Human error is the major cause of structural failure. Therefore, modeling and control of errors are an important part of the strategy to improve the reliability of structures. The objective of this study is to develop a practical method to predict the likelihood of occurrence of human error in structural engineering. This involves estimating the sensitivity of the structure to the hazard of gross errors in design, construction and use. Human errors are influenced by a number of conditions which constitute the human, economical, social and political climate influencing each individual project. These climatic conditions and their relations to errors constitutes the data of a knowledge-based expert system (KBES). A level of risk is associated with this measure of sensitivity. Different levels of risk and structural context call for different strategies for risk management. Another objective is to develop a risk management procedure in the form of a contingency plan to mitigate the risk entailed by the gross error sensitivity. Sensitivity analysis is an effective tool extended to control some of the predictable errors. Sensitivity analysis would be extended to include a proper cost- benefit analysis of allocation options. The work is based on the results of a previous study (NSF grant MSM-8304962) and the recommendations of NSF Workshop on Modeling Human Errors (June, 1986).
