About the author  ⁄ Randall P. Bernhardt, P.E., S.E.

Randall P. Bernhardt, P.E., S.E., is a Senior Consultant for forensic structural engineering in the St. Louis, Missouri Office of Engineering Systems Inc. He has been active in structural engineering licensure issues and chairs the Structural Engineering Institute’s Professional Activities Committee. He is also a member of the Structural Engineering Licensure Coalition and the NCSEA Licensing Committee. He can be reached at rpbernhardt@engsys.com.

It was a time of celebration at the Kansas City Hyatt on July 17, 1981, 35 years ago. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people were in attendance at the Tea Dance, enjoying the band, the music, the food, the drink and the dance contest. Unfortunately, what began as an evening of celebration would be remembered for the tragic deaths resulting from the most catastrophic failure of a structural connection in the United States.

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Volunteer professional organizations occupy a significant role in the business, education, regulation and licensure of structural engineering. These groups provide a positive influence from the professionals’ vantage on the laws, integrity and quality of our careers and act as stewards for the profession. Over the years, several organizations focusing on structural engineering have addressed separately the many issues surrounding the practice.

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