Sensitivities in structural maintenance planning

A general description of optimal inspection and maintenance planning based on the classical decision theory and the modern reliability theory is given. A number of simplifications to this description is given leading to more appropriate formulations for practical applications. Sensitivities of both optimal inspection and maintenance plans as well as the associated costs are given with respect to the assumptions on which the planning has been performed. These sensitivities indicate the significance of the individual assumptions and may be used as a decision tool to reject particular optimal inspection and maintenance plans showing too large sensitivity. An example from the offshore industry is given to indicate how the methodologies can be used in practical applications.