Acceptance tests of base metal and welded joints include the evaluation of critical CTOD values as required in product specifications. Tests have to be done in natural (full) thickness. For blanks made of pipes, quantitative criteria of satisfactory straightening and the fixture dimensions are developed. Satisfactory fatigue precrack front linearity can be attained with additional treatment. Local side compression appears efficient for the examined materials. Sequential FEM calculations of welding, side compression and specimen notching allow constructing the residual stress curves to predict fatigue crack extension. The optimum compression displacement is found. The above sequence of operations is proved to be preferable in comparison with side compression performed after notching.
