Structural engineering is a field with great responsibility that required precise attention to up to the minor detail. Any error can cause significant issues and consequences such as failure of structure, loss of life, foundation settlements, etc. Let’s discuss some of common mistakes in structural engineering design.
Inadequate Load Estimation
Underestimating Loads:
This is a critical error or mistake that is observed in the structural failures. Structures must be able to withstand the maximum anticipated loads, including dead loads (weight of the structure itself), live loads, wind, snow, and seismic forces, etc. Underestimating any of these can lead to structural collapse.
Incorrect Load Combinations:
Design standards provide a guideline for specific load combinations that shall be considered in the structural design. Failing to consider all possible combinations can result in an unsafe design when those load combination are actually applied on the structure.
Unpredictable load
Events such as Tsunami, Earthquake, etc. are unpredictable. Based on the geographical conditions possibility of such events shall be assessed and considered for the design.
Ignoring Soil Conditions
Insufficient Soil Investigation
Disregarding the soil investigation or failure to carrying out adequate soil investigation to obtain the design parameters will lead to unreelable foundation design. Ignoring the actual site condition and taking it into account is mandatory.
Incorrect Interpretation of Geotechnical Parameters
Geotechnical parameters are used to carrying out the design shall be interpreted correctly to reparents the actual site conditions. Further, method use to analyze the structure or geotechnical approach shall also be correct.
Defective Connection Details
Weak Connections
Connections between structural elements (beams, columns, etc.) shall be detailed to match with the structural analysis and design. If the structural connection is analyzed as moment connection, detailing shall be done to match it.
If we analyzed as moment connection and do the detail as simple connection, that can case failure of the structural connection or the member.
Corrosion
Corrosion of connections can significantly reduce their strength over time.
Calculation Errors
Manual Calculation Mistakes
Always arithmetic calculation shall be checked by someone for human mistakes. It can lead to a severe consequence if the design of critical member is done incorrectly or there are errors.
Idealization of Structure
Software is a black box and it does not allow us to see what happens inside unless it is a program written by us. Therefore, when the structure is converted into a finite element model it shall correctly idealized the get the accurate design output.
Software Input Errors
In put into the software shall be given correctly and to obtained accurate analysis outcome. Incorrectly entering data into analysis software can lead to erroneous results and unsafe designs.
Insufficient Redundancy
Redundancy is the ability of a structure to withstand failure of individual components without collapsing. When there are no adequate redundancy structure can lead to a progressive collapse.
Inappropriate Material Selection
Construction material are playing the vital role and chose of unsuitable material can lead to a structural stability issues. Therefore, when approving the materials, their suitability shall be check and confirmed.
Incorrect Material Properties
The required material properties are specified in the design document as required by the design. Those specified shall be used in the construction and also strength and other properties of the material shall be checked as per the relevant guidelines. Using incorrect material properties in calculations can lead to inaccurate results and unsafe designs.
Neglecting Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the durability of the structure. When the structure building with steel, inspection and repairing defects shall be done more close intervals when compared to the concrete structures.
Construction Errors
Construction is the process that make the structural design is a reality. Errors in the construction can case structural stability issues. Errors during construction, such as use of low-quality materials or improper workmanship, can compromise the structural integrity of a building.
