Primer on Engineering Standards

Preface

Engineering principles including classical and numerical analysis as well as other engineering techniques are essential for the engineer to perform various designs. However, as society gets more interdependent and the common implements of daily life more complex and sophisticated, standards become more and more indispensable as additional engineering tools. This book introduces the concept of standards as well as their impact and value. It includes a brief history of standards and it addresses the different ways in which they come about. Some of the chapters discuss the role of government in creating standards as well as the processes by which nongovernmental standards are produced. Other chapters discuss the different types and applications of standards, how interpretations of standards are obtained, the problem of how to ensure conformity with standards, and what might be done when conformity cannot be attained.

Some characteristics of a “good standard” are presented, along with some pitfalls to avoid in producing a standard. Benefits of getting involved in the standards development process are explained, along with pointers on both selecting a standards organization to get involved with and how to go about it. This book provides a short synopsis of “Standards” to enable the reader get a quick understanding of the various aspects, ramifications, and implications of standards. It consists of eleven chapters and four appendices. Various case studies are included to help ...