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.
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.