CROSS Influence on Codes and Standards of Practice

The systems of codes and standards that regulate structural engineering practice in the US are complex. The Federal government cannot enforce a national building code, that authority rests with the States, and in many States, that authority is delegated to local governments. There are a multitude of private sector organizations that develop standards. There are thousands of standards that are incorporated by reference (considering direct and indirect citations) into the most commonly used model building code. There are separate model codes for highway bridges and for rail bridges, which are similarly complex. CROSS-U (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures), along with the CROSS efforts in other nations and regions, will find issues that justify changes in the practice of engineering and construction. Some of the necessary changes will inevitably imply changes to model codes, design standards, quality control and quality assurance processes, and certifications. Conceivably, additional layers of experts will need to be added with expertise in the many aspects of practice that could be affected, and just as importantly, who can serve as champions for the needed changes in particular standards. Models of coordinated activism exist and are recommended for review and study, to better understand successful strategies and tactics for future improvements.