Role of non-destructive evaluation in time-dependent reliability analysis

Uncertainties exist in the ability of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods to detect and measure flaws. Probabilistic methods can be used for characterizing these uncertainties and for updating flaw sizes predicted from stochastic fatigue crack growth analysis. The impact of NDE on condition assessment and reliability of structures, in which fatigue crack growth is occurring as a result of cyclic random service loads, is examined. Examples of probability-based condition assessment using magnetic particle or ultrasonic inspection and its potential impact on time-dependent fatigue reliability analysis are illustrated for a steel miter gate at a lock operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.