Structural integrity assessment of tubular structures containing weld defects

This paper presents a methodology for the structural integrity assessment of tubular structures containing defects on their welds. The methodology is composed of ten steps (starting with the definition of the geometry and finishing with a sensitivity analysis) and is based on the use of fracture mechanics concepts. It allows the critical defects in the weld or the expected lifespan of the structure to be determined for a given initial set of defects. Finally, the methodology is applied to a case study, which particularizes the analysis to the assessment of the lack of penetration defects detected in one section of a tubular wind tower. It is also analyzed how such defects affect the fitness for service of the tower during its theoretical lifespan (20 years).