What does "engineering judgment" refer to in code calculations?

Engineering judgment refers to the ability of an engineer to apply their experience, knowledge, and understanding of engineering principles to make informed decisions, particularly in situations where strict codes or guidelines may not provide clear-cut answers. This involves analyzing complex scenarios, weighing various factors, and determining the best approach based on both technical aspects and practical considerations.

This concept is crucial because codes and standards provide essential guidelines but may not cover every unique situation encountered in real-world applications. An engineer might find themselves in a scenario that requires a nuanced approach, where code provisions may be too rigid or do not fully address the specifics of the challenge at hand. In such cases, the engineer's judgment and past experiences play a critical role in navigating these challenges safely and effectively.

In contrast, the selection of materials for efficiency, compliance checks by building inspectors, and project cost estimations, while all important aspects of engineering practice, do not encapsulate the broader and more nuanced decision-making process involved in leveraging engineering judgment.