Design of a Human Reliability Assessment model for structural engineering

It is generally accepted that humans are the “weakest link” in structural design and construction processes. Despite this, few models are available to quantify human error within engineering processes. This paper demonstrates the use of a quantitative Human Reliability Assessment model within structural engineering. The model consists of four steps. In the first step the process and its boundary conditions are identified. In the second step, the effect of human error on a single task is defined. In the third step, these effects are combined into an overall effect on the engineered structure. Finally, the structural failure probability is estimated by combining the strength and loading conditions by means of a Monte Carlo simulation. The use of the model is demonstrated using a case study based on the design process of a frame structure. This case study shows that the model has the potential to quantify the effect of human errors within carefully defined boundary conditions