The VGB-Standard VGB-S-034-00-2014-10-EN deals with mechanical components and steel hydraulic structures for hydro power plants.

The VGB-Standard deals solely with the impact of mechanical and/or thermal loads on the fatigue life of the plant parts. The shortening of the lifespan caused by wear, corrosion, cavitation or erosion is not considered. In the case of electrical machinery only the mechanical strength aspects are discussed.

The VGB-Standard VGB-S-034-00-2014-10-EN is concerned with fatigue life assessment. This includes the examination and evaluation of components subject to fatigue loading and reveals the component fatigue life up to the point of technical cracking or failure of the component (fracture or loss of serviceability). In line with this, the term "fatigue life assessment" in this VGB-Standard comprises fatigue analysis and fracture mechanics analysis. Comprehensive input data such as component geometry, loads, number of relevant load cycles and mechanical material parameters are required to perform the fatigue life assessment.