Inspection schedules

An inspection procedure should be integrated with a preventative maintenance schedule to detect (and prevent) damage before there is a deleterious effect on structural reliability. The damage threats for each part of the structure must be identified in terms of the nature, frequency and propensity for the damage to accumulate and grow. Further the damage tolerance of the structure with this damage present should be identified. The methods of inspection depend on the availability of methods and the detail of the nature of damage required. The location and nature of the damage and the structural component help identify the inspection method.