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Fukushima Dai-Ichi: When Culture Trumps Engineering Judgment and the Scientific Method
Nov 30, 2021 | Articles, Professional Practice, Systems Thinking & Complexity Theory
In recent articles1, MDC Systems® has examined the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant explosion and meltdown disaster. Recently a Japanese investigative report2 has provided new insight into the cultural conditions which precipitated the disaster and contributed to the expanse and breadth of the effects of the continuing radiation contamination. While it is well-known that a tsunami generated from a powerful undersea earthquake initiated the incident, what has been difficult to understand is how a modern society with very sophisticated engineering and management skills ignored established nuclear industry standards and practices (Design Basis Events) and safety guidance (Station Blackout) norms and failed to anticipate the events that occurred leading to the nuclear plant meltdown conditions.
Meet the Experts: Lawrence Poli, PE
Nov 29, 2021 |
MDC Systems® Consulting EngineerLarry has worked for MDC Systems since 1986. During that time, he...

What Corporate Counsel Needs to Know About Buying and Renovating Properties With Asbestos: Practical Strategies
Nov 29, 2021 | Articles, Owner Issues
Originally printed in The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, April 1999
When legislation passed Congress 15 years ago, requiring schools to be inspected for asbestos, a new industry was born. Surveying the nation’s schools was a big task, performed in the public eye. This article looks at the evolution of trends and public perception relating to asbestos abatement in management, abatement methods, pricing, competition, health risk, legal liability, and court precedent.

Marcellus Shale: Future Energy Source or Fracking Mess?
Nov 29, 2021 | Articles, Technology
Written by Don Keer, PE, MDCSystems® Consulting Engineer The Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit...