Components and cladding

Your special report "Preliminary Conclusions: Assessing damage to engineered buildings in the wake of Hurricane Katrina," by Gilberto Mosqueda, Ph.D., and Keith A. Porter, Ph.D., P.E., in the February issue of Structural Engineer is prima fascia evidence of why engineers need, no must, step up and demand responsibility for the design of components and cladding of buildings. Components and cladding are structural elements of buildings—all buildings. They are the first elements of a structure subjected to loads and as such are structural elements first, and aesthetic elements last. Why do we as engineers not only allow, but encourage, architects and supplier/vendors to design components and cladding? I have long held the opinion and espoused that roofing is a structural element that should be designed and engineered by engineers.

The same holds for window assemblies and wall claddings.

Review the highly publicized images of the Super Dome roof and explain how the failure of the roof did not affect people and threaten their life and safety.

Review the photo of the hotel on page 21 of the article and explain how the failure of the wall cladding did not affect people and threaten their life and safety.

Review the photo on page 20 of the article and explain how the failure of the windows from impact and/or wind pressures did not affect people and threaten their life and safety.

As professionals, we should and must demand that all components and cladding be designed by engineers. To do less is despicable, and may even be negligent.

Richard P. Canon, RRC, P.E.
Moore, S.C.

Plans for the future

Richard Weingardt, P.E.’s column, "Make no small plans for tomorrow," which appeared in the February issue of Structural Engineer is one of the best articles I have ever read about the engineering profession. This is exactly how I feel about our profession, and it is good to know that there are other engineers out there who share this vision. I dream about the day when engineering will be one of the most prestigious professions in America (just like doctors and lawyers) as it is in other countries, including my home country, Brazil.

Congratulations on an excellent article.

Cesar Fernandes, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., S.E., M.B.A.
via e-mail