FUNDAMENTAL CANONS OF
ETHICS FOR CIVIL
ENGINEERS
ENGR. JULIUS B. DAPAR
WHY ETHICS MATTER IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING
▪ Ethics is essential to public trust and safety.
▪ Civil engineers design systems that impact lives.
▪ Ethical failures can lead to disasters.
▪ Objective: Understand how ethical principles guide
engineering practice.
WHAT IS A CANON OF ETHICS?
▪ A 'Canon' is a fundamental principle or law.
▪ Canons guide the conduct of civil engineers.
▪ Based on the ASCE Code of Ethics.
▪ 7 Fundamental Canons every civil engineer should know.
CANON 1 — PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY
▪ Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public.
▪ Prioritize public safety over deadlines or costs.
▪ Report unsafe practices.
▪ Refuse work that compromises safety.
CANON 2 — PRACTICE WITHIN AREA OF
COMPETENCE
▪ Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their
competence.
▪ Do not accept jobs outside your expertise.
▪ Engage licensed professionals when needed.
▪ Pursue continuous learning.
CANON 3 — BE HONEST AND OBJECTIVE
▪ Engineers shall issue public statements truthfully and
objectively.
▪ No data manipulation or misleading claims.
▪ Disclose risks and limitations.
▪ Maintain transparency with clients and the public.
CANON 4 — ACT AS FAITHFUL AGENTS
OR TRUSTEES
▪ Engineers shall act in matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents.
▪ Avoid conflicts of interest.
▪ Maintain confidentiality.
▪ Balance loyalty with ethical responsibility.
CANON 5 — AVOID DECEPTIVE ACTS
▪ Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
▪ No bribery or fraud.
▪ Don’t misrepresent work or credentials.
▪ Avoid plagiarism in reports or proposals.
CANON 6 — UPHOLD INTEGRITY AND
HONOR
▪ Engineers shall conduct themselves honorably,
responsibly, ethically, and lawfully.
▪ Treat others with respect and fairness.
▪ Promote a positive and ethical workplace.
▪ Be a role model for others.
CANON 7 — SUPPORT ETHICAL CONDUCT
▪ Engineers shall support and encourage ethical
behavior.
▪ Mentor others in ethical decision-making.
▪ Promote ethical practices within the organization.
▪ Report unethical behavior when necessary.
CASE STUDY & DISCUSSION
A civil engineer is tasked with designing a rural
bridge under a strict budget. The client insists on using
cheaper materials to save costs. The engineer knows these
materials may not withstand heavy truck loads over time.
The engineer faces pressure to approve the design
anyway to avoid project delays and budget overruns.