Structural reliability as affected by human error

This paper presents aspects of an attempt to begin to understand the nature and characteristics of human error in structural engineering design processes, and the effect human error may have on structural reliability. In simplest terms, this will be exhibited by the sensitivity of the structural reliability assessment to changes in human error and human variability input. Apart from any intrinsic value such as an assessment may have, it is the necessary first step in the wider context of attempting rationally to set appropriate reliability ensuring measures.