Fatigue in steel structures

Fatigue in steel structures refers to the weakening of the material caused by repeated cycles of stress, such as loads from traffic, wind, or vibrations. Over time, these repetitive stresses create tiny cracks that gradually grow, eventually leading to structural failure if unchecked. Like bending a paper clip back and forth repeatedly, steel can endure many cycles but may eventually break after enough stress cycles. Understanding fatigue is essential for designing durable structures, ensuring they can safely withstand the ongoing forces they encounter during their service life.