jar546
CBO
No building is built to a zero percent chance of failure. It would be cost prohibitive.
Engineers don't design to a 0% chance of failure.
Engineers don't design to a 0% chance of failure.
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Built to a 0% Chance of Failure
- Thread starter jar546
- Start date
steveray
SAWHORSE
Agreed…mostly what is likely to happen over the average life of a building.
Yikes
SAWHORSE
I've told this story before: I once worked on a Classroom and Fellowship Hall space for a church in the L.A. area. There was a question during a congregational meeting about seismic safety, and the pastor turned to me and asked, "Is our building earthquake-proof?"
I froze for a few seconds as I thought about lecturing the pastor and congregation on why earthquakes are called an "Act of God", and the hubris of thinking man could build something God-proof... maybe along with some homily about the walls of Jericho tumbling down.
In the end I said something like: "Not even my car, which is designed for all kinds of motion shaking and bumps, can withstand an earthquake if the ground opens up and swallows it. It's more helpful to answer this way: when the Big One hits, I'd rather be in this building than inside any other building within 10 miles of here."
I froze for a few seconds as I thought about lecturing the pastor and congregation on why earthquakes are called an "Act of God", and the hubris of thinking man could build something God-proof... maybe along with some homily about the walls of Jericho tumbling down.
In the end I said something like: "Not even my car, which is designed for all kinds of motion shaking and bumps, can withstand an earthquake if the ground opens up and swallows it. It's more helpful to answer this way: when the Big One hits, I'd rather be in this building than inside any other building within 10 miles of here."
Sifu
SAWHORSE
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2011
- Messages
- 3,315
We can do lots of things. Not a 0% chance of failure in any given event but closer. We could also take out every other row and seat on a plane for a better flying experience. We could have self-driving cars with dedicated lanes that are encased in armor for a safer ride. We could only build houses in temperate climates with little snow, no chance of forest fires and on huge lots so we would all love where we live and be safe as the house rests on giant springs suspended from thick cables anchored into the sides of granite mountains. We could never afford to fly, own a car or house. But boy we would be happy if we could.
Or, we cram in as many seats on a plane as possible, exercise safe driving habits and stop texting, and build a house in a suburb to remain functional in the hazards likley to occur. We could be happier, but at least we can afford a cheeseburger every now and then.
Or, we cram in as many seats on a plane as possible, exercise safe driving habits and stop texting, and build a house in a suburb to remain functional in the hazards likley to occur. We could be happier, but at least we can afford a cheeseburger every now and then.