Agenda

Registration:                    8:00 – 8:30 am

Morning Session:             8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch (On your own):       12:00 – 1:00 pm

Afternoon Session:           1:00 – 4:30 pm

Examining the Role of Structural Forensic Engineering
R. Bernhardt

   Causes and consequences of structural failures
   Finding the right engineer for the job
   Legal and economic impacts of failures
   Results and consequences of forensic engineering
   Structural engineering basics

Understanding the Forensic Engineering Process
R. Bernhardt

   Understanding the scope and requirements of the client
   Data collection – document search
   Data collection – field investigation, documenting the failure
   Tools used to collect field data
   Test protocols and tests
   Structural modeling and analysis
   Impact of codes and standards
   Determining causation and responsibility

Ordering and Reviewing the Forensic Engineering Report
R. Bernhardt

   When is a report needed
   Specifying the report’s purpose and its audience
   Ordering the report
   Words to use and not use
   Reviewing the report

Understanding Causes of Structural Failures
R. Bernhardt

   Lessons learned from historic failures
   Design errors
   Defective construction
   Material deficiencies
   Excessive loadings
   Deterioration and degradation

Forensic Examination of Structures
R. Bernhardt

   Investigation of steel structures
   Investigation of wood structures
   Investigation of concrete structures
   Investigation of masonry and building facades
   Load testing and instrumentation of existing structures

Using Forensic Engineering and Architecture Information in Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation
F. Ludwig

   Using forensic engineering reports in dispute resolution
   Examining a forensic engineering expert
   Examining an opposing expert