Guidelines for Failure Investigation

Description

Contents Preface Contributors Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Functions and Responsibilities of the Forensic Engineer 1.1 Introduction to Forensic Engineering 1.2 Need for Failure Investigations 1.3 The Forensic Engineering Investigative Process 1.4 The Principal Investigator 1.4.1 Knowledge of the Field of Expertise 1.4.2 Qualities of Character 1.5 The Legal Environment 1.6 Conclusion Chapter 2: Investigation Planning and Coordination 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Initial Project Planning 2.2.1 Conflict of Interest 2.2.2 Preliminary Research 2.2.3 Scope of Work and Staffing 2.2.4 Site Conditions and Life Safety Issues 2.2.5 Budget Estimates 2.3 Agreement 2.4 Initial Document Collection and Research 2.5 Initial Site Visit or Investigation 2.5.1 Initial Site Visit Preparation and Staffing 2.5.2 Information Gathering 2.5.3 Evaluation of Investigation Scope and Client Debriefing Chapter 3: Data Collection 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Field Investigation 3.2.1 Data Collection Methods 3.2.2 Laser Scanning and Drone Photography 3.2.3 Data Sampling 3.2.4 Data Collection for the Small Investigation 3.3 Types of Data 3.4 Preserving and Maintaining Data 3.5 Data from Documents 3.5.1 Contract Documents 3.5.2 Documents During and after Construction 3.6 Data from Independent Investigation and Research 3.6.1 Weather Records 3.6.2 Maintenance and Repair Records 3.6.3 Building Department Permits, Violations, and Public Documents 3.6.4 Internet Search 3.6.5 Historical Information and Visual Documentation 3.6.6 Literature Search 3.7 Eyewitness Accounts 3.8 Digital Records Chapter 4: Development of Testing Protocol 4.1 Evaluating the need to perform testing 4.2 Applicable standards for testing 4.3 Qualifications of the testing personnel 4.4 Calibration of the testing equipment 4.5 Destructive versus nondestructive testing 4.6 Field versus laboratory testing 4.6.1 Field Testing 4.6.2 Laboratory Testing 4.6.3 Mock-ups 4.7 Sample collection 4.7.1 Determining Sample Size and Distribution 4.7.2 Methods of Sample Selection 4.7.3 Budgetary Considerations 4.7.4 Methods of Sampling by Material Type for Conducting Laboratory Tests 4.7.5 Example of a Generic Sample Collection Protocol 4.8 Reporting the results for use in the investigation Chapter 5: Data Analysis and Interpretation 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Data Analysis 5.3 Development of Failure Hypotheses 5.3.1 Keeping an Open Mind 5.4 Failure Profile and Classification of Failures 5.4.1 Time Phase of Failure 5.4.2 Types of Failures 5.4.3 Causes of Failures 5.5 Testing Hypotheses 5.5.1 Computer Modeling and Analysis 5.5.2 Material and Assembly Testing 5.5.3 Cognitive Testing 5.6 Developing Conclusions Chapter 6: Forensic Engineering Reports 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Purpose and Use of the Report 6.2.1 The Report as Part of the Dispute Resolution Process 6.2.2 Purpose of the Report 6.2.3 Use of the Report 6.3 Report Content and Organization 6.3.1 Report Content 6.3.2 Report Organization 6.4 Strategies for Preparing Effective Expert Reports 6.4.1 Wait for Authorization to Begin Writing 6.4.2 Stay Within Your Assigned Scope 6.4.3 Stay Within Your Area of Expertise 6.4.4 Identify the Questions Your Opinions Should Address 6.4.5 Strive for Focus, Accuracy and Simplicity 6.4.6 Document the Basis of All Statements 6.4.7 Anticipate and Address Opponent's Challenges 6.4.8 Address Assertions in Opponent's Claims and Reports 6.4.9 Avoid Absolute Words 6.4.10 Avoid Hyperbole 6.4.11 Avoid or Define Ambiguous Words 6.4.12 Use Quotes Rather Than Paraphrasing 6.4.13 Use Engineering Judgment Appropriately 6.4.14 Use Appropriate Graphics 6.4.15 Cite and Append Supporting Materials Appendix A: Code of Ethics1 Appendix B: Glossary of Terms Appendix C: Additional Recommended Reading Index