Patent Document ID: 7546224
Application ID: 10506396
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. Method for assessing the integrity of a structure, comprising the steps of: i) collecting data relating to initial dimensions of the structure, ii) creating a computer model of the structure using the results of step i), iii) collecting data relating to an estimated load on the structure, iv) analyzing the structure, using the computer model of the structure and the load data, in order to define high stress areas, in which areas of the structure future problems can be expected, v) installing, in the high stress areas, a first set of sensors for measuring the dimensions of the structure in said high stress areas, vi) measuring, after a time interval, dimensions of the structure in the high stress areas, vii) updating the computer model of the structure, using the results of step vi), viii) installing, in the high stress areas, a second set of sensors for measuring the load on the structure in said high stress areas, ix) measuring the actual load on the structure, x) updating the data relating to the load on the structure, and thereafter, xi) re-analyzing the structure, using the updated computer model and the updated load data, in order to calculate a value for the integrity of the structure.