Introduction to reliability-based maintenance methods

The various methods most commonly used to implement the concepts of reliability-based maintenance (RBM) which have emerged since the 1970s in different industrial sectors are presented.

Numerous maintenance strategies have been developed to prevent and correct the consequences of equipment failure, in order to optimize the productivity of industrial plants and reduce risks to human safety and the environment, as well as economic losses.

The origin of the concept of reliability-based maintenance was introduced for aeronautical maintenance in the 1970s under the acronym MBF or RCM (Reliability-Centered Maintenance) and is the subject of the first section. As numerous variants and adaptations of the initial concept have emerged outside this sector, the second section is dedicated to describing the steps considered essential to comply with Nowlan and Heap's initial RCM approach. It also provides the characteristics of recognized RCM methods and standards (MSG-3, RCM2, SAE JA1012, IEC 60300, AP 913, CWA-RBIM, "Streamlined RCM"), highlighting their conformity with the original approach, as well as a comparative grid of their properties. In conclusion, recommendations are provided to guide the user in choosing the most appropriate method, as well as an outlook on new developments.