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

2. Assignment Preview Individual essay for 10% of course grade
Two drafts (first and final)
words
One figure
Three credible sources
One 25-minute appointment with the Hanson Center

3. Writing Prompt
Read the 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, errors in judgment, etc.).
Reflect on the broader ethical challenges that engineers face when designing and maintaining structures.

6. Questions for writing:
Did a design flaw involving insufficient consideration of moments, loads, and/or forces cause the structure to fail?
Did the structure lack redundant safety mechanisms?
Was the failure preventable?
What steps could have been taken before the structure failed?

7. Format & Style Requirements
Length: Stay within the limits of words.
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.
Note: Both first and final drafts must meet all of these requirements to be eligible for full credit.

8. HCTC Requirements
Appointment: The final essay grade includes one 25-minute appointment with a Hanson Center peer tutor. When you come to the HCTC, bring a printed copy of your paper and all feedback that you have received up until the time of your visit. You may schedule more than one appointment for your Statics essay.
File name: Last name, First name, Statics Section, Draft/final
Example: “Smith, Jane, 0BBB, Draft”
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 s/reason_for_absence_from_class_1.pdf.

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 at least one 25-minute appointment at the HCTC. (Appointments scheduled when the first drafts are under evaluation will not count for credit.) (5 pts)
Appointment location: 3307 SC To make an appointment, go to our home page and click
Schedule now

10. Topics List
Hartford Civic Center, 1978
Sewol Ferry, 2014
Oakland Bay Bridge, 1989
Sampoong Superstore, 1995
Autoroute 19 de la Concorde Overpass, 2006
Falls View Bridge, 1938
Sando Arch Bridge, 1939
St. Francis Dam, 1928
Oklahoma City Murrah Federal Building, 1995
Peace River Bridge, 1957
Bjork-Shiley Tilting Heart Valve, 1986
Antelope Valley Freeway, 1971 and 1994
L’Ambiance Plaza, 1987
Florida International University Bridge, 2018
Charles de Gaulle Airport, 2004
Kemper Arena, 1979
Banqiao Reservoir Dam, 1975
Schoharie Creek Bridge, 1987
Rana Plaza Building, 2013
Minneapolis I-35 Bridge, 2007
Hyatt Regency Walkway, 1981
Big Blue Crane, 1999
Morandi Bridge, 2018
Second Narrows Bridge Collapse, 1958
Delhi Dam, 2010
Mainus River Bridge, 1983
Cypress Viaduct, 1989
Colorado State Route 470 Bridge, 2004
If you wish to choose another topic, you must have it pre-approved by HCTC Assistant Director Sarah Livesay.

11. Required & Recommended Reading
Assignment
Evaluation Sheet
Henry Petroski Article (you must read this and cite in your essay)
Engineering Case Studies Online
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers
Source Use and Plagiarism Policy
Sample Essays

12. Plagiarism Policy
You are required to acknowledge all information and quotations that you take from other sources. Failing to cite sources constitutes plagiarism.
Any known instance of plagiarism, misrepresentation, or other fraudulent behavior in your final essay will affect your grade. Serious cases can earn a grade of zero and be reported to the dean.
If you have questions about how you are employing research, come see our peer tutors before the final paper is due.
Metcalf, A. (2016). Plagiarism1 (Online image). Retrieved January 24, 2018 from

13. Schedule & Deadlines
March 13 (Wed.) First draft due to Canvas by 11:59 p.m.
Week of March 25 Drafts returned online
Feb. 13- March 13 OR Attend appointment at the HCTC (Because March 27-April 24 drafts will be under evaluation, appointments scheduled from March 14-March 26 will not count for credit.)
April 24 (Wed.) Final paper due to Canvas by 11:59 p.m.
Week of May 6 Final papers returned online

14. Statics Help Sessions 2:00-2:25 P.M. 3307 SC Wednesday, 2/27
Tuesday, 3/5
Wednesday, 4/10
Tuesday, 4/16
These will be open Q&A sessions. Bring your questions! You can attend any or all meetings.
These sessions do not replace your HCTC appointment for credit.

15. Questions? Email: sarah-livesay@uiowa.edu
Stop by the Hanson Center in 3307 SC