摘要: |
Structural inspections of large ships are difficult and costly because of die sheer size of the task in terms of the area of structure to be inspected. Therefore, there is a need to investigate die development of strategies on how to accomplish the most cost-effective inspection. The current inspection practice of ship structure is dictated by Classification Societies and Flag Administrations in a prescribed manner which is still heavily based on experiences that may have incurred higher cost, or yielded unsatisfactory results and unnecessary inspection.
This report reviews and discusses the three fundamental elements of inspections: where to inspect, what to inspect, and when to inspect. By closely examining each of these elements, a systematic approach has been developed. First, a priority assessment methodology has been developed to rank structural details quantitatively and define the critical areas for where and when to inspect. The methodology is formulated on the basis of a probabilistic risk-based inspection strategy. Second, an inferencing methodology is developed ,3 determine the extent of the structural area that is to be inspected. Third, a fracture mechanics methodology and corrosion rate prediction strategy are applied to determine inspection frequency.
This systematic approach should provide the basis for developing optimal inspection methodology that could enhance the current practice and produce high quality inspections at minimum cost.
|