Structural Forensic Engineering
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 – 4:45 pm
Introduction – Examining the Role of Forensic Engineering
Causes and consequences of structural failures
Importance of good design
Impact of codes and standards
• Understanding the differences between codes, standards,regulations and guidelines
Legal and economic impacts of failures
• Construction delays, loss of income, etc.
Results and consequences of forensic engineering
Understanding the Forensic Engineering Process
Documenting the failure
Conducting investigation and research
Test protocols and tests
Determining causation and responsibility
Learning from failure
Preparing the Forensic Engineering Report
Identifying the report’s purpose and its audience
Examining content
Organizing the report
• Methodology
Evaluating sample reports
Understanding Causes of Structural Failures
Material deficiencies
Design errors
Construction errors
Excessive loadings
Deterioration and degradation
Forensic Examination of Structures
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 Information in Litigation
Understanding the role of attorney and expert
• Various roles of experts
Presenting forensic engineering information as an expert witness
Retainer agreements
Methodology (ASTM)
Responding to expert reports
Plaintiff v. defense
Time lines
Understanding discovery procedures and litigation terminology
Depositions, arbitrations and trials
Offering testimony as an expert witness
Understanding Daubert, Frye and Net opinions
Credits
Architects
6.5 HSW Contact Hours
6.5 AIA HSW Learning Units
Professional Engineers
6.5 Contact Hours/PDHs
Contractors
Non-Mandatory Cont. Ed.
Continuing Education Credit Information
This seminar is open to the public and offers up to 6.5 HSW continuing education hours to architects and 6.5 PDHs to professional engineers in most states.
HalfMoon Education is deemed a New York-approved continuing education provider for architects via its affiliation with the American Institute of Architects. HalfMoon Education is an approved continuing education provider for New York engineers (NYSED Sponsor No. 35) and New Jersey engineers (Approval No. 24GP00000700).
This event is approved by the American Institute of Architects for 6.5 HSW Learning Units (Sponsor No. J885). Courses approved by the AIA qualify for New Jersey architects.
HalfMoon Education is also an approved continuing education provider for Florida architects, and Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and North Dakota engineers.
This event offers a continuing education opportunity to construction contractors, but it has not been approved by any state with a continuing education requirement for contractors.
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the seminar for most individuals who complete the entire event. Attendance certificates not available at the seminar will be mailed to participants within fifteen business days.
Speakers
Jody DeMarco
Forensic Consultants of North America, LLCEngineering Manager, Forensic Consultants of North America, LLCMr. DeMarco has more than 25 years of civil and structural engineering experience encompassing commercial and residential design and construction, roadway/highway design and construction, bridge design and construction, site/civil design, forensic investigations, litigation support and expert testimony. As engineering manager at Forensic Consultants of North America, LLC, Mr. DeMarco is responsible for engineering oversight of the company and preparation of all engineering documents. He performs engineering investigations and inspections and provides expert testimony in the analysis of various types of failures, including personal injury and property damage involving civil and structural components. He is a member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. DeMarco earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University.