HUMAN ERROR IN STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY - IV: EFFICIENCY IN DESIGN CHECKING

Results are reported of a survey, conducted among practising structural engineers, to obtain a preliminary assessment of the degree to which errors in design calculations are detected. A set of calculations for wind loadings acting on a low rise frame was used as the survey instrument. Several errors were artificially placed in the calculations. The effectiveness of checking was compared to the magnitude of both the error itself and its effect on the design. Similarly, the effectiveness of checking as a function of time spent is noted. The empirical results are compared to models which have been suggested in the literature; the present results suggest that these models are too simplistic. Alternative models are suggested. (Author/TRRL)