A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Abstract Structural engineering as a profession and a livelihood is based on the myth (i.e. largely unquestioned assumption) that the properly educated individual can design a structure that will not fail. We accept that a medical doctor must ultimately fail to keep his patient alive, and we accept that one of two lawyers, who argue opposite sides of a case in court, must fail to win the case for his client. The myth of engineering omnipotence is based on experience: the “track record” or “batting average”. When once in a while a structure fails it is “natural” to ascribe it to human error, if it is not ascribed to a wilful act such as sabotage, destruction, or an “act of God”. Any other theory as to cause would conflict with the myth of engineering omnipotence.
Abstract Structural engineering as a profession and a livelihood is based on the myth (i.e. largely unquestioned assumption) that the properly educated individual can design a structure that will not fail. We accept that a medical doctor must ultimately fail to keep his patient alive, and we accept that one of two lawyers, who argue opposite sides of a case in court, must fail to win the case for his client. The myth of engineering omnipotence is based on experience: the “track record” or “batting average”. When once in a while a structure fails it is “natural” to ascribe it to human error, if it is not ascribed to a wilful act such as sabotage, destruction, or an “act of God”. Any other theory as to cause would conflict with the myth of engineering omnipotence.
Structural Quality and Human Error
Lind, N. C. (author)
1983-01-01
11 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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