What Else Might Be Out There Not "to Spec?"

Abandoning a platform in approx. 200 FSW, an interesting phenomenon displayed repeatedly.

As soon as the hydraulic jaw cutter begins to 'squeeze' the end of many of the members, they instantaneously collapse along their length. (Actually, kind of like a rapid-fire domino effect from one end to the other.)

Immediately, it is noticed that although the "as built" drawings depict all members as being 0.500" - 0.625" wall thickness, a quick measurement proves otherwise (see below). And "no!", they hadn't all corroded that extent. The cathodic protection system had minimized the loss due to corrosion, as IT was designed to do.

So ... I can't help but wonder ... what OTHER construction outfits have gotten away (or, continue to get away) with building bridges, highways, high-rise buildings, rapid-transit systems, or what-have-you ... without adhering to the specs?

Any other stories out there ?