Case Study – The Fifty-Nine Story Crisis

For many engineers, dealing with the myriad of requirements imposed on the practice of engineering and the complexities they impose can be challenging enough before any thought is given to the subject of professional ethics. In most instances, sound business or legal decisions will also serve to fulfill one’s ethical obligations. However, there are times when ethical obligations dictate choices that diverge from business or legal solutions. It is in these situations that engineers will be challenged to identify issues and formulate important yet difficult decisions that may define their professional practice.

This course explores the incorporation of ethical considerations through the examination of the post-design issues surrounding the Citicorp Center in New York City. It serves as an excellent case study by which to analyze the competing demands placed on design professionals, and the emphasis that should be placed on fulfilling ethical obligations. LeMessurier’s actions were remarkable and the events examined in the paper outline the need for proper communication, delegation and supervision during the design and construction process and the importance of balancing professional and legal responsibilities with ethical obligations. The story leaves no doubt that safety comes first, and all decisions made by design professionals must be made with safety in mind. The course includes a video of LeMessurier describing the project during a lecture at MIT.

Once you complete your course review, take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of fifteen (15) questions to earn 3 PDH credit.

Learning Objectives

This course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:

• Learn the details of the Citicorp Center structural design deficiencies
• Explore the ethical dilemmas LeMessurier faced and how he resolved them
• Review LeMessurier’s response within the context of his legal and ethical obligations

Download the Course to review and begin earning your PDH credits.

We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This courses is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, ID, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.