Date of Graduation

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Coffman, Richard A.

Committee Member/Reader

Bernhardt, Michelle L.

Committee Member/Second Reader

Hale, Micah

Abstract

Like the number of earthquakes felt in Oklahoma, the number of media reports regarding large-magnitude earthquakes in Oklahoma has increased in recent years. News headlines that mention property damage and question who is responsible have sparked heated debated. In this document, a discussion is presented over the responsibility of engineers for the public’s safety in relation to earthquakes. Input from various groups is discussed, the action taken in Oklahoma is outlined, and ethical obligations presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers are considered. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a major grievance against building-code committees, but many factors are at play in the organizational structure missing to ensure the public’s safety within an evolving world of induced seismicity. This report was prepared to increase awareness about public safety, the amount of hazard to the public, the methods currently being used to reduce the amount of hazard to the public – in the area of interest and in other areas, and to answer questions about what types of improvements need to be made and by whom.

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