Abstract :
Software complex (SC) ʹstrengthʹ of the decision support system (DSS) has been developed for strength accompaniment of structures safe operation, (pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, etc.) during their life cycle, (beginning with engineering designing and ending with taking a decision to remove them from service), including the cases when defects of different origin are detected. Basic principles of the DSS SC ʹstrengthʹ functioning afford structural strength assessment and life prediction for a defect-free or defected structural element, taking into account the diversity of service conditions. Strength accompaniment of the object of the diagnostics has been oriented to multilevel representation of the life cycle of the defect growth (defect history) from its nucleation, to the consequences assessment of possible failure, caused by the propagation of this defect. © 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
