The Need for a Controlling Mind in Seismic Engineering

Abstract

Within the wide range of engineering disciplines required to deliver a typical infrastructure project, seismic engineering is considered a specialism. Within this specialism there are a range of sub-disciplines, many, or all, of which will be required to deliver a major project, including geologists, seismologists, geophysicists, geotechnical, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and many other specialists in between. In recent years, the boundaries between these specialisms have become more distinct, perhaps reflecting an increase in knowledge and computational ability. The contribution of each specialism, as well as the relationship between seismic engineering and other professional disciplines, needs to be managed and controlled in way that the final product, e.g. a complete building, is designed and constructed as coherent whole, providing a safe, efficient engineering solution. The question emerges, ‘how do you keep control of this process?’ ‘How do you ensure that these experts work as a coherent whole, so that uncertainty and conservatism, inherent in the process, are addressed in an appropriate manner?’ In this paper, the need for a ‘controlling mind’ in seismic engineering projects is proffered as an essential ingredient in obtaining a safe, efficient engineering solution. Several examples are presented, illustrating the necessity for robust interface management and exploring the consequences of what can happen when robust project protocols are absent. If the design substantiation is to be robust, there must be internal consistency in the data, design assumptions and the treatment of uncertainty at all stages of the process, from the seismic hazard assessment, through the geotechnical and structural engineering to the design of plant, equipment and building services. With the increase in specialist skills within seismic engineering there is increasing need for the ‘seismic generalist’ who can provide oversight of an entire project and perform the role of the ‘controlling mind’. The skills required of a seismic ‘controlling mind’ on a major project are reviewed and recommendations made for the development of an Engineering Manager with this skillset.

Biography

Andrew Mair (PhD, CEng, FICE, FIStructE, FIES) has worked in Consulting Engineering for over 30 years, having been involved in the design and assessment of a wide range of structures, including bridges, maritime works, dams, airports and buildings.  A significant part of his career has involved the seismic engineering of highly regulated facilities, including nuclear power plants and military facilities, both in the UK and overseas.  His experience spans from site characterisation and hazard assessment through to the design and construction of buildings, infrastructure and plant. Andrew has worked as a seismic subject matter expert (SME) providing advice to clients in the nuclear industry, and acted as an Independent Peer Reviewer on several major projects.  He was Chairman of SECED from 2012-14.