ESSAY 7: Is it recommended to follow the very minimum design codes?

Group Number 59
Farzin Fadaie (UCID: 30229646)
Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
ENGG 687: Ethics, Law, and the engineering profession
Prof. Claudia Gomez-Villeneuve
October 24, 2023
The field of engineering is a complex one, and design codes act as a guide to navigate through
it. These codes provide a range of guidelines, from the basic requirements to more intricate
standards. However, the question of whether it is advisable to strictly follow the minimum
design codes is a complex one, as it involves various factors such as safety, efficiency,
aesthetics, and environmental impact. This essay delves into the pros and cons of adhering to
the minimum design codes and why it is important for engineers.
Design codes, often established by regulatory bodies or professional organizations, are
fundamental in ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of structures. These codes
encompass a wide array of disciplines, including building codes, structural design codes, and
environmental standards. They provide a baseline for architects and engineers, outlining the
minimum requirements that must be met to ensure public safety and welfare. Adhering to the
minimum design codes is essential for compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. It
ensures that structures meet the basic standards set by authorities, minimizing the risk of
structural failures, accidents, or environmental harm. The importance of these codes is evident
in various fields, such as construction, where building codes dictate everything from material
specifications to fire safety measures. Now, let us examine the Benefits of Adhering to
Minimum Design Codes. Initially, the foremost advantage of following minimum design codes
is the guarantee of safety. These codes are formulated based on extensive research, historical
data, and lessons learned from previous failures. By adhering to these guidelines, architects
and engineers can construct structures that are less susceptible to structural failures, thereby
ensuring the well-being of occupants and the general public. Secondly, compliance with
minimum design codes is essential for legal conformity. Failure to meet these standards may
lead to legal repercussions, such as fines, project delays, or even work suspension. Adherence
to codes ensures that a project progresses smoothly within the legal framework, minimizing
the risk of disputes or legal complexities. Thirdly, minimum design codes often offer cost-
effective solutions that fulfill the necessary requirements. By adhering to these standards,
designers can optimize construction costs without compromising safety. This is particularly
significant in projects with budget constraints, where strict adherence to codes aids in avoiding
unnecessary expenses. On the flip side, there exist certain drawbacks to strictly following
minimum design codes. Firstly, a strict adherence to these codes may hinder innovation and
creativity. Designers may feel compelled to conform to standardized solutions, thereby limiting
the exploration of new and more efficient design approaches. This can result in a lack of
diversity in architectural and engineering solutions. Secondly, minimum design codes may not
comprehensively address environmental concerns. A rigid adherence to these codes may lead
to designs that fall short in terms of sustainability and environmental impact. As the world
increasingly prioritizes green and sustainable practices, a narrow interpretation of design codes
may impede progress in this direction. Lastly, minimum design codes often prioritize
immediate safety and functionality, but may not adequately consider long-term factors such as
the durability and adaptability of structures. A narrow focus on minimum requirements can
result in designs that do not withstand the test of time or effectively respond to changing needs.

The discourse surrounding whether engineers should strictly adhere to the very minimum
design codes is a pivotal consideration, encapsulating the diverse responsibilities inherent in
the engineering profession. Engineers, positioned as stewards of public safety, grapple with the
challenge of striking a delicate balance between unwavering compliance with legal standards
and the encouragement of innovative solutions. Adhering to minimum design codes forms the
bedrock of safety and legal conformity, ensuring the structural integrity of the designs they
conceptualize. This foundational principle, critical for ethical engineering practice, extends
beyond mere compliance to encompass a comprehensive examination of sustainability,
efficiency, and the long-term adaptability of structures. While compliance with minimum
design codes is instrumental in ensuring structural safety, ethical engineering practices
necessitate a broader perspective. Resources emphasizing sustainability, such as those that
delve into environmental considerations and long-term consequences, become essential guides
for engineers seeking to transcend a narrow focus on minimum requirements. The intersection
of innovation and technological advancement also assumes significance, with the need for
engineers to balance compliance with a creative spirit, fostering solutions that go beyond
standardized approaches. Efficient project management, as highlighted in the literature on the
subject, underscores the importance of considering efficiency and cost-effectiveness alongside
safety in engineering endeavors. Moreover, ongoing professional development and education
emerge as integral components, providing engineers with the knowledge necessary to stay
abreast of evolving industry standards and practices. Lastly, a deep understanding of the
fundamentals of structural engineering equips professionals with the necessary insights to
navigate the intricate complexities of design codes and make informed decisions aligned with
the pursuit of optimal solutions. In essence, this comprehensive approach acknowledges the
dynamic landscape in which engineers operate, emphasizing the imperative to harmonize
regulatory requirements with the pursuit of innovative, sustainable, and resilient engineering
solutions. The intricate dance between compliance and creativity becomes a hallmark of
responsible engineering, ensuring that structures not only meet minimum standards but also
contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced built environment.
Reflecting on the intricacies of the engineering field and the role of design codes, I've gleaned
several key lessons. Following minimum design codes is essential to guaranteeing a structure's
longevity, safety, and compliance with the law. Regulatory bodies have set these standards,
which provide architects and engineers a baseline to work within in order to protect the public's
welfare. While safety and legal compliance have clear benefits, it's important to strike a careful
balance to prevent stifling originality and creativity. Strict adherence to codes may
unintentionally prevent the investigation of more creative and effective design strategies.
Seeing this conflict, I am aware of how critical it is to support engineers' creativity while
upholding fundamental standards. The essay also emphasizes the shortcomings of minimum
design codes, especially when it comes to fully addressing environmental issues. It emphasizes
how important it is to take a more comprehensive approach that takes efficiency, sustainability,
and long-term adaptability into account. This realization emphasizes the necessity for an all-
encompassing engineering approach that addresses long-term safety issues as well as changing
global priorities related to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Effective project
management turns into a critical lesson because following minimum design codes ensures both
safety and cost-effective solutions. Engineering practice that is responsible strives to balance
cost-effectiveness and safety. Furthermore, continuing education and professional development
are essential for engineers to stay current with changing industry standards and practices. To
put it simply, responsible engineering is a complex dance between creativity and compliance.
It calls for an all-encompassing strategy that balances legal obligations with the search for
creative, resilient, and sustainable engineering solutions, ultimately leading to a built
environment that is safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced.
In conclusion, the intricate dance between compliance and creativity emerges as a hallmark of
responsible engineering, as explored in this essay on the role of minimum design codes. The
tension between adhering to these codes for safety and legal conformity and fostering
innovation becomes a central theme. While acknowledging the undeniable importance of
minimum design codes in ensuring structural integrity and compliance with the law, the essay
underscores the potential drawbacks of stifling creativity and overlooking environmental
concerns. The imperative to strike a careful balance is emphasized, highlighting the need for a
comprehensive approach that considers sustainability, efficiency, and long-term adaptability
alongside regulatory requirements. The lessons gleaned from this exploration extend to
supporting engineers' creativity, promoting efficient project management, and emphasizing the
ongoing importance of education in an ever-evolving field. Ultimately, responsible engineering
calls for a nuanced and dynamic approach, where engineers navigate the complexities of design
codes while contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced built
environment.
REFERENCES

[1]: "The American Society of Civil Engineers Code of Ethics" by ASCE

2008-ethics-guidelines-professional-conduct.pdf (asce.org)

[2]: Canada's National Model Codes Development system

Canada's national model codes development system - National Research Council Canada

[3]: Feifei Cheng, Construction and Operation in the Context of Sustainability, " Using
Building Codes and Standards to Improve Construction Quality and Safety", Nov 2013
https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784413135.010

[4]: Buwert, P. (2018). Examining the Professional Codes of Design Organisations. In C.

Storni, K. Leahy, M. McMahon, P. Lloyd, & E. Bohemia (Eds.), Proceedings of the Design
Research Society 2018: Catalyst (172-186)

[5]: Ahmed Abdallah (2007) Relevant codes and regulations: Effects on the design of
industrial construction, Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 13:3, 215-222

[6]: "Designing for the Future: A Guide to Sustainable Design" by AIA

Sustainable design: An ethical imperative - AIA