Impact of Metrication on the Construction Industry

A thorough discussion is presented concerning the desirability of national metrication and the present status of this important matter. The advantages to be gained by such a move and the role played by engineering standards in the overall conversion process are also included. Metrication alternatives are considered, leading to the conclusion that nothing short of complete and genuine metrication can provide the maximum benefit. A necessary point of beginning for metrication of the construction industry as a whole is the familiarization of large numbers of people with the metric system. It is additionally determined that metrication of the construction industry must necessarily proceed simultaneously within each of its four elements: (1) design; (2) material and equipment production; (3) contractors; and (4) labor. The ramifications of metrication as they apply to each of these four areas are discussed and specific problems are identified.