Specific research programmes (EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Reference methods and reliability of structures -, 1988-1991

Part of the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1987-1991) under subactivity 3.4 : "Technical standards, measurement methods and reference materials".

Existing physical methods and techniques are used for the non-destructive measurement of damage and to evaluate the dynamic properties of materials. The aim is to construct models to predict in-service reliability and the residual life of components and assemblies in large structures.

Testing capacity is being expanded by the construction of a reaction wall at the Joint Research Centre at Ispra to allow static, cyclic and pseudodynamic testing of large-scale or full-scale models of structures.
To enhance the capacity to predict the residual life of structures and to understand the behaviour of structures exposed to severe loading by exploiting damage measurement techniques and methods for evaluating the properties of materials in order to help provide the manufacturing industries of the Community with better access to a range of cost-effectively produced advanced materials.
Two aspects:

- Prediction of the residual life of structures:
Research on structural materials and components in non-nuclear industries undertaken in the Structural Reliability Investigation by Knowledge Engineering (STRIKE) laboratory set up at Ispra for the purpose of component life prediction;

- Study of the non-linear behaviour of structures and mechanical systems exposed to severe dynamic loading:
Formulation of improved design specifications and reliability assessment in fields such as civil, mechanical, nuclear, chemical, coastal and offshore engineering.
The Commission, assisted by the board of governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is responsible implementing this programme, which is executed by the JRC's Institute for Safety Technology at Ispra.

In cooperation with the board of governors, the Commission ensures that periodic consultation is maintained with the relevant management and coordination advisory committees or equivalent committees with a view to ensuring coordination and consistency of approach between shared-cost actions and JRC activities in the same areas.

Before 31 March each year the Commission submits a report on the implementation of this programme to the European Parliament and the Council. The programme will be evaluated by a panel of external experts set up by the Commission after consulting the board of governors.