Individual (one engineer) - Member $99.00 | Non-Member $159.00
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*This course is a part of ASCE Week. Click here to view the full program.
Course archive will be available to participants for 30 days.
INSTRUCTOR: Dave K. Adams P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
Purpose and Background
Construction of the Citigroup Center skyscraper in Manhattan, New York (also having been known as Citicorp Center or 601 Lexington Avenue) was completed in October 1977, and significant structural reinforcement was added over a period of months in the summer and fall of 1978. The story that engineers are familiar with include ethical issues related to the actions of lead structural engineer, William Le Messurier, when a potential design flaw was brought to his attention. The case is mostly presented as an example of good ethical practice, but the complexity of the issue brings additional lessons that need to be learned. This webinar will summarize findings from a broad range of research and offer a fresh set of conclusions to assist engineers in making ethical choices when presented with a dilemma.
Primary Discussion Topics
- Le Messurier's explanations and actions to justify reinforcement of the building
- Consideration of code requirements for wind design
- Analysis of positive and negative ethical viewpoints
- Lessons for practicing engineers
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the conditions that led to ethical decisions in this case
- Interpret ethical decisions made in light of the NSPE Code of Ethics
- Differentiate between facts and emotional judgments in this case
- Evaluate modern lessons to be learned from this case
- Organize the array of facts and opinions published about this case
- Experience research objectives with a broad focus
- Explain traditional views of this case with lesser known observations
- Explain about findings of the NIST from an independent wind analysis
- Evaluate factual data and emotional conclusions
- Apply appropriate strategies for dealing with ethical dilemmas
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a short post-test (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Civil and Structural Engineers
- Architects
- Building Officials
- Attorneys
- Engineering Curricula Instructors
Outline
- Timeline of events in the Citicorp Building construction and retrofit
- Introducing William LeMessurier
- The discovery of a potential structural emergency
- Was there really a disaster waiting to happen?
- NSPE Board of Ethical Review Case Study No. 98-9
- Examining the ethical issues
- Strategies for dealing with ethical dilemmas
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs
This course is worth .2 CEUs/2 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.