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ETHICS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Jack James (jbj12@pitt.edu)
IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS
As engineers, we have the power to do almost anything.
With today’s advanced technology, we have the potential to
create almost anything our minds can conceive. Our power to
create has shifted the important question of “Can we do it?”
to the ethical question of “should we do it?” Engineers are
faced with this question because new innovations may not
benefit society as a whole. A new technology may benefit the
current generation, but put a burden on the future generation.
All of these variables that engineers must consider are why
ethics are so important in the engineering world. Engineers
are often put into positions where they are faced with an
ethical dilemma, and when such dilemmas occur, it is up to
the engineer to make the right decision based on various
engineering codes of ethics.
HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO
In this hypothetical situation, engineer x has just
graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and has been
recently hired on by a large construction management firm.
This young engineer is excited to be in the new working
world. He is given his first project of designing and
constructing a primarily concrete bridge that will cross the
Ohio River, spanning from the South Side to the North Shore
of Pittsburgh. The firm that engineer x is working for has been
trying to get the contract to build this bridge from the city of
Pittsburgh for a five years.
While in college, engineer x was involved in research on
concrete that repairs itself when it is cracked. This idea was
theoretical when he was researching it, but now it is used in
the practice of construction. This concrete has a bacteria
mixed in with the solution that seals cracks when they occur;
the concrete is twice as expensive as standard concrete, but it
is also more sustainable. The concrete is more sustainable
because it can handle up to twice as much pressure as standard
concrete, and it has one and a half times the service life of
standard concrete.
Engineer x proposed to his boss that th use this newly
developed concrete on the bridge, because of its direct benefit
to the public. He informs his boss that using this new concrete
will make the bridge stronger and the bridge will not need to
be repaired as often due to the concrete’s longevity.
The Ethical Dilemma
Once engineer x proposes the use of this new concrete to
his boss, his boss rejects the idea. He tells engineer x that there
is no reason in using this new concrete for multiple reasons,
one of which is because of the cost. The boss claims that he
doesn’t see the point in spending more money on the new
concrete, because it will cost the firm more money. Another
University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering
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reason being that if they use the less expensive concrete, the
bridge will have to be renovated sooner, and the firm is very
likely to get the contract to do the renovation. Furthermore,
engineer x’s boss tells him that if engineer x can find a way
to use the cheapest concrete as possible, and still make the
bridge durable, engineer x will earn a raise. As stated before,
engineer x is new to the firm and this is his first project. He
doesn’t want to put the welfare and safety of the public at risk,
but he also wants to impress his boss. Engineer x is being
faced with an intense ethical dilemma.
THE ETHICAL DECISION
The previous scenario depicted may be hypothetical, but
similar situations happen in the engineering world. The
situation involving engineer x exerts a lot of ethical pressure
on him. The scenario as a whole has many ethical issues that
directly conflict with the engineering code of ethics.
Engineering Ethics
Two important ethical codes that engineer x must be
aware of are the National Society of Professional Engineers
(NSPE) Code of Ethics as well as the American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE) Code of Ethics. These codes are sets
of rules that clearly lay out the ways that professional
engineers must conduct themselves in the workplace. These
codes are not merely guidelines, but in fact are legally
binding. If an engineer is found violating one of these codes,
they may lose their license and could possibly face legal
charges.
The final line of the preamble of the NSPE Code of Ethics
states that, “Engineers must perform under a standard of
professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest
principles of ethical conduct” [3]. In order for engineer x to
adhere to this statement, he must first understand the code of
ethics, and the significance of the situation.
The Engineer’s Decision
When his boss declines his idea of implementing the more
sustainable concrete, he must speak up for what he believes
in. Canon 1 of the ASCE Code of Ethics states that engineers
must, “Work for the advancement of safety, health and wellbeing of their communities…through the practice of
sustainable development” [2]. The sustainable concrete that
engineer x is proposing would benefit the community because
it is more durable, in turn, making the bridge stronger and
safer. The sustainable concrete would also help the city of
Pittsburgh because a renovation would not be needed for a
substantial amount of time, which would save the city money.
The boss tells engineer x to use the cheaper concrete not only
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to save money, but also to increase the chance of getting the
contract for a renovation. The second fundamental principle
of the ASCE Code of Ethics states that engineers must,
“Uphold honor and dignity of the engineering profession by
being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity to the
public” [2]. The boss does not care about the integrity of the
engineering profession; he is only concerned with money.
Engineer x needs to recognize this and report his boss to the
National Society of Professional Engineers’ Board of Ethical
Review. The NSPE Board of Ethical Review is a “panel of
engineering ethics experts…that renders impartial opinions
regarding to the code of ethics” [3]. The Board of Ethical
Review acts as a jury to cases where any codes of ethics are
violated. The most important ethical lapse that engineer x
must deal with involves the first canon of the ASCE Code of
Ethics, which states, “Engineers shall hold paramount the
safety, health, and welfare of the public” [2]. The reason we
become engineers is to help improve the quality of life for our
communities and our society. The boss in the scenario is not
concerned with the welfare, health, or the safety of the public.
He is instead more concerned with the profit he will make
from the project. Engineer x needs to voice his opinion and
remind his boss of the ethical codes of engineering.
happening throughout history, and have been responsible for
the lives of many innocent citizens.
HISTORIC EXAMPLES
There have been multiple cases throughout history where
a civil engineers violation of the code of ethics has resulted in
a bridge collapse, in turn causing fatalities to innocent
civilians.
Tay Bridge
Sir Thomas Bouch was a prominent civil engineer in
Scotland, near the end of the 19th century. The most popular
bridge that he constructed was called the Tay Bridge [7]. The
Tay bridge allowed trains to cross the “Firth of the Tay,” a
popular river crossing in Scotland [7]. The opening of this
bridge was so well-known that Bouch was “Knighted by
Queen Victoria” at the opening ceremony [7]. Eighteen
months after the opening of the bridge, there was a terrible
storm that collapsed 13 of the bridge’s spans, killing 79
passengers on the train above [7].
Charles Seim, a Professional engineer and the author of
“Why Bridges Have Failed Throughout History”, states that,
“The possible causes of this failure include an error in
judgment…and also could simply have been Bouch’s neglect
of critical details” [7]. Seim makes these claims because after
the bridge collapsed, Bouch didn’t investigate to see what the
cause of the failure was. Instead, he simply blamed the
weatherman for making a false report. If Seim’s claims are
true, Sir Thomas Bouch would be in violation of the NSPE
Code of Ethics because he did not “Hold paramount the
safety, health, and welfare of the public,” and the code states
that “Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not
distort or alter facts” [3]. Bouch would be in violation because
he had cut corners during the construction, putting the safety
of the public in jeopardy, and because he blamed the collapse
on a weatherman, meaning he did not take responsibility for
his errors.
My approach to the Situation
If I were put into this situation, I would take action against
my boss, and promote the importance of public safety.
Francisco Ramirez, a professor at the Public University of
Navarre, states in his article, “Civil Engineering at the
Crossroads in the Twenty-First Century,” that civil engineers
are more “morally bound” than other denominations of
engineering [6]. The work that we do as civil engineers differs
from other engineers because the public directly uses our
creations. Most people utilize bridges and roads, or go into a
building every day of their life, and if these structures fail,
people will get hurt.
If the scenario that engineer x has been put in was on my
shoulders, I would take specific steps to solve the problem. I
would inform him of the positive impact that this new
concrete would have on the city and the community. I would
familiarize him with the fact that this concrete has twice the
durability as standard concrete and one and a half times the
service life. I would inform him that we could use the more
expensive concrete, and simply raise our price. I would notify
him that although we could get the contract for a renovation,
the benefit to the community is more important than the profit
the firm makes. Lastly, I would inform him that in order to
honor the first canon of the ASCE code of ethics which states,
“Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public”, we must make public safety our top
priority [2]. If my boss was unable to be convinced, I would
proceed to report him to the National Society of Professional
Engineers’ Board of Ethical Review, where he could further
be dealt with. Unfortunately, situations like this have been
Quebec Bridge
Another example is the collapse of the Quebec Bridge on
August 29, 1907 [5]. The development of this bridge was led
by an ASCE member by the name of Theodore Cooper [5].
Cooper was near retirement and in bad health when he was
constructing the bridge. According to Tara Hoke, the leader
of ASCE’s general counsel, Cooper did not have the energy
to repeatedly travel to New York, where the worksite was, so
he relied on communication with “an inspection engineer that
[Cooper] appointed” [5]. The engineer that he appointed did
not have as much experience as Cooper, and he was not
qualified to be leading a construction site [5]. The appointed
engineer discovered that deflection in the chords had
increased by two inches in two weeks [5]. He traveled to
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inform Cooper of the problem, and unfortunately, “The
Bridge collapsed before the site could receive Cooper’s
telegram ordering that no further load be placed on the bridge”
[5].
The National Society of Professional Engineers Code of
Ethics states under Canon two, “Engineers shall undertake
assignments only when qualified by education or experience
in the specific technical fields involved” [3]. Cooper was in
violation of the code when he appointed an engineer that was
underqualified to head the construction site. He should have
also removed himself from the project when he realized that
he was not in the shape to be present at the working site. If
Cooper would have made the correct ethical choices, there is
a good chance the 75 workers wouldn’t have died that day.
Harries uses the Liberty Bridge as an example of a structurally
deficient bridge in the city of Pittsburgh. He states that the 85year-old bridge caries nearly 16,000 vehicles a day [4].
Harries stresses the importance of renovating these bridges. If
these bridges are not renovated, a collapse may occur. He
claims that the reason they have not yet been renovated is
because, “Engineers are more concerned with getting their
name on a new bridge…bridge maintenance isn’t sexy” [4].
Harries suggests that many engineers do not honor canon
seven of the NSPE Code of Ethics which states, “Engineers
must conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically,
and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession” [3]. Because engineers don’t
want to renovate bridges, they are not conducting themselves
in an honorable way, and they are not helping enhance the
honor of the profession. They are also not using their expertise
and skill to do what is best for society as a whole.
RECENT EXAMPLES
People may be under the impression that these previous
bridge collapses occurred because of the technology available
in the time period they occurred. This may seem like a valid
argument, but bridge collapses due to poor ethics have
happened in recent years, and may be likely to occur in the
future.
CONCLUSION
Ethics play an important role in the engineering world.
When a project is to be done, the engineer must always think
of the various codes that he or she must abide by. These
various codes have been implemented to uphold the integrity
of the engineering profession as a whole. Lack of ethics in
previous events has led to the deaths of innocent civilians in
our society. These unfortunate events are examples of why it
is so important for us engineers to work in parallel with the
various codes of engineering ethics.
I-35W Bridge
On August 1, 2007, the Interstate 35, Mississippi River
bridge, collapsed into the Mississippi river [1].The Star
Tribune reported that the sources of the collapse were, “Stress
on the seized bearings, construction loads, and truss
corrosion” [1]. After an Investigation to find the source of the
collapse, investigators reported that the cause of the collapse
actually was, “Undersized and inadequate gusset plates” [1].
The bridge had been in use since the year 1968. The engineers
that designed the bridge most likely did not think that their
decision to use these inadequate gusset plates would be the
cause of 13 deaths, 40 years later. This is directly related to
the NSPE Code of Ethics Canon 1 which states engineers
must, “Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the
public” [3]. Investigators do not know why the engineers
elected to use these undersized gusset plates, but with using
them, the engineers were not putting the safety of the public
as their top priority. The age of the bridge has also been
pointed to as to why the bridge has collapsed. If the old age
of bridges does in fact play a serious role, then there should
be a great deal of concern in the Pittsburgh and greater
Pennsylvania area.
REFERENCES
[1] At I-35W, Engineers Develop Bridge-Collapse Scenario.
(2007). Engineering News-Record, 259(16).
[2] Code of Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014, from
http://www.asce.org/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/
[3] Code of Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014, from
http://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics
[4] Harries, K. (2013, August 5). Pitt Faculty Expert: Kent A.
Harries on Bridges. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vjZy-Q0PsU
[5] Hoke, T. (2012, December 1). A Question of Ethics: The
Importance of a Personal Pledge. Civil Engineering.
[6] Ramirez, F. (2011, March 6). Civil Engineering at the
Crossroads in the Twenty-First Century. Springer.
[7] Seim, C. (2008, May 1). Why Bridges Have Failed
Throughout History. Civil Engineering, 64-87.
Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
Kent A. Harries, a member of the University of Pittsburgh
engineering faculty, states in his video “Pitt Faculty Expert:
Kent A. Harries on Bridges,” that nearly 6,000 bridges in the
state of Pennsylvania are “Structurally Deficient” [4]. Harris
defines structurally deficient as a structure that is,
“Deteriorating and has a margin of safety that is falling” [4].
Ethics Cases. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/murdoughcenter/products/cases.ph
p
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Ethics Case Studies. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
http://www.webguru.neu.edu/professionalism/researchintegrity/ethics-case-studies
Ethics in Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2014,
from
https://www.asme.org/engineeringtopics/articles/engineering-ethics/ethics-in-engineering
Public Health and Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2014,
from http://www.nspe.org/sites/default/files/BER Case No
13-11-FINAL.pdf
Li, V., & Herbert, E. (2012). Robust Self-Healing Concrete
for Sustainable Infrastructure. Journal of Advanced Concrete
Technology, 10, 207-218. Retrieved September 1, 2014, from
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jact/10/6/10_207/_article
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the many people who helped me in
the process of writing this paper. Those people include: my
sister Emily James, my writing instructor Dan McMillan, and
my acquaintance, William Lincoln.
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