Design review
This stage consisted in assessing the mechanical design of the body. It included the production of numerical models (finite elements) and the identification of sensitive (weak) areas of the body under design loads.
Analysis of structural integrity and determination of actual loads based on in-service measurements
Measurements taken during operation under various load conditions provided a better understanding of the structure’s behavior and identified the equipment’s actual stresses. Observations and inspections were also carried out on the body to assess its mechanical integrity at any given moment.
Estimation of residual life based on future operating forecasts (life profile)
These methods made it possible to assess different operating scenarios over the residual life of the structure, and to plan inspections and repair accordingly.
