Florida International University Pedestrian Bridge Failure, A Study in Structural Ethics or Ethical

When:  Apr 4, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM (ET)

Overview

This webinar is hosted by the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers (NHSPE)

Experience Level: Any level of experience

On March 15th 2018 a pedestrian bridge across a 6 lane highway being built for the Florida International University failed and fell across the highway killing 5 occupants of crushed cars and a worker. An additional ten persons were injured, six seriously.  The bridge was constructed using a design/build contract and an Accelerated Bridge Construction method.

This seminar examines the failure and identifies the various times in the design/build process that the design flaws could have been identified and corrected, preventing the failure. The seminar will also discuss the apparent ethical issues arising during the design and building of the bridge, leading to its failure.

Speaker

Rebecca A. Bowman, Esq., P.E., D.F.E.
Senior Director for Ethics and Professional Practice
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

Rebecca A. Bowman, Esq., P.E. is the 36-year principal of a woman-owned business in forensic civil engineering, dispute resolution, real estate, and legal services. She is a registered professional engineer, licensed attorney, and a certified arbitrator, mediator, and Christian conciliator. She received her B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota, her M.B.A. degree from Oklahoma University, and her J.D. degree from Duquesne University. Mrs. Bowman recently joined the National Society of Professional Engineers as the Senior Director for Ethics and Professional Practice.  She also serves as the Executive Director for the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.

1 PDH (NY Approval Pending)