Boston Central Artery 
Ceiling Panel Failures 

Requirements for investigating ceiling panel failures, Boston Central Artery:

• design (context)

  1. engineering design standards

  2. eminent and imminent safety considerations & standards

  3. associated and inescapable moral responsibilities 

• design (content)

  1. engineering calculations 

  2. strength & deformability of mechanical components

  3. practical establishment of factors of safety (standards & calculations)

• construction,

  1. specifications

  2. shop drawings

  3. modifications & approval

  4. conformance during installation

  5. inspection & testing

  6. procedural responsibilities

• TOTALLY independent investigator / investigation (never having been associated with any of the parties involved)

Questions to be asked:

• what was basis of:

  • design,

  • the specifications,

  • modification (if any),

  • approval of modifications and/or shop drawings,

  • construction/installation, and

  • approval of final installation?

• what was the role (paid function) of the designers, inspectors, construction managers, and contractors?

• what was the hierarchy of responsibility?