Print this page Basics on Forensic Engineering - Part IV
Ruben A. Gomez, P.E.
Course Outline
On this Part IV the reader will go one step further into the forensic engineering investigative process and learn how to consider all possibilities and how to select the right answer after going through an elimination process. Furthermore, after studying the entire course, he will learn the path to becoming an expert witness, as the culmination and highest challenge of his career as a forensic engineer.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
After the study completion of Parts I, II, III and IV, the reader will be able to accomplish the following objectives:
- Self-examination to determine his own potential and worthiness as a forensic engineer;
- How to collect relevant information at the site without wasting time on trivial search;
- How to prepare a professional report suitable to all users;
- Learn how to get into the discipline of evidence flow analysis;
- Learn to differentiate trivial field details from meaningful evidence; and
- How to develop familiarity with procedures and methodology of the profession.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers of all disciplines, architects and/or general contractors.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendees not only will be able to assess their suitability of character and personality to fill in the shoes of a forensic engineer, architect or contractor, but also to determine if they have the endurance and the fortitude of character to stand a direct attack against their professional integrity and personal standing.
Course Introduction
We have described before the many qualities that are desirable and necessary in the forensic engineer, however, none is as desirable to measure his suitability than that of possessing high ethical and moral standards, for those principles are put to the test more often than in any other endeavor.
Since he is in the position to adversely affect the assets and reputation of others, his role should not be taken lightly. He must be able to maintain objectivity and impartiality in his seeking of the facts and the truth. Such objectivity also implies the ability to discard all pre-conceived notions and “gut feelings” when the facts do not support the preliminary hypotheses. In sum, forensic engineering is not a profession for “stubborn know-it-alls”, but for those willing to examine all the possibilities before they can reach reasonable conclusions.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Basics on Forensic Engineering - Part IV
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Course Summary
This course describes in detail the contents of the typical report and everyone of its basic parts, in such a way that it is comprehensible to the many users down the chain of users.
A case history is amply described and discussed. The floor concrete slab of a parking garage was in the process of repair without the proper anticipatory measures. When the thickness of said slab was reduced to less of what the slab was able to sustain, a progressive collapse took place affecting twenty-one contiguous bays.
One of the standing questions revolved around the matter of responsibility, was there negligence on part of the contractor, the engineer-of-record, or perhaps they were both guilty of negligence. You will find that out by reading this Part IV.
Related Links and References
For additional related technical information on this subject we recommend the latest edition of:
ACI Standard Practice for Design of Structural Concrete.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
