Apology Kim for the
"Bruce" mistake I made.
Kim, over the last number of years there has been no shortage of folks proclaiming predictions quite similar
to those you note. A certain number of these folks have used these issues as political platforms for
their own political purposes. This has, in my opinion, weakened public confidence when engineers raise such issues.
So, at this time the only critique I have is that, absent credible references for the assertions you make throughout your post,
I will not speak to any one of the specifics you provide.
As to potential
"Next Steps" regarding the life cycle reliability and safety of water impoundment structures,
consider drafting a multidisciplined . . . including but going beyond civil engineers. . . task force to prepare
a "Scope of Work," phased initially for specific geographies.
Here I call to mind an undergraduate lesson I took from a course,
"Indeterminate Structural Engineering."When you are confronted with a complex, seemingly unsolvable problem, break it down into solvable parts.
But remember before you leave it, that it is not simple. So go back, and make adjustments to the final solution for the fact that it was, is and will remain complex.
Kim, no one will disagree with your focus and passion for the need to lead the charge regarding the life cycle reliability and safety of water impoundment structures.
Now you just have to identify them and sign them up!
Best wishes.
Bill
------------------------------
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
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 03-25-2019 15:07
From: Kim de Rubertis
Subject: The Future
Bill,
I'm confused. "Bruce" does not appear anywhere in what I wrote or in the paper I attached. If you look at my initial post, you'll see my full name and accredits along with the date of the post. I have a wealth of references I'd be willing to share with you. My post makes use of established or likely outcomes of global warming. My intent was to stir folks up to begin thinking seriously about the safety of dams in a changing world, a subject that has not been given much thought so far.
I'd welcome any critique you'd like to make.
Happy days,
------------------------------
Kim de Rubertis P.E.,F.ASCE
Cashmere WA
(509) 782-3434
Original Message:
Sent: 03-24-2019 12:27
From: William Hayden
Subject: The Future
Hi Kim, thank you for the detailed summary attached. Now, just to verify, the attached only specifically notes 'Bruce.' I did not note your signature nor date thereon.
So, in the interests of the dated but reliable practice of QA/QC, please do so and let us know. It would also help for you to list your references for the specific points of science and engineering you so very well articulate.
Now, some thoughts regarding your question.
Of course, the sensible consulting engineering answer is "It depends."
While I have some thoughts, first I would appreciate hearing back from you on the requests made above.
Respectfully,
Bill
------------------------------
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
Original Message:
Sent: 01-17-2019 16:52
From: Kim de Rubertis
Subject: The Future
I wrote a brief summary (attached) of the environmental changes we face as a profession. I hope we can open our eyes to the consequences of global warming and provide our public with reasoned solutions that provide as much safety and reliability as we can. What can we as engineers do to prepare for these changing times?
------------------------------
Kim de Rubertis P.E., D.GE, CEG, F.ASCE
Consulting Engineer
Cashmere WA
(509) 782-3434
------------------------------