In this paper we deal with the effects of strain rates on the hysteresis characteristics of base steel metals, full penetration welded joints and high-strength bolted joints due to cyclic reversed loadings. From the results of loading tests, the hysteresis characteristics of each type of joints were numerically estimated by the bi-linear models including the effects of loading rates. The strain rate effects on the yield strength and the ultimate strength of base metals were significantly observed under the monotonic loading conditions. However, under cyclic loading conditions, the effect of strain rates on the mechanical properties were various in different joint types.
