Demonstrating the Merger of Structural Data towards NDE 4.0 and Structural Life Cycle Assessment

A symmetric rig of two I-beams made of structural steel S235 has been loaded under 3-point bending. The beams have been described numerically with respect to their geometry, loading, dynamic behavior as well as the fatigue degradation. Furthermore, the beams’ geometry has been scanned, and data have been recorded with respect to their static and dynamic loading. The techniques used included laser scanning and NDT methods such as eddy current (EC), Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM) measuring magnetic stray flow and thermography. To further understand how far EC and thermography are able to measure fatigue degradation, measurements were made along fatigue tests done on conventional unnotched fatigue specimens. All of the data recorded has been merged and it is shown how these can be visualized in a way such that a structure’s life cycle tracking can be performed on a mainly continuous basis.