LAUSR

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of weld toe grinding and weld profiling on the fatigue strength of welded joints and the main influencing factors. Thus, experimental test results of welds improved by different grinding techniques are reviewed. In total, 445 small- and full-scale fatigue test results of various weld types and steel grades with yield strengths up to 1100 MPa are analysed. The obtained improvements of two FAT classes correspond well with current guidelines; however, a new S–N curve slope of m = 4 is recommended—in line with proposals for other weld geometry improvement techniques.