Domino effect. Conceptual computer artwork of a row of falling dominoes. This represents an effect known as the domino effect, where one event sets off a cascade of other events. A common example is the pebble that sets off an avalanche of snow. It is a useful concept in engineering, especially for considering the stability of a structure such as a building or bridge. If such a structure does not have multiple redundancy built into the system, it will be at risk of a small failure putting stress on other parts of the system. When these fail, the load is transferred to other parts and progressive collapse occurs. Some bridges have collapsed in this way following the snapping of a single bolt.