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:
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