
Published online:
24 September 2013
Published in print:
27 September 2012
Online ISBN:
9780191777721
Print ISBN:
9780199578634
Contents
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Ronan Point: progressive failure and redundancy of design Ronan Point: progressive failure and redundancy of design
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Heathrow Express collapse Heathrow Express collapse
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Minneapolis Interstate 35W highway bridge Minneapolis Interstate 35W highway bridge
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Tohoku earthquake 2011 Tohoku earthquake 2011
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Contract Contract
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Cite
Wood, David Muir, 'Robustness', Civil Engineering: A Very Short Introduction, Very Short Introductions (Oxford , 2012; online edn, Oxford Academic, 24 Sept. 2013), https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199578634.003.0006, accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Abstract
The consequences of structural failure can be high in terms of human life and economic impact. ‘Robustness’ examines the elements involved in minimising such failures through the examination of several high profile failures: Ronan Point, the Heathrow Express tunnel collapse, Minneapolis Interstate W35 highway bridge, and the Tohoku earthquake. Whilst ultimately every structural failure has a purely mechanical explanation, there are significant human factors that need to be considered too. The underlying importance of the contract between the various parties in these engineering projects is highlighted in the analysis of the failures in these case studies.
Keywords:
aircraft, earthquake, family, lighthouse, nuclear power, observation, profession, risk, technology
Subject
History of Science and Technology
History of Engineering and Technology
Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
Architectural Structure and Design
Series
Very Short Introductions
Collection:
Very Short Introductions
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