Citicorp Center Bolted Joints Failure (1977)
* In1977, structural engineer William LeMessurier discovered a critical design flaw in New York City’s Citicorp center (now Citigroup Center). During construction , bolted joints were used instead of the originally specified welded joints to connect key structural members. LeMessurier realized that under certain wind conditions, particularly quartering winds, the bolted connections could fail, potentially leading to a catastrophic collapse.
* The issue was addressed through a confidential emergency repair program in which steel plates were welded over the vulnerable joints, often at night to avoid public panic. The building was also temporarily monitored for severe weather. The repairs were completed successfully, and no collapse occurred. The incident is now a landmark case in engineering ethics, highlighting the responsibility of engineers to act decisively when public safety is at risk.
NO COMMOM SENSE
ANALYZE THE EXAMPLE
* Which supports and barriers were in play?
* What were the dynamics?
* Who, or what, won the Tug-of-War?
* Discuss the outcome with your friends and family.
* Use Post #4 as a reference for the relationships and dynamics between supports and barriers.
