3. Engineer as Expert Witness - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia€¦ · Data Gathering and...

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MKAR 1013

Principle of Forensic Engineering

Prof. Dr. Mohammad bin Ismail Prof. Azlan

3. Engineer as Expert Witness


Learning Outcome

At the end of the course students should be able

to understand:

• What is forensic engineering/

• Qualification


References

1. Carper, K.L. 1986, “Forensic Engineering”, Elsevier Science Pub. Co.

2. Ward, J.S. 1986, “What is Forensic Engineer? In Forensic Engineering: Learning from failures, ASCE, New York


INVESTIGATION

● Forensic engineers performing investigations should specialize in the specific field of the investigation and should use valid and reliable investigation methods


Prospective client identification and conflict of interest clearance

● Forensic engineer should limit the initial communication with the prospective client to identification of all interested parties and confirmation that a conflict does not exist

● Should avoid any discussion of details associated with the potential assignment until such time.

● Because a percentage of failure investigations involve some sort of litigation, all documented communication, written or electronic may be discoverable; therefore, any miscommunication that may be incorrectly documented may require explanation if litigation ensues.


The scope of Assignment

● After the forensic engineer accepts the assignment, discussion of details surrounding the incident are appropriate.

● It is at this stage of the investigation that the engineer and the client can establish and understanding of the scope of the assignment and the focus or initial focus of the investigation

● The investigator should be mindful of time and financial constraints.


Background information Review and Relevant Research

● Following the initial client communication, the Forensic engineer should obtain copies of all relevant print documents or other media

● These documents may include plans, calculation sheets, expert reports, past repair or remodeling documents, photographs taken of the site in the past, and loading history of the structure including significant loading such as earthquake or hurricanes to which the facility may have been subjected

● These documents will assist in the planning and scheduling of the investigation effort and will provide direction for the data gathering, equipment requirements, and length of time required to conduct the fieldwork.


Initial Inspection, Examination or Review

● Failure investigations may involve some kind of litigation. In these cases, once agreements for forensic services are executed, the engineer should perform a preliminary site visit or document review to determine whether initial findings can support the client’s position.

● Fieldwork is to provide physical access to the scene of a failure and to allow direct appraisal of the subject of the investigation

● Systematic and methodical field investigations provide the data and evidence to assist the engineering analysis and any laboratory study to identify the causes of failure


Initial Inspection, Examination or Review

● An extensive/complex incident may require a preliminary site visit to allow forensic engineers to familiarize themselves with the scope and magnitude of the incident so they can identify any additional resources that may be required for thorough analysis

● Scheduling and logistics may prevent experts or consultants retained by all interested parties from participating in an initial site visit.


Scheduling

● Scheduling of a site inspection is dependent on the site conditions, staff and equipment availability, accessibility, time and travel requirements of the specific client, and the assignment type

● In situations involving structural collapse or partial collapse, immediate temporary shoring and stabilization of the structure concurrent with debris removal may required for safety and to allow recovery, retrieval, and reconstruction


Data Gathering and Documentation

● Process of data gathering data varies with cases

● Investigation of vehicle crash may allow only a few hours. Investigation of building distress due to soil settlements or expansion can take months to several years

● Sketches and notes are useful in conjunction with photographs or video

● An investigator can obtain an aerial map of the project site and may even use them to estimate dimensions of the subject buildings


Photograph and Video

● Photography is a required tool in documenting site conditions

● It is essential for documentation of patterns, measurements, damages, and scale when objects of known size are included

● A good practice is to include a marked scale in the frame of the photographs

● Site photos should include various perspectives and distances – enable the investigator to visualize.

● All specific item/conditions – min 2 photos distant and close up

● Enhancement of photo should include a note on what modification or enhancement

● Videography can provide detailed description and documentation of conditions at the scene. With/without audio


Interviews

● Evidence can be obtained through eyewitness interviews.

● Can provide data unavailable through other sources

● Information should carefully evaluated and cautiously accepted

● May be useful to the study and patterns of repetitive damages or occurrences.

● Recording is recommended and usually requires permission from the party being investigated

● Should conduct interview ASAP.

● Distribute questionnaires.


EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND AVAILABILITY

● Typical equipment used for project might include still cameras, video recorders, metal detectors, construction levels, manometers, distance measurement devices, x-ray equipment, ground penetration radar, infrared camera, ultrasonic impact echo unit, moisture and chemical detectors, surveying equipment, power tool, temperature and pressure monitors, and other special equipment


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mutiara hadith

Daripada Abu Musa r.a., meriwayatkan bahawa baginda Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: Perumpamaan ilmu dan hidayah yang dengannya aku diutus oleh Allah SWT adalah seumpama satu hujan lebat yang menimpa bumi. (Bumi terbahagi kepada tiga tanah) ● Pertama ialah tanah baik, lembut dan menyerap air yang kerananya tanah menjadi subur,

menumbuhkan tumbuh-tumbuhan yang banyak. ● Kedua ialah tanah yang keras tidak menyerap air tetapi dapat mengumpulkan air bagi

keperluan manusia, binatang ternak dan tanam-tanaman yang lain. ● Ketiga ialah tanah yang keras yang tidak menyerap dan tidak dapat mengumpulkan air dan

tidak menumbuhkan tanam-tanaman. (Begitulah dengan manusia yang terbahagi kepada tiga golongan): ● Mereka yang diberi faham agama dan mendapat hidayah. Dengan hidayah itu mereka

mengenaliku, mendapat manfaat dengan ilmu yang diberikan Allah SWT kepadaku. Mereka belajar dan mengajarkan kepada orang lain.

● (Golongan kedua) ialah yang tidak mengambil manfaat bagi dirinya tetapi orang lain dapat manfaat darinya.

● (Golongan ketiga) ialah orang yang tidak peduli dirinya dan tidak mendapat hidayah Allah SWT apa yang diturunkan melalui aku.

(Hadis Riwayat Bukhari).


SUMMARY

● Don’t keep quiet (diam)

● Good Manners

● Follow Schedule of work

● Time management

● Do not avoid Meeting

● Follow development


The only way you do great work is to love what you do!

Stay hungry! Stay foolish!

Steve Jobs (2005)

3. Engineer as Expert Witness - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia€¦ · Data Gathering and...

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