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  • 1.  Creating purposeful discussions and purposeful collaborations

    Posted 04-23-2020 11:51 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 04-23-2020 11:50 AM

    Based on the topics I follow them on  ASCE collaborate web page, I realized that the topics and challenges presented are usually completed in a short period of time without any final and practical conclusions.

    Do you agree that the challenges should be presented purposefully and finally comprehensive protocols should be provided for them so that other colleagues can make better use of the results of the discussions?     


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    Reza Mokarramaydenlou, Ph.D., C.Eng, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
    Structural Engineering and Seismic rehabilitation Consultant
    Mokarramandpartners LLC
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  • 2.  RE: Creating purposeful discussions and purposeful collaborations

    Posted 05-05-2020 02:20 PM
    Dear Dr. Mokarramaydenlou,
    Thank you for your question.

    And of course, the initial answer is "It Depends."

    First, I wish to address major "Challenges."

    Based on my experiences over a significant period of time within ASCE,
    in order for your suggestion to become acted upon a significant 'disaster' of sorts must happen.
    And this 'disaster' has to be visible to the public-at-large at the national level, and have caused . . .regrettably . . .loss of life and/or
    the threat of a major loss of revenue.

    The model for what I relate above follows an anticipatable process:
    1. A disaster has to be visible to the public-at-large at the national level and have caused . . .regrettably . . .loss of life and/or
    the threat of a major loss of future revenue.
    2. A steering committee is formed to assess and recommend.
    3. Round-tables are held over the next 12 to 24 months at various conferences and in regions.
    4. About 24 to 30 months out from the incident, a "Manual of Practice" is released as a draft for comment.
    5. Within 24 months from the release of the draft MOP, it is finalized and available for sale.

    Next, I will address non-life threatening issues, e.g. "finally comprehensive protocols should be provided for them so that other colleagues can make better use of the results of the discussions."

    1. An experienced professional will step up and volunteer to address what you ask for a specific issue, with its tangential points.
    2. That person will request ASCE to support their efforts to Chair the work of this ad-hoc group.
    3. This new Chair will solicit other volunteers to contribute their time, knowledge and faithful participation.

    OK, so I will stop here.

    Dr. M.,
    It turns out that unless and until a suitable volunteer stands up to "Carry The Flag," the issue remains "On The Shelf."

    Thanks for the question, and for reading my opinions.

    And of course, I may be wrong!

    Stay Healthy!

    Cheers,
    Bill



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    William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
    Buffalo, N.Y.

    "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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    Original Message


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