Compilation of a compendium of innovative test techniques in structural mechanics

Many projects included in the Plant Life Assessment Network (PLAN) involved the use of innovative test techniques, such as structural feature testing, specimen reconstitution and/or miniaturization, and damage monitoring. In general terms, a knowledge of the evolution of damage in plant components is essential for the assessment of plant life. Cluster Task I (Innovative Test Techniques) of the Structural Mechanics Cluster of the PLAN Network provided a unique opportunity to gain added value from EC co-funded projects by drawing together the most up-to-date knowledge on damage monitoring and plant life assessment techniques and procedures. With this in mind, a Compendium of Innovative Test Techniques was compiled within the Cluster Task, with the intention for it to become a source reference summarizing the methods, applicability, effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses of all the experimental techniques arising from projects included in the PLAN Network. After being compiled and reviewed for three years by Cluster C members, Version 2 of the Compendium has been made available in electronic format on the PLAN website. The document categorizes techniques into five different subject groups. For each of these categories, a general review was provided in order to guide the reader through the examination of the individual pro-formas. These addressed individual techniques, highlighted the general trends and facilitated the exploitation of the information contained in the document.