A B S T R A C T British Standard 7910:2013 includes a single set of equations for estimating the weld toe magnification factor (M k ) of different types of welded joints with a semi-elliptical surface crack. In this study, extensive finite element analyses are performed to determine the M k of plate-to-plate butt-welded joints subjected to axial and bending loading. The M k values at the crack deepest points and the crack ends are determined. It is found that the M k results of butt welds are different with those of single T-butt joints with percentage difference in values being as high as 63.8% and 97.4% for axial and bending loading cases, respectively. Percentage differences of 60.4% and 358.2% for axial and bending loading cases are observed between butt welds and X-joints. New M k equations for butt welds are proposed using multiple regression analyses.Keywords butt welds; finite element analysis; regression analysis; surface crack; weld toe magnification factor. N O M E N C L A T U R Ea = crack depth B = plate width c = crack half length K = stress intensity factor L = weld length for butt welds, = attachment footprint width for single T-butt joints and X-joints M k = weld toe magnification factor R = radius of weld profile T = main plate thickness θ = weld angle SUBSCRIPTS a = deepest point b = bending loading c = crack ends m = axial loading

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