1. “Failure is Always an Option”
Scott Coffel, HCTC Director Sarah Livesay, PhD
Assistant Director

2. Assignment Preview 1000-1250 words One figure Three credible sources
Two mandatory drafts (first and final)
100 points, 10% of overall course grade

3. Writing Prompt
Read a short essay by civil engineer Henry Petroski titled "Failure is Always an Option,” which analyzes the 2003 failure of NASA’s Columbia space shuttle.
Draft and revise your own essay that addresses a structural and ethical failure for a general audience.

4. Engineering Requirements
Choose a structural failure (building, bridge, dam, tunnel, etc.) that can be used to explain Statics to a general audience.
Analyze how and why the structure failed by incorporating your knowledge of Statics concepts such as equilibrium, moments, loads, and forces.

5. Ethics Requirements
Discuss the ethical factors that contributed to the failure (undetected design flaws, an absence of safety regulations, etc.).
Reflect on the broader ethical challenges that engineers face when designing and maintaining structures.

6. Format & Style Requirements
Length: Adhere to the constraints of words for both drafts (first and final).
Figure: Include at least one figure (with citation) to illustrate relevant Statics concepts.
Page layout: Follow these requirements: double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1- inch margins, page numbers.
Sources: Use and cite the Petroski article and at least two other credible sources.
References: Include a References page in APA format.
Title page: Center and double-space. Create an original title. Include one line each for full title, your name, course name and section number, professor’s name, and due date.

7. Example: “Smith, Jane, 0BBB, Draft”
HCTC Requirements
File name: Last name, First name, Statics Section, Draft/final
Example: “Smith, Jane, 0BBB, Draft”
Appointment: When you come to the HCTC, bring a printed copy of your paper. If your draft has been evaluated, bring a printed copy of all feedback.
Late Policy: Late work will not be accepted. Rare exceptions will be made for documented illnesses or emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Further information can be found at

8. Required & Recommended Reading
Petroski Article (you must read and cite this in your essay)
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Case Study (you cannot use this as the subject of your essay)
Engineering Case Studies Online
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers
Assignment, Evaluation Sheet
Sample Essays

9. Procedural Points Schedule now
Submit your first draft to Canvas on time. The draft must follow all length and format requirements to be eligible for full credit. (10 pts)
Schedule and attend a 25-minute appointment at the HCTC between Sept. 26 – Nov. 28. (Appointments scheduled between Oct. 18 and Nov. 1 will not count for credit.) (5 pts)
Appointment location: 2224 SC To make an appointment, go to our home page and click
Schedule now

10. Schedule & Deadlines
October 18 (Wed.) First draft due to Canvas by 4:00 p.m.
Week of October 30 Drafts returned online
September 26–October 18 Attend appointment at the HCTC
November 1-November 28
November 29 (Wed.) Final paper due to Canvas by 4:00 p.m.
Week of December 11 Final papers returned online

11. Questions? Email: sarah-livesay@uiowa.edu
Stop by the Hanson Center at 2224 SC

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