IN-SERVICE ASSESSMENT OF SHIP STRUCTURES: EFFECTS OF GENERAL CORROSION ON ULTIMATE STRENGTH

A method is proposed which can be applied to estimate the long term failure probability using a straightforward minimisation calculation, and which can include such strength degradation factors as well as other uncertainty parameters. It can also provide sensitivity factors of that failure probability to changes in some statistical quantities. Special emphasis is put on the influences of general corrosion on ultimate strength. An example analysis of a crude-oil tanker is included in the paper to highlight a rational maintenance philosophy.