Ethics in Civil and Structural Engineering: Professional Responsibility and Standard of Care

David K. Adams, S.E., is a registered civil and structural engineer in California. He graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a degree in Structural Engineering and has practiced with Lane Engineers, Inc. in Tulare, California since 1990. A typical workday for Mr. Adams includes completion of structural calculations, drawings, and reports on buildings and other structures for commercial, residential, educational, institutional, and industrial uses. In addition to providing plan checking services for local municipalities to determine building compliance with life safety, accessibility, and structural requirements of current codes, the author also provides expert review services for California’s engineer licensing board, has participated in the development of national and California-specific structural engineering licensing examinations, and is currently an instructor for the American Society of Civil Engineers.