Title: leading Concrete Design Codes to New Heights

Author(s): J. E. Breen

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 198

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 69-84

Keywords: codes; concrete; design; shear; tension

DOI: 10.14359/9991

Date: 3/1/2001

Abstract:
This Symposium honors a man who through a broad range of contributions, clearly carved a worldwide leadership position in the field of Structural Engineering. It is a fitting place to discuss the characteristics of leadership in the formulation of codes of practice and particularly building codes for structural concrete. In our North American democracies, the tradition of developing a clear consensus in support of a proposed change is the rule in formulating concrete design codes. Such a consensus means overwhelming agreement of a committee of strong-willed persons representing a myriad of conflicting interests after consideration and judgment of the merit of every dissenting opinion. In order to obtain such a consensus, code recommendations must not only be technically sound, but they must be practical, workable, and necessary. Above all, they must be patiently and painstakingly presented, defended, revised and re-presented to the committee. Those who shepherd the proposals that ultimately become part of the standards that guide practice and protect the citizenry must be effective leaders.