Design and Construction Errors—Case Studies

This paper discusses three examples of construction failures. The first example shows how differential foundation settlement between two structures can destroy bracing members in a structure, if this bracing is redundant to the stability of the structure. The second example discusses a case where the designer made the wrong assumptions in the boundary conditions of the structure. The consequence was a construction failure and an expensive design change. The third example shows how a change in the construction sequence, due to acceleration of the construction schedule, led to a construction failure with subsequent expensive delays and reconstruction. The paper concludes with the suggestion that these types of construction failures can be avoided by employing better engineering practices in design and construction, such as checking and reviews of designs and construction procedures.