Learning From Failures

Chapter 1
Definition of Failures
 Failure is an unacceptable difference between expected
and observed performance. [Leonards 1982]

 This definition is broad enough to include serviceability

problems such as annoying vibrations, excessive
deformations, premature deterioration of materials, and
inadequate environmental control systems.
Causes of Failure
 Failures result from a variety of causes involving both
technical/physical problems and human error/procedural
factors.
 Often the root causes of a failure or accident are difficult
to isolate and quantify. The causes may be a combination
of interrelated deficiencies.
 This is one reason for the complexity and confusion that
usually accompany failure litigation.
 The causes of structural failure in buildings and civil
structures may be classified as follows.
 1. Site Selection and Site Development Errors:
Land-use planning errors, insufficient or nonexistent
geotechnical studies, unnecessary exposure to natural hazards.
 2. Programming Deficiencies:
Unclear or conflicting client expectations, lack of clear
definition of scope or intent of project.
 3. Design Errors:
Errors in concept, lack of redundancy, failure to consider a load
or combination of loads, connection details, calculation errors,
misuse of computer software, detailing problems including
selection of incompatible materials or assemblies which are
not constructable, failure to consider maintenance
requirements and durability, inadequate or inconsistent
specifications for materials or expected quality of work.
 4.Construction Errors:
Nonconformance to design intent, excavation and
equipment accidents, excessive construction loads,
improper sequencing, premature removal of shoring and
formwork, inadequate temporary support (Figure 2.6).
 5. Material Deficiencies:
Material inconsistencies, premature deterioration,
manufacturing or fabrication defects.
 6. Operational Errors:
Alterations to structure, change in use, negligent
overloading, inadequate maintenance.
Scope of Civil Engineering Investigations
 Structures
 Geotechnical works
 Highways
 Waterway, port, coastal, and ocean facilities
 Culverts and pipelines
 Air transportation and aerospace
 Environmental facilities
 Hydraulics, irrigation, and drainage installations
 Architectural technology
 Materials engineering
Types of clients
 Owners
 Developers
 Public and government agencies
 Plaintiffs in litigation (injured parties)
 Defendants in litigation (generally, anyone involved with the
design, construction, maintenance, or operation of a
constructed facility)
 Tenants
 Attorneys
 Insurance companies
 Materials manufacturers
 Designers
 Contractors
Forensic Engineering Investigation Process
 There are three fundamental components to the forensic
engineering investigative process:
❑ Acquisition of data
❑ Analysis of data
❑ Presentation of conclusions and opinions
Activities in the Investigative Process
Site Investigation & Field Test
 Whenever possible, the investigator should obtain and
review construction drawings and other pertinent
documents to generally become familiar with the facility
before the initial site investigation. The principal
investigator is responsible for establishing the location
reference system (column or grid lines), member
cataloging system, photographic numbering and cataloging
system, and sample identification system for use by all
team members.
Laboratory Tests
Design standard
 Eurocodes (EN 199-)
 Eurocodes are the European standards for technical design and
construction of buildings. They cover all common structures and
materials, including bridges.
1. Eurocode: Basis of structural design (EN 1990)
2. Eurocode 1: Actions on structures (EN 1991)
3. Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures (EN 1992)
4. Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures (EN 1993)
5. Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures (EN 1994)
6. Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures (EN 1995)
7. Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures (EN 1996)
8. Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design (EN 1997)
9. Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance (EN 1998)
10. Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures (EN 1999)
Failure Analysis vs Design Analysis

Failure Analysis Design Analysis

1. Real-world actual loads & actual Code prescribed set of factored
structural capacities (increased) loads & factored (reduced)
structural capacities.

2. Time-dependent properties Instantaneous properties

3. Accurate model Simplified model.
4. Non-linear/inelastic analysis Linear/elastic analysis
5. Contemporary design code of Current design code of
practice practice
The entire report must present a convincing and logical argument from facts to
discussion to conclusions. The casual relationship between identified deficiencies
in design, materials, or construction and the actual failure must be shown.