Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 13
Inspection and Maintenance
The inspection of vehicles, airplanes and ships is defined by different directives;
but there are common points regarding the inspection measures in all types of
transportation, which:
• Give standards for the necessary repairs;
• Provide information on the quality of the construction and the operation; and
• Explain the reactions of vehicles, airplanes and ships caused by certain loads.
The inspection and maintenance characteristics of ships, road vehicles, or air-
planes result from the interaction of their parts, loads, and function and cannot be
determined using individual parameters. Each disturbance of a system component
can lead to losses in production, and in operation which can directly cause dis-
advantages to the manufacturer and to the transportation company. Inspection
prevents losses and disturbances in operation and safety (see Fig.
13.1
)[
1
].
Inspection and maintenance mean a system of actions that responds to loss of
performance of engine and operation of road vehicle, airplane, and ship because of
wear. This includes instructions and standards for preparation and operation
checks, approvals and permissions, as well as evaluations and feedbacks. Like the
cost of fuel, the costs for inspection and maintenance are an important part of the
operating costs which can be effectively affected during the development as well as
the operation phase. Inspection and maintenance intensively impact also the
economy (see Table
13.1
)[
2
].
Inspection and maintenance planning recognizes the critical links between
transportation and other societal goals. The planning process is more than merely
listing transportation projects. It requires developing strategies for operating,
managing, and financing the area's transportation system in such a way as to
advance the area's long-term goals [
3
].
It is estimated that corrosion costs ca. 4.8% of Gross National Product (GDP) [
4
].
Logistics amounts approximately 18.5% in GDP, and 80% of them are resulted
from investment by private enterprises or individuals, and the rest from investment
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