Ralph Brazelton Peck

Ralph Brazelton Peck (June 23, 1912 – February 18, 2008) was an eminent civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1975 "for his development of the science and art of subsurface engineering, combining the contributions of the sciences of geology and soil mechanics with the practical art of foundation design."

Sourced

 * If you can’t reduce a difficult engineering problem to just one 8-1/2 x 11-inch sheet of paper, you will probably never understand it.
 * as quoted by

On Design
 * Simple calculations based on a range of variables are better than elaborate ones based on limited input.
 * as taken by Professor Ralph Peck's Legacy Website

On Observation and Instrumentation
 * Indeed, in my judgment, the simplest measurements are always the best because they have the least possibility for error and the greatest likelihood of survival.
 * as taken by Professor Ralph Peck's Legacy Website

On Research
 * The most fruitful research grows out of practical problems.
 * as taken by Professor Ralph Peck's Legacy Website