Chapter 11 -- Ethics and Public Relations

Engineers convince the public that are engineering solutions are worth implementing by convincing them that

societal benefits > costs, project protects public safety,engineers are competent to design/implement

Engineered Solution to Chicago Water and Sewage

reverse flow of Chicago river, make canal west of city to connect Chicago river to Illinois river, flush sewage out through canal using lake water

Deaths in the late 19th century early 20th century due to engineering failures reduced

publics confidence (2000+ boiler explosions 1880-1900, 502 railway bridge failures btwn 1878-1895)

R.B griveer shoe factory disaster

accelerated calls for boiler safety codes, led Ma to enact ASME-supported boiler-inspection laws

Quebec River Bridge collapse

drove calls for professional standards (licensure and ethics codes), accident caused by unchecked miss calc. of bridge weight

NSPE

National Society of Professional Engineers

Benefits of a PE liscense

only PE can prepare/sign/seal/submit eng. plans to public authorities, req. for consulting/private practitioners, on gov. contracts can supervise unlicensed engineers,

5 requirements to become a PE

• 4 year degree from accelerated program

• pass fundamentals of engineering exam

• 4years of engineering experience supervised by PE

• pass principles and practice engineering exam

• complete yearly professional dev. courses

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