Condition assessment: From good choice of methods to reliable results that meet the customer demand

Abstract

Condition assessment of structures reveals information of the inner structure and its condition. To be insightful the testing task has to be defined regarding the target state defined by the customer. Questions such as "What method should be applied?", "Where should be measured at what time?" and "How many measurements are sufficient?" have to be answered to guarantee reliable results. Often it is obvious that the additional use of non-destructive methods makes sense. But what method is the most appropriate and what strategy should be applied? This contribution will help to develop a strategy to achieve reliable results. Reliable results have to be accurate which means that reliable results have to be true and precise. According to the GUM (Guideline to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement) the procedure how to evaluate data statistically will be demonstrated. Furthermore, it will be shown how statistically evaluated data can be used in static calculations to furnish the proof of the stability of the real as-built structure. This profoundly use of data contributes to make good and reliable decisions.