Forensic Engineering, Second Edition

Forensic Engineering, first published in 1989, comprehensively summarizes forensic activity and failure investigation in engineering, providing illustrative case studies and investigative techniques. Contributors are the foremost authorities in such fields as fire investigation, industrial accidents, product liability, traffic accidents, civil engineering, transportation disasters, and environmental systems failures - demonstrating the diverse spectrum of forensic experience. The book outlines the nuts-and-bolts aspects of forensic engineering as well as examines specific details for improving investigative procedures and analytical techniques. Forensic Engineering also describes methods in litigation and alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration, mediation, mini-trials, and more. Richly illustrated with case studies from various fields, each chapter includes guidelines, techniques, methods, and tools for accident investigation and analysis. The text includes vital information on using forensic photogrammetry, planning and writing reports, serving as an expert witness in traditional litigation, and resolving disputes. Providing proven formulas and thought-provoking concepts, Forensic Engineering enables forensic experts in all engineering fields, design and construction professionals, attorneys, product manufacturers, insurance professionals, and engineering and law students to maximize their investigative skills and litigation abilities.

Table of Contents:
WHAT IS FORENSIC ENGINEERING?, Kenneth L. Carper Introduction Qualifications of the Forensic Engineer Ethics and Professional Responsibilities Resources and Professional Organizations LEARNING FROM FAILURES, Kenneth L. Carper Introduction Historical Context: Trial and Error Tradition Definition of Failure Causes of Failure Data Collection and Information Dissemination Failure Trends and Professional Response FIRE INVESTIGATION, Paul E. Pritzker Introduction Background Investigative Techniques, Procedures, and Tools Training The Engineering Team Fire Investigative Results Fire Investigations: Case Studies Conclusion INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, Ron Hendry Introduction Categories of Investigation Diversity of Technical Qualifications for Industrial Accident Investigators Involved Parties Goals of the Investigation Ethical Considerations Investigative Techniques Investigative Tools Investigative Activities Industrial Accidents Involving Knowledge, Accountability, and Job Description General Observations: Human Nature and Accidents Original Equipment Manufacturer Responsibilities and Problems Other Investigations: Case Studies Impact of Forensic Activity on Improved Practices, Products, or Planning Conclusion PRODUCT LIABILITY ENGINEERING, Lindley Manning Introduction Product Liability Law Product Liability Other Than Strict Liability Other Legal Doctrines Court Systems The Litigation Process Tools of the Trade TRAFFIC ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION, Joel T. Hicks Introduction Investigation Techniques, Procedures, and Tools Analytical Resources, Skills, and Methods The Report Beyond the Report: Examples of Increased Safety As a Result of Forensic Investigations Case Studies TRANSPORTATION DISASTER INVESTIGATION, Rudolf Kapustin Introduction History Accident Investigation Methodology A Case History: Air Florida Potomac River Accident The Purpose of Investigation: Prevention of Accidents CIVIL ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION, Glenn R. Bell Introduction Qualifications of the Investigator Activities in the Investigative Process The Investigative Team Site Investigation and Sample Collection Document Collection and Review Theoretical Analyses Laboratory Tests Failure Hypotheses, Data Analyses, Formation of Conclusions Determination of Procedural Responsibilities Reports ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS FAILURES, Fred H. Taylor Introduction Purpose and Scope of Investigations Techniques Tools Associated Disciplines Change in the Industry Case Histories Conclusions FORENSIC PHOTOGRAMMETRY, William G. Hyzer Introduction Photographic Testimony Photographic Techniques Measurements from Photographs Reconstruction Methods Darkroom Procedures Record Keeping Role of the Imaging Expert Guidelines for Effective Forensic Photography THE REPORT, M.D. Morris Basic Notions Thinking and Planning Conducting the Investigation Data Distillation and Distribution Outline Building Writer's Block A Few Helpful Ground Rules Delivery Writing THE ENGINEER AS EXPERT WITNESS, Joseph S. Ward Introduction Interrogatories Depositions Trial or Arbitration Preparation The Trial Direct Examination Cross-Examination Redirect and Re-Cross-Examination Experts Present during Testimony of Opposing Experts Reference Documents Conclusion ROLE OF THE FORENSIC EXPERT IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION, Joseph S. Ward Introduction Negotiation of Disputes Mediation Other Forms of ADR The "100-Day" Document Conclusion Conclusion, Kenneth L. Carper