Vito is right to point out that "the risks in our industry [profession] are great and any miscommunications can lead to multiple paths for disaster. ... recommendations must have credibility. they must be explained in detail."
We share with pure scientists the challenge of how to explain "risk" or probability.
Clear explanation of facts, not just after failures, is critical. The risks at Surfside included salty, seaside air and corrosion, sea level rise and flooding. These last factors raise the risk of foundation, bridge and road support failures in virtually all of Florida, and many other areas, because they no longer exist in geo-conditions believed to be stable a mere 10-15 years ago. Possible overloading, from inhabitants and wind pressures, unanticipated ambient heat and cold, are other possible risk factors today.
Contracts do define our design scopes and how engineers are "responsibly in charge", but that is
not good enough today. Our cultural climate has developed so much mistrust, fingerpointing and outright hatred in the last 40 years, that re-establishing our "trusted" voice will be a continuing challenge.
When we design for a particular life span, it must be clear to EVERYONE, owners, customers, the public, what that timeline is (maybe we should even use expiration dates, like on food packages - or codes could require end-of-life funds to be escrowed, as is currently required for landfills, but not much else). Our designs should include consideration of how the projects will be implemented, operated, and maintained. We should probably even provide estimates of the resources necessary for continuing good performance. Perfect, comprehensive "inspections" are a pipe-dream, but we can clearly inform our clients and project users what visible signs could be indicative of pending failure, the role that building inspectors generally take on right now.
If we do not plan/design for sustainable projects now, we have failed to do our job. Even as we try to meet our clients' requirements, we must evaluate whether the projects are the right ones in the right place. Our legacy must be work that will withstand the test of time, to build trust in the engineers' voice once more.
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Sarah Simon P.E., ENV SP, M.ASCE
Founding Partner
Ipswich MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-05-2021 12:09 PM
From: Mark Licalzi
Subject: Surfside Condo Collapse Peripheral Questions
Mitch,
Very well put! One issue I continuously need to address is clarifying the severity of issues to my clients who are mostly in other industries outside engineering and construction (as you say "diffuse ownership"). Having to take into consideration their backgrounds and approach to situations I need to understand their ability to understand concepts and it is my responsibility to make it intelligible to them (not always possible with all individuals).
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Mark Licalzi P.E., M.ASCE
Principal
Luke Licalzi , P.E., P.C.
New York City NY
Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2021 01:41 PM
From: Mitchell Winkler
Subject: Surfside Condo Collapse Peripheral Questions
Recognizing we want to be careful in the forum about speculating on the cause of the Surfside condo collapse aligned with the ASCE statement that came out earlier this week, a number of general questions have been circulating in my head that triggered by the facts that have come to light. As engineers how we can we better communicate the severity of problems balancing being alarmist (and possibly putting future credibility and opportunities at risk) with need to properly inform? This is compounded by oft having to communicate to clients or others that are non-engineers and do understand meaning or subtleties. For policy and regulation makers I think there's a question of how to compel action. The Surfside condo collapse has highlighted the challenge dealing with diffuse ownership. The final question is one of engineering competency within government entities. Finally, can this tragedy be used a wake up call to catalyze support for addressing this countries failing infrastructure – and systems that enable?
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Mitch Winkler P.E., M.ASCE
Houston, TX
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