The 2003 Benjamin Franklin Medal in civil engineering presented to Charles H. Thornton

The world is a more interesting and safer place to live because of the efforts of Dr. Charles H. Thornton. Throughout his career Dr. Thornton has been able to translate simple structural elements into unique solutions for the construction of long-span structures and high-rise buildings. His leadership role in the analysis of structural failures and his translation of knowledge obtained from the analysis of these events has clearly provided the public with safer structures. Dr. Thornton has also been a leader in the motivation of high school students to pursue careers in engineering, architecture and construction.