Finite element methods are often used to validate that a structure meets its expected requirements, and are part of the CAD workflow.  The Sleipner-A offshore platform failed and sank due to bad finite element analysis.<p>See: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ima.umn.edu&#x2F;%7Earnold&#x2F;disasters&#x2F;sleipner.html" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.ima.umn.edu&#x2F;%7Earnold&#x2F;disasters&#x2F;sleipner.html</a>