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Causes of Failure: What a Forensic Engineer Looks For (cont'd)
By Joseph S.C. Bonadiman, Ph.D., P.E., CEO and Chairman of Joseph E. Bonadiman & Associates, Inc.
Surveying - Faulty Site Layout
Every construction project needs to be laid out using surveying methods. Even though the task of surveying is usually rendered to a lesser position by engineers and architects, it is one of the most critical parts of the construction process because it occurs before the actual site work begins. Proper site surveying allows construction to go ahead smoothly, while improper surveying may lead to continual problems throughout the construction process. Surveying errors can range from ending up with birdbaths in paved areas to locating a building on the wrong property. Where the birdbath error may be easily corrected at little cost, positioning the building incorrectly could cause disastrous results with substantial costs and liability and delay the project for months to years. Improperly laying out the foundation of a building is another example of a surveying error that can cause problems from the start of construction through project completion. If the foundation is not accurately laid out and the building is not level or is slightly skewed, construction problems will start as soon as work on columns and/or exterior walls begins and carry through until the roof is constructed. Unfortunately, some contractors will continue the construction process even after they realize that their building was not properly staked, hoping that they can mitigate the problem without incurring the cost of reconstructing the foundations. Invariably this is not successful, and at some point in the process frustrations may reach a point that a lawsuit is filed.
Even though improper surveying is an item that is usually quite evident and easy for a forensic engineer to diagnose, the argument arises about whether the contractor improperly read the construction survey or the surveyor erred in his or her survey. Properly investigating the total procedures will usually reveal who is at error. If the errors are discovered early enough the forensic engineer may, based on his or her experience, assist in developing a plan that will negate the error.
It is evident that all the items above can be expanded, based on each person’s experience and through the use of examples. However, whatever list one develops to check for failures, forensic engineers need to be thorough in their inspections, taking whatever time they feel is necessary to complete those investigations thoroughly. The forensic engineer’s client, who is accumulating substantial costs with attorneys and other witnesses, may put pressure on the engineer to speed up the investigation. This is always an unwise move. A proper investigation ends up saving money for all parties in the long run, while providing a valuable service to the client and attorney. This service also extends to the judge and jury who will rely on the expert’s testimony to be true, accurate, and complete.
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