Life Extension of Structures (BYG570)

The course will provide an introduction to structural safety, in-service integrity management of structures and assessment of structures for life extension. The course will include topics such as the partial factor method, structural reliability theory, how structures age, inspection of structures, strength analysis of damaged and degraded structures and repair methods for structures. The course is related to structures in general, but with emphasis on offshore structures.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

BYG570

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

Part I: Safety of structures. Introduction to the principles of safety of structures as defined in standards such as ISO 2394 and EN 1990, and the historical development of principles of safety of structures. Introduction to structural reliability analysis (FOSM, FORM and Monte Carlo simulations). Use of structural reliability analysis of structures for calibration of safety factors, updating based on new information and planning of inspections.

Part II: Challenges related to life extension of aging structures, degradation of different materials and structural types, historical development of standards used for design of offshore structures, causes of structural failure, methods for safety assessment of structures.

Assessment of structures for life extension: analysis used in assessment of structures for life extension including strength calculation of damaged and deteriorated structures and fatigue analysis of existing structures.

Ensuring Structural Integrity in operation: Maintenance and monitoring of structures in operation and life extension, inspection planning, data management, integrity assessments in operation.

Learning outcome

After taking this course, students should:

  • Be able to understand and perform different types of safety assessments of structures
  • Be able to calculate characteristic loads, load effects and strength of structures
  • Understand the factors that can limit the life of structures
  • Be able to undertake strength analysis of deteriorated structures
  • Be able to perform fatigue analysis of existing structures
  • Know the principles of managing the integrity of structures in operation and in life extension, including inspection planning and general principles on repair of deteriorated and damaged structures.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Bachelor's Degree in Structural or Mechanical Engineering.

Exam

Oral exam and exercice

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 1/5 15 Minutes Letter grades Compendium of formulae 1), One A4 sheet of handwritten notes,
Individual exercise 4/5 Letter grades

1) fra faglærer

All parts must be passed to achieve a final grade in the course.Oral exam is individual. The semester assignment is individual or in groups. No re-sit opportunities are offered for semester assignments. Students who wish to retake this part may do so the next time the course is held.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Gerhard Ersdal

Head of Department:

Mona Wetrhus Minde

Method of work

4 hours lecture per week, inclusive exercises and supervision, assignment prior to graduation.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Life Extension of Structures (OFF620_1) 5

Open for

Structural and Mechanical Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme Industrial Asset Management - Master of Science Degree Programme Marine and Offshore Technology - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto