A procedure for the definition of material strength pdf based on limited NDT

A procedure for the definition of the probability models for material mechanical parameters based on the results of few non-destructive investigation is proposed. Basic steps of the procedure are the analysis of available background information and the implementation of artificial intelligence techniques. Secondary test results are collected and a cluster analysis based on Gaussian Mixture Model is carried out; a Bayesian Network is thus defined and implemented according to the results of specific in-situ investigation carried out on the considered structure. The procedure can be applied to identify parts of existing structures characterized by homogeneous materials as well as to update the probability models of their mechanical properties to be used in reliability assessment.