Forensic Engineering Fundamentals

Forensic engineers often specialize in a particular area such as structures, fires, or accident reconstruction. However, the nature of the work often requires broad knowledge in the interrelated areas of physics, chemistry, biomechanics, and engineering. Covering cases as varied as assessment of workplace accidents to the investigation of Halliburton in the BP oil spill, Forensic Engineering Fundamentals is a comprehensive introduction to the many diverse facets of the field that forensic engineers must be familiar with in their practice.Topics includeThe role of the forensic engineerStructures, structural distress, and the importance of standards and codesThe failure of appliances—the cause of many water- or fire-related lossesSlips, trips, and falls of pedestrians and the accessibility of walking surfacesIndustrial incidents involving loss of equipment, injury and loss of life, as well as OSHA and MSHA regulationsStandard accident reconstruction involving vehiclesElectrical incidents and lightning and the effect of electrical energy on the human bodyAnalysis of fires with an emphasis on thermodynamics, testing, and simulationCarbon monoxide incidents and common fire suppression and warning systems, as well as the various NFPA codesProbability and uncertainty, with some basic calculations available to the forensic engineerApplicable standards and protocols that have developed over the years to protect life and propertyOffering readers real-world experience drawn from the authors’ 25 years of experience, this volume assists newcomers to the field in understanding the engineering basics underlying the cases they will encounter in their practice. It also serves as a reliable reference for those confronted with issues outside their area of expertise.