ABSTRACT
Structural failures can take various forms. They can range from excessive deflections to unsightly cracks to annoying vibrations to total collapse.
When a major structural failure occurs, several questions immediately come to mind. Why did it happen? Who is responsible'l What are the consequences, not only from the standpoint of deaths or injuries, but from the standpoint of liability on the part of the various parties involved? What could have been done to prevent it? How can we learn from our mistakes?
