Complex welds in the joint region reduce the fatigue resistance of
structural joints of circular hollow sections with factors that results
in increased wall thicknesses of the tubes and overspending of steel in
the multi-membered part of the jacket and floating support structu
...
Complex welds in the joint region reduce the fatigue resistance of
structural joints of circular hollow sections with factors that results
in increased wall thicknesses of the tubes and overspending of steel in
the multi-membered part of the jacket and floating support structures
for offshore wind turbines. The wrapped composite joint is a
breakthrough technology utilising bonding and fatigue resistant
composite material to connect steel tubular members instead of welding.
The main technical advantage is that the superior fatigue life of
wrapped composite joints. Full-scale wrapped composite joint is tested
by cyclic out-of-plane bending loading in resonance-based Cronos testing
rig at OCAS N.V. in Belgium. Results reveal exceptional fatigue life of
wrapped joints to combined loading when compared to welded joints,
showcasing a potential that can radically reduce steel use for offshore
structures.
