Proposal for Structural Design Peer Review

Abstract

This paper presents a specific proposal for a mandatory peer review of structural design that could be incorporated into a governmental regulation. The proposal requires review of the structural design as it is shown in the final plans and specifications, since this would be the principal interest of the governmental regulator. The proposal describes the classes of structures that would require review, defines what parts of these structures need to be reviewed, defines the qualifications of the reviewing engineer, provides criteria for the review, and provides a procedure for resolving disputes that may arise from the review. Following the proposal is a commentary on its various provisions with alternate approaches for dealing with some of the issues of design peer review. The proposal is intended to elicit vigorous debate on this controversial subject with the expectation that the debate will lead to a consensus on the subject. It is also intended to create a greater awareness of the details of the process in the profession.