This document gives recommendations for test specimens and procedures for performing constant load amplitude fatigue tests on single- and multi-joint sheet specimens in the thickness range from 0,5 mm to 6 mm at room temperature and a relative humidity of max. 80 %.

NOTE The thickness range for advanced high strength steels (AHSS) and ultra high strength steels (UHSS) is generally below 3,0 mm. Greater thicknesses apply for aluminium alloys, for example.

This document covers:

— testing of joints to evaluate materials;

— evaluation of the influence of joint type and joint size on the test results;

— evaluation of the influence of load type and load mode on the test results;

— testing of component-like specimens to evaluate their structural performance.

Depending on the specimen used, it is possible from the results to evaluate the fatigue behaviour of joints under shear-, peel-, normal-tension and combinations of loads and that of the tested specimen.

The results of fatigue testing obtained with component like specimens are suitable for deriving criteria for the selection of materials and thickness combinations for structures and components subjected to cyclic loading. This statement is especially relevant for results obtained with specimens with boundary conditions, i.e. a local stiffness, similar to that of the structure in question. The results of fatigue testing are suitable for direct application to a design only when the loading conditions in service and the stiffness of the design in the joint area are similar.

This document does not apply to civil engineering applications such as metal building and steel construction which are covered by other applicable standards.