When BS 7910 Moves from Standard to Practice
Knowing BS 7910 is one thing. Applying it to real structural integrity challenges is another.
With TWI Training’s next Structural Integrity Assessment and Practical Application of BS 7910 Procedures – Online Live Course fast approaching on 11–18 November 2026, engineers working with welded structures, ageing assets and integrity management can use the live programme to develop a more practical understanding of how fitness-for-purpose assessment is applied.
The course is delivered online through six weekday morning sessions, allowing delegates to develop specialist knowledge without the need to travel or spend a full week away from the workplace.
Structural integrity assessment involves more than identifying a flaw. Engineers need to understand the interaction between the flaw, material properties, stresses, fracture behaviour, fatigue and the operating environment before determining its significance. The course introduces fitness-for-purpose methods and Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA), then explores how these principles are applied to welded structures. Delegates examine brittle and ductile fracture, plastic collapse, fatigue crack growth and stress corrosion cracking, alongside the role of materials data and non-destructive testing in an assessment. This provides a broader context for BS 7910 and helps connect the requirements of the standard with the engineering information needed to carry out an assessment.
Assessment Process
A key part of the programme is understanding the information that feeds into a structural integrity assessment. Topics include engineering failure case studies, flaw types, materials and service issues, fracture toughness testing and the capabilities of major NDT methods. Delegates get to explore fracture mechanics, including K, CTOD and J, together with linear elastic and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. The course then introduces the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) approach, including its main parameters, primary and secondary stresses and the information required for an assessment.
For engineers whose core responsibility is welded equipment and structures, this provides an opportunity to look at BS 7910 as part of a wider structural integrity process rather than as a standard to be applied in isolation.
Theory leading to practice
The practical element is central to the course. Candidates undertake fracture and fatigue assessment exercises using CrackWISE, giving them an opportunity to work with software used to support practical assessment activities. Temporary CrackWISE licences are provided so participants can install and use the software immediately before, during and after the training.
The programme also explores fatigue assessment procedures, including fracture-mechanics-based calculations for fatigue crack growth, fatigue of welded structures and factors affecting weld performance. Alongside the technical sessions, the course uses discussions, quizzes, videos, case studies and software exercises to reinforce the learning and encourage participants to apply the principles being covered.
Want to know if it is for you?
The programme is aimed at engineers working across a range of disciplines, including structural, civil, maintenance, pipeline, materials, welding, inspection and plant engineering. It is particularly relevant to professionals responsible for maintaining welded equipment and structures, managing the integrity of ageing assets or optimising asset performance.
The course is delivered by specialists with extensive experience in the development of BS 7910 and the practical application of fitness-for-purpose methods across applications including pressure vessels, pipelines, offshore structures, vehicles, bridges and buildings.
Some feedback mentioned below from the candidates that attended our structural integrity course in the past years at TWI:
“The lecturers are very knowledgeable and attentive to all the questions raised during the course.”
“Good detail of information on each topic and great pack of notes for reflection.”
“It was good how different people presented their specialities. You could tell that they were particularly interested in their own areas.”
The next online live course takes place from 11–18 November 2026.
With the date approaching, engineers considering BS 7910 training now have an opportunity to develop their understanding through a programme that combines the underlying principles with practical assessment exercises. Delivered entirely online, the six sessions run at UK time on weekday mornings, making the format suitable for professionals who need to balance technical development with their existing work commitments. Participants receive a full set of course notes and a Certificate of Attendance in PDF format.
If your role involves assessing flaws, managing ageing assets or making engineering decisions around the continued operation of welded structures, this November course offers an opportunity to build practical confidence in applying BS 7910 procedures.
Explore the programme and secure your place with TWI Training at the dedicated webpage for the course now!