IDC

 –  463  (June  2013)  

 
Q1.  Use  examples  of  case-­‐study  to  discuss  conceptual  civil  engineering  design  in  terms  
  of:  (10  marks)  
 
-­‐ Empirical  evidence  
-­‐ Causality  
-­‐ Metaphysics  
-­‐ Cognitive  awareness  of  the  physical  world  
-­‐ Society’s  need  for  professional  solutions  
 
 
 
Q2(a).  Compare  3  international  codes  of  ethics  applicable  to  civil  engineering    
             profession  conduct.  (5  marks)  
 
Q2(b).   Explain   how   ends-­‐based,   rule-­‐based   and   care-­‐based   ethical   rules,   and   ethics  
               decision  frame-­‐works  may  help  civil  engineers  when  making  difficult    
               decisions.  (5  marks)  
 
 
 
Q3(a).  Discuss  an  historical  civil  engineering  ‘bridge’  failure  with  reference  to  the    
             following  items:  (10  marks)  
 
-­‐ Identification  of  suitable  historical  ‘bridge’  failure  case-­‐study  
-­‐ The  occurrence/consequence  
-­‐ Technical/human/  management  factors  
-­‐ Ethical/negligence  issues  
-­‐ Applicable  code  of  ethics  items  and  lessons  learnt  for  future  projects  
 
 Q3(b).   Discuss   an   historical   civil   engineering   ‘building’  failure   with   reference   to   the  
                 following  items:  (10  marks)  
 
-­‐ Identification  of  suitable  historical  ‘building’  failure  case-­‐study  
-­‐ The  occurrence/consequence  
-­‐ Technical/human/  management  factors  
-­‐ Ethical/negligence  issues  
-­‐ Applicable  code  of  ethics  items  and  lessons  learnt  for  future  projects  
 
Q3(c).   Following   a   serious   failure,   a   civil   engineer   considers   a   do-­‐nothing-­‐approach  
                 coupled   with   compensation-­‐payment   to   injured   parties;   advise   the   engineer  
                 with  reference  to:  (10  marks)  
 
-­‐ Identification  of  suitable  historical  ‘building’  failure  case-­‐study  
-­‐ The  occurrence/consequence  
-­‐ Technical/human/  management  factors  
-­‐ Ethical/negligence  issues  
-­‐ Applicable  code  of  ethics  items  and  lessons  learnt  for  future  projects