ABSTRACT
Abstract The present paper surveys a range of large-scale tests performed by AEA Technology within the Structural Features Test Facility at Risley to provide assurance of structural integrity for both nuclear and non-nuclear applications. Specific examples are presented where tests have been carried out to confirm structural performance, to support safety cases, to provide experimental evidence in support of Code validation, or, more fundamentally, to help develop advanced methods of structural integrity assessment. Overall, the paper demonstrates the value of large-scale testing in helping to establish the link between theoretical predictions and the behaviour of real components in service. Keywords: structural integrity, safety.
