Evaluating Constant Failure Rates in Storm Surge Barriers: A Statistical Framework Applied to Censored Component Lifetimes of the Oosterscheldekering

This study examines the validity of constant failure rates in the reliability assessment of storm surge barriers, with a focus on the Stormvloedkering Oosterschelde (SVKO). Analysing a dataset of 1,501 malfunctions, including 87 critical incidents over six years, we employ Exponential and Weibull statistical models to assess failure rates. The...

Modelling of a Flexible Inflatable Floater: Analysis of the stiffness behaviour of a drop-stitch panel for offshore floating photovoltaics

For floating photovoltaic systems, an uncommon type of offshore structure is considered, which is very flexible and deforms with the motion of the waves. In this research, the bending characteristics of a drop-stitch floater is analysed, which is an inflatable panel. By inflating the drop-stitch floater to a low air pressure, it obtains a...

Failure mode dependent raliability in composites: Using mode-dependent failure criteria and modelling last ply failure in composite reliability

The failure of composite laminates is most commonly evaluated through deterministic approaches. However, even though these traditional methods predict the failure well on average, they cannot take into account the inherent probabilistic aspect of failure mechanics. Thus, reliability methods allow for a better structural assessment and improve...

An experimental investigation of the effects of corrosion inhibitor on the mechanical properties of reservoir rock

Geothermal energy is one of the more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels that could facilitate the energy transition. The production of geothermal energy incorporates the use of corrosion inhibitors to protect the steel well-parts from the corrosive production fluid. The injection of inhibitors leads to a risk of exposing the reservoir rock...

Predicting the failure behavior of off-axis composite laminates subjected to dynamic compression loads

In recent times, composite materials are widely applied in the construction industry because of their superior properties compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. The use of composite materials in defense and infrastructure protective applications to resist high rate dynamic loading conditions has been gaining the interest of a...

Steel 3D printing for structures: An explorative study on the tear-out strength of a pin or bolt in a Wire and Arc Additively Manufactured carbon steel plate

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is emerging as a technology for different applications made of steel. It is expected that in the coming years the construction industry will benefit from the free and lightweight forms that can be fabricated and the possible material savings. A few experimental results of 3D printed stainless steel...

Experimental monitoring of strain localization and failure behaviour of composite materials