Imagine a construction project where the depth of the foundation needs to be accurately

determined to ensure the stability of a building. Here's how errors can manifest and their impact:
Mistakes
The project engineer is responsible for measuring the foundation depth. However, they
mistakenly use an outdated blueprint that contains incorrect foundation depth specifications. As a
result, they excavate and pour concrete based on the wrong depth. This mistake leads to a
significant inaccuracy in the foundation depth, potentially compromising the structural integrity
of the building.
Systematic Errors
In this scenario, the construction crew uses a piece of equipment to measure foundation depth,
but this equipment is not properly calibrated. It consistently provides depth readings that are 10%
too shallow. Over the course of the project, this systematic error results in all foundation depths
being shallower than required. This systematic error can lead to project outcomes where the
building's foundation may not meet safety standards, potentially causing delays and additional
costs for corrections.
Accidental Errors
While measuring foundation depth, workers encounter unforeseen obstacles like buried tree
roots or large rocks that cause depth readings to vary slightly. These variations are accidental
errors and introduce uncertainty into the project because it's challenging to predict or control
such unforeseen circumstances. These errors can lead to minor inaccuracies in foundation depth
but might not critically affect project outcomes if they fall within an acceptable range.
Mistakes and systematic errors can lead to significant inaccuracies in foundation depth,
potentially affecting project outcomes by compromising safety and requiring costly corrections.
Accidental errors introduce uncertainty but may have a less severe impact if they fall within
acceptable tolerances or can be addressed during construction.