AEPIC Project: Update

Abstract

Learning from our mistakes or learning from failure has become a common phrase in advice to professionals in the design and construction of buildings and civil structures. Indeed, with the recent rash of dramatic and tragic collapse failures of buildings, bridges, and other major structures, the need for that advice has become urgent! Yet, it would appear that all too many of us experience a serious loss of memory and/or myopia when it comes to learning from our own mistakes and a rather crass indifference when it comes to learning from the mistakes or failures of others. The concept of the Architecture and Engineering Performance Information Center (AEPIC) has been developed to assist in the struggle to learn from our failures. The concept of AEPIC is predicated upon the belief that a systematic collection, collation, analysis, and dissemination of information about the performance (failure) of buildings, civil structures, and other constructed facilities will, in fact and in deed, assist us in learning from our failures: We can improve our professional practice and prevent the repetition of poor practices that contribute to failure. Founded in 1982 as a joint center of the School of Architecture and the College of Engineering at the University of Maryland, AEPIC has developed a substantial computerized data base and has created the techniques to analyze trends and disseminate the lessons about technical and procedural errors and oversights. Now, in 1986 and 1987, new research support grants will move AEPIC into a new level of service for all who support the concept of AEPIC.