Structural integrity - A multi-disciplinary approach

The paper gives a broad overview of the structural integrity issues associated with both the design of new plant and the life extension of existing plant. These issues are set in the context of risk. The principles underlying structural integrity assessments are described and consideration is given to three main areas: stress, defects and materials properties. For each area, attention is paid to the uncertainties involved and the ways in which these may affect overall judgments. It becomes clear that inputs from several disciplines are required to generate a total structural integrity assessment.