Methods for the assessment of the structural integrity of components and structures PDF

ABSTRACT

Understanding the integrity of critical structures has been a driving force for the development of engineering analysis methods since Galileo, in the seventeenth century, investigated the resistance of a beam subject to bending loads. Construction, process, power generation, manufacturing and transport industries need to be able to assure the safe and economic operation of their plant by relying on the integrity of appropriate structures and components. The design engineer assists in the creation of a structure or component by using analytical tools and supporting data most appropriate for the application. By comparison, the operator of the plant has to ensure that, throughout the service life, it is secure against the design intent. Both offer challenges with respect to the structural integrity diagnosis and assessment which forms an essential input to providing the necessary assurance of safe and reliable operation. In general, failure of structures or components can have profound commercial and financial implications. However, there are areas where failures are completely unacceptable due to the impact on the environment and society. Those industries where this is particularly relevant are nuclear, chemical and transportation. To specify and formulate the overall strategy for safe, reliable and economic operation requires a comprehensive understanding of the capability of the plant to meet the required duty based upon a structural integrity assessment. In this overview, we consider what assessment methods designers and assessors require, the tools available and the needs of specific industries. Recent and future developments are discussed briefly.

Edited by: David Lidbury, Peter Hirsch