forensic engineering - west...
TRANSCRIPT
Forensic EngineeringWhat is it? How does it Benefit Society?
Toronto West ChapterJune 22, 2016
Ron Koerth, B.A.Sc., MBA., P.Eng 1 800 368 1700 www.giffinkoerth.com
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Private SectorDetermine Liability and/or
• Design
• Material
• Installation
• Use
• Other
Public Sector (MOL, Police, Fire Marshal, etc.)
Determine Liability
• Criminal Charges or Fines
• Protect the Public
Forensic Engineering
Determine Damages
• How much is someone owed
Forensic Engineering
Benefits to Society
Harms Engineering Inc.
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Forensic Engineering
Structural Collapse
Forensic Engineering
Product Failure / Materials Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Mechanical Failure
Forensic Engineering
Road Assessment/Signage
Forensic Engineering
Road Assessment/Signage
Forensic Engineering
Collision Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering
Fire Investigation
Forensic Engineering
Personal Injury
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FORENSIC ENGINEERING OR FAILURE ANALYSIS?
What’s the difference?
Forensics: “of the courts” or “for public debate”
Answering the question “To whom does your duty
prevail?” determines what you are doing
No “Jacks-of-all-Trades” Wanted
Forensic Engineering
Type of Engineers Involved
In the “old days” there were only two types of engineers:
• Military engineer
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• Civil engineerOR
The Role of the Engineering Expert
• Typically large volumes of documentation need to be reviewed
The Role of the Engineering Expert
• Gather data from site, tests, laboratory examinations,
witnesses
• Interpretation and analysis
• Communication of findings:
– Verbal initially to allow client to decide “next move”
– Written report, if required, should be fair and objective
• Testify (if necessary)
No “sugarcoating” of findings
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No Hired Guns Wanted
Forensic Engineering
Presentation of Findings
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Expert Witnessing
The Duty to Report
• How does the engineer's Duty to Report factor in to Forensic
Engineering Investigations?
Forensic Engineering
Sample Cases
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
FORENSIC ENGINEERING
Summary:
• Forensic engineering involves an investigation that
will or could be “aired out in public”
• The forensic engineer has a duty to the courts, not
his or her employer
• The Duty to Report still holds
• With the complexity of our world today more
specialized engineering is often required
• The proper allocation of liability and damages
benefits society by product improvement, policy
change, and elimination of “bad parties”
QUESTIONS?