Forensic Engineering

Forensic Engineering

 

Per the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Forensic Engineering is defined as, “the application of engineering principles to the investigation of failures or other performance problems. Forensic engineering also involves testimony on the findings of these investigations before a court of law or other judicial forum, when required.”

When applied outside the field of construction and design defects to include topics of aquatic related accidents, drownings and near drownings, spinal injuries, anti-suction entrapment, hair entanglement, and filter explosions (separations), Forensic Engineering becomes and even broader challenge:

“The application of engineering principles to the investigation of an accident or incident and other contributing factors.  Forensic engineering also involves providing testimony on the findings of these investigations, which depending on the incident can include accident reconstruction, site investigation, and/or testing, before a court of law or other judicial forum, when required. It requires relevant aquatic experience and a highly focused investigative process:”

Investigative Process

1. Gathering all related information to an accident, incident, or claim
2. Reviewing and processing information
3. Reviewing applicable codes, standards, and/or industry reference materials
4. Employing a methodology that can repeatedly obtain the same result
5. Determining the proximate factor(s) of an accident, incident, or claim