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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.
Summary
- Be thorough in your investigation.
- Proper communication is vital and should be given close attention.
- Careful inspection during construction is important, and good note keeping, photographs, etc., are essential.
- Verify that adequate fees were charged for the project.
- The more complex a project, the more time and care one should take regarding this inspection.
- Verify that proper construction methods were used.Be particularly observant when working on/investigating projects with innovative designs.
- Verify the source and accuracy of computer programs.
- Check records to verify adequate supervision on the project.
- Review all quality control and peer- review procedures.
- Check inspection records for thoroughness.
- When necessary, verify the accuracy of the initial survey.
Endnotes
- Batching is weighing or measuring a volume of ingredients and then mixing the various ingredients together.
- A surcharge is when an additional load is placed in such a way as to add a force to an object.
- ICBO stands for International Council of Building Officials. The article that bears their stamp shows preapproval and needs no additional certifications.
- In engineering and architecture, non-professionals (un-licensed personnel) would be CADD operators, draftsmen, delineators, etc.
- These are usually persons who have obtained their knowledge from “on the job training.” Some will be formally educated apprentices.
- The phrase “responsible charge of work” means the independent control and direction, by the use of initiative, skill, and independent judgment, of the investigation or design of professional engineering work or the direct engineering control of such projects. The phrase does not refer to the concept of financial liability. (From the Professional Engineers Act, 1998, State of California.)
- This insurance usually carries a deductible and insures against faulty plans and specifications that lead to liability against the design professional.
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About the Author
Dr. Bonadiman is an ACFEI member, a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Nevada and Colorado, and the President of a 62-year-old engineering firm located in Southern California.
He is the editor of CIVILDESIGN®/CIVILCADD® Pipe Network Analysis and CIVILDESIGN® Computer Aided Design and Drafting. He is actively involved in providing forensic services in civil engineering and construction cases.
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