Problems related to improper manufacturing, selection and installation are just as likely to cause fastener failure as hydrogen embrittlement and loosening
There are many ways to perform destructive testing. The most helpful, and preferred by manufacturers, is to intentionally destroy an assembly in a controlled environment to determine the performance capability of one or more of its components. Another way, done unintentionally and all too often by consumers, is to simply misuse a product.
Consider, for example, the person who spends more time plopping his heavy briefcase on a low-cost, particle-board desk than sitting at it doing work. Before too long, the fasteners that hold up the desk will loosen or crack and fail.