Chapter 2: Managing Risk in Structural Engineering

‘Engineering consequence design’ is a term which was used at a ‘risk management in civil, mechanical and structural engineering’ conference in February 1995, intended to be a process where we look forward at every stage of design to the issues of construction, operation, maintenance and, ultimately, decommissioning and possible demolition of the facilities. Engineering consequence design should be inherent to any good engineering design and solution and a process which should assist in managing risks. Current codes of practice use risk-based processes that deal with commonly known risks, such as likelihood of increase in different types of loads. Designers will be aware of such risks and will ensure use of appropriate codes of practice and standards and software for satisfactory design of structures. There are, however, other risks that are not necessarily covered in design codes and need to be identified and managed throughout the design and construction of facilities. This chapter will look at possible sources of risks in structural engineering and how to identify and manage them.