As a registered Structural Engineer, I can say that the requirements are 
you follow the recognized (legal) building codes, or else you are on 
your own. There is the out of "Good Engineering Practice" but when 
venturing into that area one treads very carefully.  85% of the 
structural failures are due to  details, it's almost rare that a main 
member like a column buckling or beam failing in bending happens. Many 
times it's lack (or mis) communication between the designer and the 
fabricator/contractor.  Most structural engineers require, as part of 
the design package, the be paid for inspection to ensure their original 
concept is followed through, and a final check on the design i.e. does 
that beam or number of bolts look appropriate compared to the rest of 
the pieces.

When visiting a medical doctor, I ask why his rates are so high, his 
answer is usually "I save lives", my answer is "I prevent the loss of 
life". :)


John Ferrell wrote:
> Building equipment that has components operating outside of specs is not 
> engineering, it is hacking.
> If you intentionally choose to ignore specs your product will become an easy 
> target for those who do follow specs.
> BTW, I am not an Engineer.
>   
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