Integration of structural health monitoring in life-cycle performance assessment of ship structures under uncertainty

In this paper, an approach for integrating the data obtained from structural health monitoring (SHM) in the life-cycle performance assessment of ship structures under uncertainty is presented. Life-cycle performance of the ship structure is quantified in terms of the reliability with respect to first and ultimate failures and the system redundancy. The performance assessment of the structure is enhanced by incorporating prior design code-based knowledge and information obtained by SHM using Bayesian updating concepts. Advanced modeling techniques are used for the hull strength computations needed for the life-cycle performance analysis. SHM data obtained by testing a scaled model of a Joint High-speed Sealift Ship is used to update its life-cycle performance.