Read “Failure Is Always An Option,” a short essay by civil engineer Henry Petroski. Draft and revise your own essay on a structural failure (buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, etc.) for an audience of curious but non-technical readers.

Choose a structure whose failure can be used to explain statics to a general audience. Analyze what went wrong by incorporating your knowledge of statics principles.

Discuss other factors that contributed to the failure, including ethical shortcomings (for example, undetected design flaws or an absence of safety regulations). Reflect on the technical and ethical challenges engineers face in the design and maintenance of structures.

Use clear, straightforward language: (“The cables lift the deck of the bridge, causing a downward force…”). Include at least one figure to illustrate statics concepts. Find and cite credible sources (not Wikipedia) in APA format. Visit the Hanson Center—strong essays always show evidence of critical feedback and revision.

Petroski Article Tacoma Narrows Bridge Case Study Engineering Case Studies Online AssignmentAssignment, Evaluation SheetEvaluation Sheet

How to Get 10 Free Points Turn in your drafts to the Hanson Center on time. (5 points) Attend a writing appointment at the Hanson Center between Sept. 30 and Dec. 3, (5 points)

Schedule and Deadlines Oct. 23 (Thurs) First Draft due to HCTC, Rm. 2224, by 4:00 p.m. Week of Nov. 3 First Draft returned during discussion sections Sept. 30 to Dec. 3 Schedule an appointment with the HCTC (Sign-up sheets are posted outside room 2224) Dec. 4 (Thurs) Final Draft must be submitted in two forms: (1) A hard copy (in folder) to the HCTC by 4:00 p.m. (2) An electronic copy mailed to: Week of Dec. 15 Final papers and folders returned

Thank You “What is written without effort is read without pleasure.” Samuel Johnson