Probabilistic risk assessment of quality control and quality assurance measures in structural design

A probabilistic risk assessment approach used to examine the effects of human error on a typical structural engineering design task (design of a steel I-beam) is reported. This approach utilizes an event-tree methodology and a Monte Carlo simulation analysis. An investigation of the efficiency of a quality control measure (e.g. design checking) is reported that includes design checking guidelines for the structural engineering profession. The use of safe load tables (for steel member design) as a quality assurance measure is also investigated. It is indicated that a designer using safe load tables (or similar design aids) will be more cost-effective and less prone to error than designers not using such design aids. Comparisons between the efficiency of design checking and the use of safe load tables are made