Abstract
In this paper, recent activities within the SAFE research center are summarised which aim to open a new horizon in the field of structural integrity. These activities include the enhancement of fracture assessment methodologies, sensing technologies and the development of IT(Information Technology) based intelligent plant management system for the 21^<st> century. One of the key elements in structural integrity analysis is a reliable fracture assessment methodology. These days finite element analyses for complex geometries, regarded as difficult tasks, can be easily performed, and accordingly more reliable method can be developed. In this respect, this paper describes the new method, and its application to non-linear fracture mechanics problems. Secondly, this paper describes how to implement the current advances in fiber-optic technology to the condition monitoring system. Two fiber-optic sensors for condition monitoring systems are introduced. Finally, an integrated intelligent system for the plant management is introduced by incorporating advances in fracture assessment methodologies, sensing technologies into a currently available IT based plant management system. The proposed intelligent plant management system is not only flexible to adopt advances in fracture assessment methodologies and sensing technologies, but also easily accessible to field engineers and experts. This system is expected to play a key role in combining fast-developing information technology and advances in structural integrity assessment methodologies in the future, and thus will become a key element in safe and informative plant management for the 21^<st> century.
