Abstract The development of engineering computer codes for predicting the remaining life and reliability of structural components spans a period of almost 20 years and a wide range of civil and mechanical structures. The availability of high-speed personal computers and technical advances in each of the elements of structural integrity analysis—stress analysis, fracture mechanics, nondestructive evaluation, and material property modeling—now allow low-cost applications of this integrated technology by nonspecialists. The introduction of probabilistic analysis methods extends the capabilities of engineering codes to quantitative assessment of risk and, when combined with cost factors, to many aspects of decision analysis such as run/replace maintenance optimization. With the exception of civil engineering applications, the use of structural integrity codes to date has been confined to a relatively small number of industries, primarily fossil and nuclear power generation, and has been virtually absent in others. Review of the individual histories of such codes is instructive in determining their potential utility in solving many common problems faced in the management of ageing infrastructure. Both institutional and technical barriers are identified, and objectives for improving the cost effectiveness and utility of these codes are suggested.