Hello all,

I am currently working on my final year module (T452) with the OU.

I am investigating the reliability of safety factors and have already found a lot of literature which highlights many uncertainties and reliability behind safety factors.

Something I think will add value to my report would be the possibility that safety factor, standards or design codes being challenged in court after an engineering failure.

Engineering contracts are generally issued on the basis that standards or design codes are followed, and proof that a contractor has applied these are generally accepted as evidence that they complied in the event of court case.

However, I wonder if anybody can direct me towards any sources where design codes, standards or safety factors have been challenged ?

I have been searching for days now with no luck!