Page 198 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

5.30 ENGINEERING RESPONSE TO FAILURES

• Develop a testing program. Some testing may be performed in the early stages of the
investigation. This might include tests to confirm or determine basic material properties.
Planning for later testing of members or assemblies will often occur in this period. The
pros and cons of testing actual project assemblies versus newly fabricated assemblies
should be weighed. New components may be difficult to fabricate so that they are repre-
sentative of the as-built project components. Project assemblies may have been damaged
during the collapse, or may be difficult to obtain. Testing programs of assemblies often
begin as parametric studies, attempting to determine upper and lower bounds for the
strength of the structure.
• Identify areas where additional expertise will be required. Seldom will the forensic engi-
neer have all the expertise and resources necessary to investigate all aspects of a partic-
ular collapse. More often than not, additional resources will be needed. Depending on the
project, it may be necessary to retain a metallurgist, a certain type of testing laboratory,
a petrographer, specialty engineers, a meteorologist, and others. Needed fields of expertise
should be identified quickly so that qualified persons can join the team and help steer the
investigation.
• Identify missing project documents.
• Identify additional field investigation and additional samples needed.
• Identify additional persons to interview, and develop follow-up questions for previous
interviewees.

CLOSURE

The first steps after a collapse lay the foundation for subsequent technical investigations,
helping ensure that the most probable cause of the collapse, and contributing factors, are
identified to a reasonable degree of engineering certainty.
But a sound foundation, though essential, does not guarantee the integrity of the struc-
ture to be laid upon it. Technical skill, care, and ingenuity will be needed to successfully
complete the investigation and, if necessary, to assist in preparation for litigation.

REFERENCES

1. Wisniewski, B, and Peraza, D.B. (April 2008). “Evaluation of Building with Severe Impact Damage:
The Banker’s Trust Building,” Proceedings of ASCE Structures Congress, in Vancouver, BC.”
2. Scribner, C.F. and Culver, C.G. (1988). “Investigation of the Collapse of L’Ambiance Plaza.”
J. Perf. Constr. Fac., ASCE, 2(2), 58–79.
3. Cuoco, D.A., Scarangello, T.Z., and Peraza, D.B. (1992). “Investigation of L’Ambiance Plaza
Building Collapse.” J. Perf. Constr. Fac., ASCE, 6(4), 211–231.
4. Culver, C.G. and Marshall, R.D. (1994). Discussion of Cuoco et al. (1992). J. Perf. Constr. Fac.,
ASCE, 8(2), 160–161.