Dear Colleagues,
When we are involved in the project delivery for complex facilities, programming/planning is key for specifying product attributes. Considering the complexity of nuclear facilities, it is prudent to invest in extensive work at the pre-design phases.
The whole situation has emerged mostly because at the programming/planning phase the threat of a very high tsunami was not considered seriously. It is quite astonishing, keeping in mind that in Japanese history and folklore there are vivid images of tsunami waves much higher than the present one. With my sporadic knowledge about Japanese tsunami disasters, I would have taken precautions for a 100 feet high wave. Practically speaking, the power plant should have been designed as a nuclear-powered ship.
I would not blame the engineers. This is not a design error, but a programming/planning error. The specifications/problems/requirements were not defined correctly. A good engineer may or may not be a good programmer. Programming requires different skills that the typical design skills.
This is a good case for empowering the emergence of an autonomous programming profession separate from core design. Programmers will have a more focused program of study and more experience with the specification of product attributes, qualities, and requirements.
Best wishes,
Lubomir
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