In this paper three-dimensional welding simulations were carried out in FE software ANSYS in order to predict transient temperatures and the residual stresses in a three pass welded tubular joints. The thermal analysis and the moving heat source were verified with temperature measurements and the computed residual stresses were verified with hole drilling measurements. Then residual stress relaxation analyses were carried out on the tubular structure, with similar load cases as in earlier fatigue testing on the same tubular joint structures.