Forensic Structural Inspections: Examination, Diagnosis, and Remedy for Building Structures (Ohio Timed & Monitored Video)

In Forensic Structural Inspections: Examination, Diagnosis, and Remedy for Building Structures , you'll learn ...

• Common structural problems found in buildings
• The procedures for conducting a forensic structural investigation
• How to synthesize information obtained from an investigation and present those findings in a concise, effective report

Overview

To meet the Ohio Board's intent that online courses be "paced" by the provider, a timer will be used to record your study time. You will be unable to access the quiz until the required study time of 160 minutes has been met.

Credit: 3 PDH

Duration: 160 minutes

As defined by the Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE), the Forensic Engineer (FE) is “a structural engineer who, through training, education, experience, and knowledge is recognized by their peers to possess specialized information on a given structural subject matter and who is experienced and versed in the ethical practice of forensic engineering and is generally knowledgeable with the dispute resolution processes.”

The duties of the structural engineer conducting a forensic investigation can be compared to those of a detective conducting a criminal investigation. The forensic engineer needs to determine what factors have caused the partial or complete collapse of a particular building structure—oftentimes a structure that is currently in use. When evaluating building facilities currently in use, visual inspection or assessment is frequently the only means available to the forensic engineer. Without previous practical experience, the engineer may ‘misdiagnose’ the condition of an element of the building, overlooking a potential problem with one of its structural elements. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis may result in complete structural failure of one or several building elements, and ultimately, catastrophic collapse of the structure.

In this course, we will define the role of the engineer in a forensic structural investigation and outline the necessary criteria that that engineer should follow when examining a building structure. We will discuss the common structural problems resulting from (a) defects of a building element, (b) deterioration due to deferred maintenance and aging, (c) increases or changes in loading (snow load, wind load), and (d) the deleterious effects of improper modifications of existing residential or commercial buildings.

We will examine the typical issues related to wood, masonry, steel, and concrete building components, when subjected to unanticipated loading, moisture infiltration, wear and tear, deferred maintenance, or restructuring. Specific examples or case studies for each of the building components and conditions described above will be presented for examination.

This video is a recording of a live webinar training session. As a recording of a live event, you will hear the discussion that occurred between the instructor and those who attended this webinar.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the recommended educational and licensing requirements for forensic engineers
• Describe common structural issues in building construction
• Identify the equipment needed for a site investigation
• Explain the procedures to follow during a site investigation
• Describe the structural analysis and testing of building elements under investigation
• Obtain background information on a building structure and conduct interviews with the building structure representative(s)
• Examine material obtained during the site investigation and determine its relevance
• Prepare a concise and effective report or presentation of investigation findings
• Summarize the litigation process