Discussion on Papers 7–9

MR M. J. COPE, Cleveland Redpath Offshore Ltd

In relation to fracture mechanics and fatigue life, fabricators would like to know much more about the tolerable defect levels in welded tubular nodes, particularly Y and K joints whose vertices are difficult to weld and test.

The paucity of the test data base for Y and K joints was very striking in Paper 7. What steps are likely to be taken in the future to remedy this? Will the fatigue recommendations mentioned by Mr Lalani be in line with the Tcurve of the new DoE guidance notes?

PROFESSOR F. M. BURDEKIN, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology