As winter approaches, many of us brace for the challenges that freezing temperatures can bring to our homes and businesses. One common issue is pipe ruptures due to freezing. A frequent misconception I've encountered is that the location of a pipe rupture is always where the pipe froze. In reality...
In industries that depend on the flawless operation of large, complex machinery, unexpected failures can lead to significant operational disruptions, financial losses, and safety hazards. Diagnosing the root causes of these failures is often challenging, as traditional inspection methods may not...
As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, wind turbines remain a central pillar of the industry. However, behind their towering blades and energy production is a complex mechanical system that can be prone to failure. As a forensic engineer, I’ve spent much of my career studying the failures...
Forensic Engineering Perspectives on Urban Flooding and Public Systems When a home or business floods during a rain event, the cause may be found inside or outside of the property line. While privately owned drainage elements such as French drains and sewer laterals are common culprits, this blog...
Forklifts are essential pieces of equipment used in warehousing, manufacturing, and construction environments. The operation of a forklift requires an operator with the proper training in lifting and positioning loads and maneuvering in areas where other employees are present. When operated in an...
In the oil and gas industry, the risks are consistently high. The systems that are designed and deployed must operate under some of the most extreme conditions on Earth—thousands of feet underwater, under immense pressure, and/or in highly corrosive environments. The margin for error is thin, and...
When I was a kid, my favorite cartoon, the Jetsons, showed a future where humans interacted with machines and robots as a normal part of life. I dreamed of how great it would be to have a “Rosie the Robot” to help me with my chores. Years later, I met my first industrial robot during an internship...
When tools and machinery fail, the consequences can be severe—both for the individuals involved and for the manufacturers facing potential litigation. Attorneys specializing in product liability cases know that understanding the root cause of a product’s failure is crucial to building a strong case...
The construction of a multi-million-dollar food processing plant is completed and operation in the plant begins. While the plant is operating, inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice that water is traveling downward through the elevated floors and dripping on the process lines...
Innovation is one of the biggest driving forces in our economy. We revere those who cross new boundaries and do things that have never been done before. And a common refrain among innovators is that regulations, protocols, certifications, and traditional engineering rigor are impediments to their...
We were all first introduced to different phases of matter in elementary school science classes where we were asked to identify the examples of solids, liquids, and gases. I’m sure that I am not the only one whose teacher used an empty mason jar to exemplify “gases.”
A drone allows one to work smarter while reducing inspection time and potential risks from hazards found at the site. Utilizing drones can prevent accidents in potentially dangerous environments and can be deployed to examine hard-to-reach locations.
As a follow-up to my recent publication in “Spotting Trends,” I would like to showcase the EDT difference by providing an example of what separates our engineers from others in the industry.
The world of motorsports serves as a captivating laboratory where failures are not only commonplace but also provide invaluable lessons for forensic engineering.
Foundation movement is one of the leading causes of unsafe conditions. To ensure safe foundation repair, avoid these costly mistakes.
