatigue loads, and refers to EN 1999-1-1 for guidance on execution class and service category.

What does the SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 document contain?

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 contains fatigue design methods, calculation procedures, inspection guidance and execution-related parameters for aluminium structures. Annex A provides the workflow for safe life assessment, including cycle counting and life comparison, and Figure A.1 illustrates that process.

The document also contains formulas for damage accumulation, equivalent stress range checks, partial factors and utilization grade calculations. Annex L includes tables for recommended inspection timing, maximum inspection intervals and partial factors, plus the criteria used to classify components for service-category purposes.

For design work, the document is mainly used to set up fatigue calculations, select a design method, define inspection needs, and align structural detailing with execution and maintenance assumptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is a amendment published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures - Part 1-3: Structures susceptible to fatigue". This standard covers: (1) EN 1999-1-3 gives the basis for the design of aluminium alloy structures with respect to the limit state of fracture induced by fatigue. (2) EN 1999-1-3 gives rules for: - Safe life design; - damage tolerant design; - design assisted by testing. (3) EN 1999-1-3 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1090-3 "Technical requirements for the execution of aluminium structures" which contains the requirements necessary for the design assumptions to be met during execution of components and structures. (4) EN 1999-1-3 does not cover pressurised containment vessels or pipe-work.

(1) EN 1999-1-3 gives the basis for the design of aluminium alloy structures with respect to the limit state of fracture induced by fatigue. (2) EN 1999-1-3 gives rules for: - Safe life design; - damage tolerant design; - design assisted by testing. (3) EN 1999-1-3 is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 1090-3 "Technical requirements for the execution of aluminium structures" which contains the requirements necessary for the design assumptions to be met during execution of components and structures. (4) EN 1999-1-3 does not cover pressurised containment vessels or pipe-work.

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.010.30 - Technical aspects; 91.080.17 - Aluminium structures. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to kSIST FprEN 1999-1-3:2022, SIST-TS CLC/TS 50711:2026, SIST EN 50583-2:2016, SIST EN 50583-1:2016, SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2012 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2012
(YURNRG3URMHNWLUDQMHNRQVWUXNFLML]DOXPLQLMHYLK]OLWLQGHO.RQVWUXNFLMH
REþXWOMLYHQDXWUXMDQMH
Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures - Part 1-3: Structures susceptible to fatigue
Eurocode 9: Bemessung und Konstruktion von Aluminiumtragwerken - Teil 1-3:
Ermüdungsbeanspruchte Tragwerke
Eurocode 9: Calcul des structures en aluminium - Partie 1-3: Structures sensibles à la
fatigue
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2011
ICS:
91.010.30 7HKQLþQLYLGLNL Technical aspects
91.080.10 Kovinske konstrukcije Metal structures
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2011
ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.10
English Version
Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures - Part 1-3:
Structures susceptible to fatigue
Eurocode 9: Calcul des structures en aluminium - Partie 1- Eurocode 9: Bemessung und Konstruktion von
3: Structures sensibles à la fatigue Aluminiumtragwerken - Teil 1-3: Ermüdungsbeanspruchte
Tragwerke
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN 1999-1-3:2007; it was approved by CEN on 26 May 2011.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for inclusion of this
amendment into the relevant national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such
national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
Foreword . 3
1  Modification to Foreword . 4
2  Modification to 1.5.2.34 . 4
3  Modification to 1.6 . 4
4  Modification to Clause 2 . 6
5  Modification to 5.8.1 (2) . 10
6  Modification to 5.8.2 (1) . 10
7  Modifications to 6.2.1 (2) . 10
8  Modification to A.2.1 (5) . 11
9  Modification to A.3.1 . 12
10  Modifications to A.3.2 . 12
11  Addition of Annex L . 13
L.1  Safe life method . 13
L.2  Damage tolerant design method . 13
L.3  Start of inspection and inspection intervals . 15
L.4  Partial factors γγγγ and the values of D . 16
Mf Lim
L.5  Parameters for execution . 17
L.5.1 Service category . 17
L.5.2 Calculation of utilisation grade . 18
Foreword
This document (EN 1999-1-3:2007/A1:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 250
“Structural Eurocodes”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This Amendment to the European Standard EN 1999-1-3:2007 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by August 2012,
and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by August 2012.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
1 Modification to Foreword
At the end of the Foreword, in the list of clauses where national choice is allowed,
replace “2.1(1)” with “2.1.1(1)”, “2.2.1(3)” with “2.2.1(4)” and “2.3.1(3)” with “2.3.1(2)” and
delete “6.2.4(1)” and “A.3.1(1)”
2 Modification to 1.5.2.34
Replace 1.5.2.34 with the following: "
1.5.2.34
safe life
period of time for which a structure is estimated to perform safely with an acceptable probability that
failure by fatigue cracking will not occur, when using the safe life design method".
3 Modification to 1.6
For the definition of symbol m, delete “constant”
Replace
“N endurance under stress range ∆σ”
i i
with
“N predicted number of cycles to failure of a stress range ∆σ”
i i
and replace
“T inspection interval”
i
with
“T inspection interval
i
T recommended time after completed erection for the start of fatigue inspection, where the
F
fatigue inspection comprises the inspection of areas with high probability for cracks
T recommended time after completed erection for start of general inspection, where the
G
general inspection comprises checking that the structure is as it was when it was completed
and approved, i.e. that no deterioration has taken place, such as deterioration caused by
adding detrimental holes or welds for additional elements, damage due to vandalism or
accidents, unexpected corrosion etc.”
and replace
"γ partial factor for fatigue load intensity
Ff
γ partial factor for fatigue strength
Mf
∆σ nominal stress range (normal stress)
∆τ effective shear stress range
∆σ reference fatigue strength at 2x10 cycles (normal stress)
C
∆σ constant amplitude fatigue limit
D
∆σ equivalent constant amplitude stress range related to N
E max
∆σ equivalent constant amplitude stress range related to 2x10 cycles
E,2
∆σ cut-off limit
L
∆σ fatigue strength (normal stress)
R
σ , σ maximum and minimum values of the fluctuating stresses in a stress cycle
max min
σ mean stress."
m
with
"λ damage equivalent factor depending on the load situation and the structural
i
characteristics as well as other factors
γ partial factor for fatigue load intensity
Ff
γ partial factor for fatigue strength
Mf
∆σ nominal stress range (normal stress)
NOTE ∆σ refers either to action effects or to fatigue strength depending on context.
∆τ effective shear stress range
∆σ constant stress range for the principal stresses in the construction detail for n cycles
i i
∆σ reference fatigue strength at 2 × 10 cycles (normal stress)
C
∆σ constant amplitude fatigue limit
D
∆σ nominal stress range from fatigue actions
E
∆σ equivalent constant amplitude stress range related to N
E,Ne max
∆σ equivalent constant amplitude stress range related to 2 × 10 cycles
E,2e
∆σ cut-off limit
L
∆σ fatigue strength (normal stress)
R
recommended maximum time interval for general inspection
∆T
F
∆T recommended maximum time interval for fatigue inspection
G
σ , σ maximum and minimum values of the fluctuating stresses in a stress cycle
max min
σ mean stress."
m
and add
"D design fatigue damage value calculated for the full design life".
L.d
4 Modification to Clause 2
Replace Clause 2 with the following: "
2 Basis of design
2.1 General
2.1.1 Basic requirements
(1) P The aim of designing a structure against the limit state of fatigue is to ensure, with an acceptable
level of probability, that its performance is satisfactory during its entire design life, such that the
structure shall not fail by fatigue nor shall it be likely to require undue repair of damage caused by
fatigue during the design life. The design of aluminium structures against the limit state of fatigue may
be based on one of following methods:
a) safe life design (SLD) (see 2.2.1);
b) damage tolerant design (DTD) (see 2.2.2).
Either of methods a) and b) may be supplemented or replaced by design assisted by testing (see
2.2.3).
NOTE The national annex may specify conditions for the application for the above methods of design.
(2) The method for design against fatigue should be selected taking the use of the structure into
account, considering the consequence class fixed for the components of the structure. In particular the
accessibility for inspection of components and details where fatigue cracks are likely to occur should
be considered.
(3) Fatigue assessment of components and structures should be considered in cases where the loads
are frequently changing, particularly if reversing. Common situations where this may occur are e.g.:
 members supporting lifting appliances or rolling loads;
 members subjected to repeated stress cycles from vibrating machinery;
 members subjected to wind-induced oscillations;
 members subject to crowd-induced oscillations;
 moving structures (structures subject to inertia forces);
 members subjected to fluid flow induced oscillations or wave action.
NOTE The rules for fatigue resistance given in this standard apply generally to high cycle fatigue. For low cycle fatigue,
guidelines are given in Annex F.
(4) The design rules in the other parts of EN 1999 apply.
2.2 Procedures for fatigue design
2.2.1 Safe life design (SLD)
(1) The safe life design method is based on the calculation of damage accumulation during the
structure's design life or comparing the maximum stress range with the constant amplitude limit, using
standard lower bound endurance data and an upper bound estimate of the fatigue loading, all based
on design values. The approach provides a conservative estimate of the fatigue strength and does not
normally depend on in-service inspection for fatigue damage.
NOTE Options considering in-service inspection are given in L1 for use when Annex J resistance data is adopted.
(2) The fatigue design involves prediction of the stress histories at potential crack initiation sites,
followed by counting of load cycles with the associated stress ranges and compilation of stress
spectra. From this information an estimate of the design life is made using the appropriate stress
range endurance data for the construction detail concerned. This method is given in A.2.
(3) The safe life design method may be based on one of two procedures to ensure sufficient
resistance of the component or structure. The procedures are respectively based on that
a) the linear damage accumulation calculation is used, see (4);
b) the equivalent stress range approach is used, see (5)
NOTE A third procedure, for the case where all design stress ranges are less than the design constant amplitude fatigue
limit, is given in L.1(4).
(4) For safe life design based on the assumption of linear damage accumulation (Palmgren-Miner's
summation) the damage value D for all cycles should fulfill the condition:
L
D ≤ 1 (2.1 a)
L,d
where
D = Σn /N is calculated in accordance with the procedure given in A.2.
L,d i i
or
D ≤ D (2.1 b)
L lim
where:
D = Σn /N is calculated in accordance with the procedure given in A.2 with γ = γ = 1,0.
L i i Mf Ff
NOTE The national annex may specify values for D , see L.4. Recommended values of D are given in L.4 for use
lim lim
when resistance data in Annex J is adopted.
(5) In case the design is based on the equivalent stress range approach (∆σ ) the following condition
E,2e
should be fulfilled:
γ ∆σ
Ff E,2e
≤ 1 (2.2)
∆σγ/
C Mf
NOTE Recommended values for γ are given in L.4. For γ , see 2.4.
Mf Ff
2.2.2 Damage tolerant design (DTD)
(1) P A damage tolerant design requires that a prescribed inspection and maintenance programme for
detecting and correcting any fatigue damage is prepared and followed throughout the design life of the
structure. It should provide an acceptable reliability that a structure will perform satisfactorily for its
design life. Prerequisites for use of this method and determination of an inspection strategy are given
in A.3.
NOTE 1 Damage tolerant design may be suitable for application where a safe life assessment shows that fatigue has a
significant effect on design economy and where a higher risk of fatigue cracking during the design life may be justified than is
permitted using safe life design principles. The approach is intended to result in the same reliability level as obtained by using
the approach of safe life design.
NOTE 2 Damage tolerant design may be applied in two different types of approach, DTD-I and DTD-II, see Annex L.
(2) The following guidelines should be considered for the structural layout and detailing:
 select details, material and stress levels so that in the event of the formation of cracks a low rate
of crack propagation and a long critical crack length would result;
 choose wherever possible a structural concept where in the event of fatigue damage a
redistribution of load effects within the structure or within the cross section of a member can occur
(principle of redundancy);
 provide crack-arresting details;
 assure that critical components and details are readily inspectable during regular inspection;
 ensure that cracks can be kept under control by monitoring or, if needed, that components are
readily repairable or replaceable.
2.2.3 Design assisted by testing
(1) This approach should be used where the necessary loading data, response data, fatigue strength
data or crack growth data are not available from standards or other sources for a particular application,
and for optimisation of construction details. Test data should only be used in lieu of standard data on
condition that they are obtained and applied under controlled conditions.
NOTE Verification of design by testing should be carried out in accordance with Annex C.
2.3 Fatigue loading
2.3.1 Sources of fatigue loading
(1) P All sources of fluctuating stress in the structure should be identified. Common fatigue loading
situations are given in 2.1.1.
NOTE For limitation of fatigue induced by repeated local buckling, see D.3.
(2) The fatigue loading should be obtained from EN 1991 or other relevant European Standard.
NOTE The national annex may give rules for the determination of the fatigue loads for cases not covered by a European
Standard.
(3) Dynamic effects should be taken into account unless already allowed for in the fatigue load effects.
2.3.2 Derivation of fatigue loading
(1) In addition to the fatigue loading standards the following clauses should be considered:
(2) Loading for fatigue should normally be described in terms of a design load spectrum, which defines
a range of intensities of a specific live load event and the number of times that each intensity level is
applied during the structure's design life. If two or more independent live load events are likely to occur
then it will be necessary to specify the phasing between them.
(3) Realistic assessment of the fatigue loading is crucial to the calculation of the life of the structure.
Where no published data for live load exists, fatigue loading data from existing structures subjected to
similar load effects should be used.
(4) By recording continuous strain or deflection measurements over a suitable sampling period, fatigue
loading data should be inferred from subsequent analysis of the structural responses. Particular care
should be taken to assess dynamic magnification effects where load frequencies are close to one of
the natural frequencies of the structure.
NOTE Further guidance is given in Annex C.
(5) The design load spectrum should be selected on the basis that it is an upper bound estimate of the
accumulated service conditions over the full design life of the structure. Account should be taken of all
likely operational and exposure condition effects arising from the foreseeable usage of the structure
during that period.
(6) The confidence limit to be used for the intensity of the design load spectrum should be based on
the mean predicted value plus k standard deviations. The confidence limit to be used for the number
F
of cycles in the design load spectrum should be based on the mean predicted value plus k standard
N
deviations.
NOTE Values of k and k may be defined in the national annex. The numerical values k = 2, and k = 2 are
F N F N
recommended. See also NOTE 2 under 2.4 (1).
2.3.3 Equivalent fatigue loading
(1) A simplified equivalent fatigue loading may be used if the following conditions are satisfied:
a) the structure falls within the range of basic structural forms and size for which the equivalent
fatigue loading was originally derived;
b) the real fatigue loading is of similar intensity and frequency and is applied in a similar way to that
assumed in the derivation of the equivalent fatigue loading;
c) the values of m , m , N and N , see Figure 6.1, assumed in the derivation of equivalent fatigue
1 2 D L
loading are the same as those appropriate to the construction detail being assessed;
NOTE Some equivalent fatigue loads may have been derived assuming a simple continuous slope where m = m and
2 1
∆σ = 0. For many applications involving numerous low amplitude cycles this will result in a very conservative estimate of life.
L
d) the dynamic response of the structure is sufficiently low that the resonant effects, which will be
affected by differences in mass, stiffness and damping coefficient, will have little effect on the
overall Palmgren-Miner summation.
(2) In the event that an equivalent fatigue loading is derived specifically for an aluminium alloy
structural application, all the matters addressed in (1) above should be taken into account.
2.4 Partial factors for fatigue loads
(1) Where the fatigue loads F have been derived in accordance with the requirements of 2.3.1 (2)
Ek
and 2.3.2 a partial factor should be applied to the loads to obtain the design load F .
Ed
F = γ F (2.4)
Ed Ff Ek
where
γ is the partial factor for fatigue loads.
Ff
NOTE 1 The partial factors may be defined in the national annex. A value of γ = 1,0 is recommended.
Ff
NOTE 2 Where fatigue loads have been based on confidence limits other than those in 2.3.2 (6), recommended values for
partial factors on loads are given in Table 2.1. Alternative values may be specified in the national annex.
Table 2.1 — Recommended partial factors γγγγ for intensity and number of cycles in the fatigue
Ff
load spectrum
γ
Ff
k
...