LOW CYCLE FATIGUE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT IN STEEL BEAMS

The results of a series of ten W-shaped test specimens subjected to monotonic, quasi-static cyclic loading and fatigue type of loading in the form of constant amplitude tests are presented. The objectives were to assess and compare the rotation capacity and energy absorption of monotonically and cyclically loaded beams, and for the latter specimens to document the deterioration in the form of low cycle fatigue due to local buckling. In addition, strength and energy dissipation deterioration and damage models have been developed for the steel beam section under consideration. Finally, a generalized model which uses plate slenderness values and lateral slenderness is proposed for predicting rate in strength deterioration per reversal and cumulated damage after a given number of reversals.