Analysis of subjective assessments of structural failures

A classification of structural failures is discussed and then expanded into a set of
parameter statements which could be used in a process for predicting the likelihood
of future structural failures. The parameter statements are subjectively assessed for
23 major structural accidents and then analysed using fuzzy sets. The failures are
ranked in order of "inevitability". Human errors of one form or another proved to
be the dominant reasons for the failures considered. A tentative method for assessing
the safety of a structure allowing for the possibility of human error is outlined.