Engineering Design in Developing Nations: Are Foreign Standards Adequate?
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 117, Issue 4
Abstract
NO two civil engineering problems—as well as all other engineering problems—are the same. Rather, each problem has always demanded, and still demands, a unique solution, which—from past experience—depends entirely on the human and material resources of the locality in which the problem exists. This paper highlights some observed behavior of materials and human resources available in the developing, mostly tropical, nations as distinct from those obtainable in the mostly temperate, advanced countries in Europe, North America, and so forth. Most of the existing standards and codes of civil engineering practice originated in these developed countries and are based on the materials and sociological factors prevailing there. Thus, the paper calls for evolution of locally based standards and codes in the developing nations. Alternatively, the existing (imported) ones should be adequately modified before applying them to design and construction of civil engineering facilities in these developing nations. This will surely remedy the common mistakes of the past and present and make for a better future.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 117 • Issue 4 • October 1991
Pages: 351 - 357
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 ASCE.
History
Published online: Oct 1, 1991
Published in print: Oct 1991
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