- Author
- Wright, R. N.
- Title
- Think Metric.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Journal
- Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 118, No. 12, 3253-3254, December 1992
- Keywords
- structural engineering
- Abstract
- The modern metric system of measurement, Le Systeme International d'Unites (SI), is coming to structural engineering practice. Federal agencies are required by law to have implemented SI procurements, specifications, grants, etc. by September 30, 1992. Perhaps the most important challenge this brings to structural engineers is having to learn to think quantitatively and exert good engineering judgment in metric units. When we consider computer output or review plans, we must be independently critical of the reasonableness of the results, and not allow our own or others' blunders to pass unquestioned because of unfamiliarity with units.