Structural engineers are primarily concerned about accelerating construction timelines and the lack of infrastructure maintenance, according to a recent National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) survey. The pressure to speed up projects (42%) and the deferral of essential repairs (41%) are seen as major safety hazards.
The push for faster project completion can lead to compounded errors, especially if architects’ designs are incomplete and contractors are rushed due to labor shortages. Chris Cerino, NCSEA president, emphasizes that a strong safety culture and progressive design-build methods can mitigate these risks by allowing for adequate time and review.
Aging infrastructure also presents significant challenges. Many structures are well past their intended lifespan, exacerbated by climate change. Despite recent federal investments like the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, there remains a substantial repair gap, with funding set to expire by 2026.
Cerino advocates for updated building codes and standards to address evolving hazards and ensure safer, more resilient infrastructure. The need for ongoing federal, state, and local collaboration is critical to address these issues effectively.
A recent NCSEA survey highlights pressing concerns for structural engineers: accelerating construction timelines and insufficient infrastructure maintenance. With 42% of engineers noting the pressure to hasten projects and 41% pointing to deferred repairs as major safety hazards, the industry faces compounded risks. Incomplete designs and rushed work, driven by labor shortages, exacerbate these issues. Chris Cerino, NCSEA president, stresses the importance of a strong safety culture and innovative design-build approaches to manage these risks effectively. Aging infrastructure, worsened by climate change, further complicates the situation, despite recent federal investments. Cerino calls for updated building codes and continued collaboration to address these critical challenges.
