Forensic Engineering Fundamentals

Forensic engineers often specialize in a particular area such as structures, fires, or accident reconstruction. However, the nature of the work often requires broad knowledge in the interrelated areas of physics, chemistry, biomechanics, and engineering. Covering cases as varied as assessment of workplace accidents to the investigation of Halliburt

Engineering Standards for Forensic Application presents the technologies and law precedents for the application of engineering standards to forensic opinions, discussing Fundamentals, Disciplines, Engineering Standards, The Basics and the Future of Forensics. The book explores the engineering standard and how it is used by experts to give opinions that are introduced into evidence, and how they are assumed to be the best evidence known on the topic at hand. Final sections include coverage of NFL Brain Injuries and the Flint Water Crisis. Examples of the use of engineering standards are shown and discussed throughout the work. Addresses a wide variety of forensic engineering areas, including relevant law Provides a new approach of study that includes the work of both engineers and litigators Contains contributions from over 40 experts, offering the reader examples of general forensic methods that are based on reliable engineering practice

Sponsored by the Forensic Engineering Practice Committee of the Technical Council on Forensic Engineering of ASCE. This report provides the fundamentals of developing a practice that includes forensic engineering. Within the broad field of civil engineering, forensic engineering involves the investigation of performance, difficulties, or failures of buildings, structures, pipelines, foundations, airplanes, manufacturing equipment, vehicles, bridges, flood control facilities, and other engineered products. This report covers five general topics important to the practice of forensic engineering. "Qualifications" addresses commonly accepted education and experience requirements for forensic engineers. Various aspects of federal and state law are cited with an expanded section on admissibility. and disqualifications are discussed. "Investigations" shows the typical aspects of physically carrying out a forensic investigation, such as the handling of evidence for subsequent courtroom presentation. "Ethics" fulfills a professional charge to promulgate guidelines for ethical behavior of the forensic engineer. "Legal" gives a brief overview of the court system as it applies to the construction industry, including the role of the forensic engineer as an expert witness. "Business" describes the nontechnical management side of forensic engineering practices; the marketing of forensic engineering services within an acceptable ethical scheme is encouraged.

This book recognizes and discusses the fact that, while collapses are the most spectacular type of failures covered in the field of forensic engineering, the discipline also includes, for example, the investigation of failures in serviceability as well as performance during construction and over the lifespan of the structures.

This edition of Forensic Engineering updates the original work with new case studies and investigative techniques. Contributors to the book are the foremost authorities in each area of specialization. These specialty areas include fire investigation, industrial accidents, product liability, traffic accidents, civil engineering and transportation disasters, and environmental systems failures. Each chapter includes discussions of guidelines, techniques, methods, and tools employed in accident investigation and analysis. In addition, the book contains vital information on forensic photogrammetry, the planning and writing of reports, and the presentation of evidence as an expert witness in traditional litigation. The book also analyzes the role of the forensic engineer in the evolving methods of alternate dispute resolution. Overall, Forensic Engineering is a tremendously valuable reference for forensic experts practicing in all engineering fields, as well as design and construction professionals, attorneys, product manufacturers, and insurance professionals. It is also as an excellent supplemental text for engineering and law students.

Forensic Engineering Investigation is a compendium of the investigative methodologies used by engineers and scientific investigators to evaluate some of the more common types of failures and catastrophic events. In essence, the book provides analyses and methods for determining how an entity was damaged and when that damage may have legal consequen

Forensic engineering is generally defined as the application of engineering principles and methodology to answer questions of fact that may have legal ramifications. This new book provides an introduction to the science, methodology, and engineering principles involved in the diagnosis of some common types of accidents and failures, such as fires, explosions, automobile accidents, storm damage, industrial accidents, slips and falls, arson, water pipe damage and more. Each chapter stands alone and can be read without reference to the others. The chapters have been written so that non-technical professionals can easily digest the information and immediately apply it. The book will also be useful to technical professionals who are unfamiliar with particular investigative methodology or technical points of interest. Introduction to Forensic Engineering will benefit lawyers, insurance investigators, engineers, and other professionals who must handle investigative and legal aspects of accidents or failures.

A complete, up-to-date guide for forensic engineers Fully revised and packed with current case studies, Forensic Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering, Second Edition provides a step-by-step approach to conducting a professional forensic geotechnical and foundation investigation. This authoritative resource explains how to: Investigate damage, deterioration, and collapse in a structure Determine what caused the damage Develop repair recommendations Diagnose cracks Prepare files and reports Avoid civil liability Helpful charts and photographs aid in your understanding of the material covered. With expert advice on all aspects of the process--from accepting the assignment to delivering compelling testimony--this is a practical, all-in-one guide to geotechnical and foundation investigations in forensic engineering. Explains how to investigate damage due to: Settlement of structures * Expansive soil * Lateral Movement * Earthquakes * Erosion * Deterioration * Bearing Capacity Failures * Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete Foundations * Timber Decay * Soluble Soil * Groundwater and Moisture Problems * And Other Causes