Yeah but, no but, yeah but...

An incredibly fascinating topic for engineers is the 'what if' scenarios which add fuel to our design musings.

In the relative safety of our offices, we are capable of envisaging the problems that may arise from the design decisions we make. As we grow and experience more project time
- we also begin to predict build ability issues that may arise during construction, then avoid them, or make them known to others. Which in turn affects the health and safety of our builder cousins.

Sometimes we are caught in a feedback loop by the ever present consideration of redundancy in our design. Is there enough redundancy? Are we creating additional factors of safety just so we can sleep easier at night?

I have touched upon this subject a few times previously, please take a look at the following links:

1. Engineering a safe existence [http://buildingmadesimple.blogspot.com/2011/11/engineering-safe-existence.html] - I recieved some heavy feedback from a reader on this one.
2. 7 Things at good Engineers don't do [http://buildingmadesimple.blogspot.com/2012/06/7-things-that-good-engineers-dont-do.html] - see item 3.
3. #Epicfails 4 - Structural Engineering [http://buildingmadesimple.blogspot.com/2012/02/epicfails-4-structural-engineering.html] - The Silverbridge collapse, Ohio.

"A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers." Plato.

In no way am I intending to undermine the value of good practice, and design standards with which we design to on a daily basis. BUT, and this a big but... BUT.... I have witnessed designs which follow good practice, and adhere to the clauses by which we are governed... but still 'somehow' show little foresight into how it will be constructed or the dreaded 'what if' scenarios.

• What if the builder constructs that wall out of plumb?
• What if the blocks are soaked during a storm and not bonded correctly?
• What if the future owners take that non-load bearing, but actually load bearing stud wall out?
• What if the electricians chases out too much of the blockwork pier?
• What if on a cold icy evening, someone backs into that masonry pier whilst parking their car?

What if, what if, what if.....

If you have any what ifs that you wish to share with us then please comment. We look forward to your musings.

Engine[er]