Papers published in Forensic Engineering are eligible for awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers. Papers from any of the ICE journals can be nominated for several awards. In addition, each journal has awards dedicated to their specific subject area.
On Friday 7 October 2016, ICE president John Armitt presented an award to the following paper published in Forensic Engineering in 2015. The editorial panel nominated their best papers and an awards committee chaired by Nigel Wright allocated the awards.
Thomas Telford Premium Prize
The Thomas Telford Premium Prize, presented for the best paper published in Forensic Engineering, was awarded to Carpenter (2015).
Thomas Telford Premium Prize winner John Carpenter receives his award from ICE president John Armitt (right)
Thomas Telford Premium Prize winner John Carpenter receives his award from ICE president John Armitt (right)
Abstract
A fundamental part of the professional engineer’s duty is to keep abreast of contemporary information that is relevant to their particular area of work. In an industry where labour input (in its widest sense) predominates, despite all our software and sophisticated construction equipment, this is essential as scope for error is ever present. The nature of the construction industry is such that catastrophic failure, with the potential for multiple fatalities and other concerns, is a plausible scenario. Hence, in order for the forensic engineer to operate, and industry generally to learn from the misfortunes of others, the requisite data from serious incidents must be made available to the industry at large, comprehensively and timeously. As things stand in the UK, it is frequently not so available. This aim, namely to learn, is distinct from apportioning blame. This paper examines why this lack of data exists, touches on the practice in some other countries, and considers what might be done to alleviate the situation.
