Influence of weld rigidity on the non-linear structural response of beams with a curved distortion

This study investigates an analytical beam model to improve the analyses of welded thin plates with welding-induced curved distortions. The addresses rigidity a butt-welded joint and its effect on plate bending structural stress by including rotational spring at end. stiffness, ka, is replaced fixity factor, ?a. validity based assumption small displacement moderate rotation mid-plane plate. Using Finite Element Analysis two-dimensional model, semi-analytical method for factor computation developed. Compared numerical analysis, showed maximum error 3% in deflection hot-spot stress. Results suggest that mainly dependent width weld bead far-end constraint. introduction ?a can solution 9% evaluation Neglecting non-ideal may lead up 54% underestimation terms fatigue life, when S–N curve slope, m, equals 5. However, relevance decreases increasing geometric slenderness plates.