THE FORENSIC ENGINEERING REPORT

A PUBLICATION OF THE
INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION (I-ENG-A)
WWW.IENGA.COM |WWW.ENGINEERINGQUOTES.COM
T H E FOREN SI C
EN GIN EERI N G REPOR T
BY I-ENG-A... AS IN ‘ENGI-NEER’
I-ENG-A® [IN-JUH]
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 4
THE ROLE OF THE ENGINEER IN FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
By Stephen R. Ternullo, P.E., I-ENG-A of Southeast Michigan
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE...


The Role of the
Investigative Engineer in
Flood Damage
Assessment
1
Assessing Wind Versus
1-2
Surge Damage—Reflecting
on What We Learned from
Hurricane Katrina

I-ENG-A Convention 2014
2

The Sharknado
2
Returns?

Looking for Expertise?
3
Case Closed!

America’s Top 10 Most
Stolen Vehicles of 2013
Damage assessment by an engineer following a flood event
may be broken down into categories. First, there will be
questions regarding the origin of the damage and second,
engineers may need to evaluate the extent of damage and
provide a scope of repair.
The source of the water must be determined; was it flood waters flowing from a
creek, river or other water way, or was it
ground water, sewer back up, sump
pump failure, or a combination of
sources. The source of the water will
likely affect insurance coverage and
should be clearly defined by the evaluating engineer.
While the cause of the damage may seem obvious, conditions following a flood such as cracking in walls or ceilings,
may not be related to the flood event. It is important to
determine whether or not the damage existed prior to the
flood event. Often damage that was
present prior to a catastrophic event
was unnoticed by the insured, who
now believes the damage was the
result of the event. The investigating
engineer should be able to determine
if the suspect damage was the result
of a specific event.
Other services that may be required
once the extent of the damage has
Recent Floods in Michigan, Over 18,000 Homes
been determined, include a scope of
Flooded, Photo by NOAA
repairs to assist the claims adjuster in
Flood and water damage assessments
determining the value of the loss.
may include evaluations of structural damage due to hydroAdditionally, identification of construction or design defistatic and hydrodynamic pressures. Structures may be lifted
ciencies may be important factors to consider as they may
as a result of being buoyant in a flooded condition. Evaluahave caused or contributed to the flood damage. All contion of foundations may need to be performed. Depending
tributing parties must be identified as subrogation will be
upon the forces of the floodwater, the weight of the building
allocated to all parties who may have contributed to the
components and the connections to the foundation system,
loss. Moisture intrusion, microbial issues and air quality
the structure may float from its foundation.
may also become issues or come into play.
ASSESSING WIND VERSUS SURGE DAMAGE
REFLECTING ON WHAT WAS LEARNED FROM HURRICANE KATRINA
4
UPCOMING PLRB EVENTS::
Central Regional Adjusters Conference
Minneapolis, MN
September 16 - 17, 2014
Large Loss Conference
Scottsdale, AZ
October 29 - 31, 2014
Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference
Providence, RI
November 18 - 19, 2014
A tremendous amount of information about the assessment of damage to structures in the determination
of wind versus surge became available following Hurricane Katrina and the damages experienced there.
Aerial photographs published by NOAA became of
particular value as did topographical maps and aerial
photographs taken prior to the hurricane. Utilizing
these resources provided a means for engineers to
supplement on-site observations.
Forensic meteorologists were also of particular value
in providing opinions of the timing of events with regards to the wind versus surge components of hurricane damages. In many instances without this data, it
would be impossible to determine the cause of damages. Professional engineers had a very daunting
task to determine the forces that caused the destruction.
Structural engineers must understand the forces from
surge water versus those of wind, including dynamic
and hydrostatic conditions. The velocity of wind gusts
and surge forces are taken into consideration.
Complete demolition of superstructures was consistent
with powerful forces of storm surge, while structures
located at higher elevations may be more prone to
damage from greater wind forces.
The ethical pressures being faced by engineers in the
determination of flood versus storm serge were also
daunting insomuch that many property owners had no
flood insurance. The determination of wind versus
flood damages could bring financial ruin to individuals
or families. Following the ASCE Code of Ethics provides some key factors to deal with these pressures
such as honesty, integrity and objectivity.
(Continued on page 2)
THE FORENSIC ENGINEERING REPORT, VOL 18. NO. 4
ASSESSING WIND VERSUS SURGE DAMAGE
REFLECTING ON WHAT WAS LEARNED
FROM HURRICANE KATRINA
I-ENG-A CONVENTION 2014—NOVEMBER 9-12
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
(Continued from page 1)
The tremendous volume of buildings that needed to be inspected was
also a problem. The Investigative Engineers Association put together
guidelines for member professional engineering firms to provide catastrophe response in a organized fashion that would allow for a greater
volume of investigations to happen in a more timely fashion. Time was
an important factor to consider as there were over 250,000 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding efforts were not likely to start
until insurance issues were resolved.
The Investigative Engineers Association organized a Catastrophe Response Committee consisting of
professional engineers who were
dealing with the situation in Louisiana
and the gulf coast following the
storm, to ascertain issues experienced and a way to deal with major
catastrophic events such as this that
may cause widespread damage in
the future. The project included dealing with ways to organize a team of
professional engineers and the distribution of assignments by area coor- New Orleans underwater after Katrina
dinates to eliminate as much wind- (http://densitykatrina.wordpress.com)
shield time as possible. Additionally
the association put together the
www.ienga.com website which enables its users, whom are all members
of the I-ENG-A organization, to search for engineers by discipline, by
state licensure and by availability. Technical training for CAT response
including report formats, report timelines, safety, briefing, debriefing,
structure of the CAT response team, the roles of Team Leaders, Investigative Engineers and Registered Professional Engineers, etc., were
discussed as well as insurance requirements.
While the role of the I-ENG-A headquarters includes CAT response
training and assistance with job processing, tracking, and data collection, the local member firm is to serve as the host or as the event management office. The models discussed teams of 3-4 engineers who
would complete 6-8 assignments /day depending upon the complexity
and travel time involved.
In conclusion, having engineers who are trained in these efforts with a
plan in place before a catastrophe occurs can save a lot of time and
money for all parties involved when a catastrophe does strike. If you
would like to discuss catastrophe response with firms who may serve as
your host, please feel free to contact association headquarters or visit
www.ienga.net or www.ienga.com to locate the firm or firms near your
areas of concern.
Sources: Forensic Engineering: Proceedings of the 4th Congress, October 6-9, 2006, Paul A. Bosela, Norbert J. Delatte
The next Investigative Engineers Association Convention will be held
November 9-12, 2014 at The Riverside Hotel in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Topics include:

Floor Collapses – Water and Mold Causing Structural Failures by
Aubrey Shrock, PE;

The Role of Professional Engineering in Fire Investigation by
Edgar K. Riddick III, PE;

Buildings with Failing Roof Structures & Ceiling Collapses with
Esteban Pauli, PE;

Product Failure Presentations with Babar Khan, PE and Peter
Vallas Jr., CFEI;

2014 NFPA 921 and 1033 Update with Edgar K. Riddick III, PE,
I-ENG-A Advisor;

New Technology Presentation — Drone Applications & Legal
Issues, John Curtis, Prioria Robotics, Inc.;

Ethics and Forensic Engineering with Ken Discenza, PE and Babar
Khan, PE;

Microbial / Mold Testing with Leo Gordon, MVP Environmental
Solutions, Inc. and Amrita Paul, EMSL Analytical, Inc.;

Accident Reconstruction — Hydroplaning with Elvin Aycock, PE,
ACTAR, I-ENG-A Advisor.
Professional development hours for professional engineers will be
awarded in the amount of 14.75—16.50 hours.
THE SHARKNADO RETURNS?
A boston based CAT modeler estimates
insured losses from the 'SharkNado" event,
would likely exceed $100 billion. The massive
figure outranks three recorded catastrophes in
US history combined.
The hardest hit areas in California are where
one can find some of the most expensive
homes in the state, but include those that were
impacted by great white sharks, "although
isolated pockets of hammerheads also caused
severe damage".
The Syfy made-for-
television flick and Twitter
California’s official spokesperson for insurers phenom caused $100B in
postulated that most of the damages via flying damages, according to cat
sharks, raging winds and mass-scale flooding modeler AIR Worldwide.
would be perils that may be covered under
various insurance policies. “It’s one of those things that really stretches
the realm of imagination,” said Pete Moraga, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California.
Source: www.insurancejournal.com
Page 2
I N V E S T I G AT I V E E N G I N E E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
LOOKING FOR EXPERTISE? CASE CLOSED!
In the world of investigation it is important to consider ‘The perfect world scenario’. In a perfect world, the loss would not have happened, so
‘what went wrong?’. This is a question we must ask ourselves from time to time in order to determine all causes or potential contributors to
the loss scenario. Then again, in a perfect world where no losses exist, what would we all do (that’s a joke, lighten up!)? Here are a few interesting cases the I-ENG-A member firms have helped to resolve recently:
DID FERTILIZER START THE FIRE?
The Fire Marshall suspects that fertilizer started the fire at the residence. Could this
be the case? It was 100 degrees outside that day. Give us a call for fire cause
and origin investigation.
IS IT OVERLOADING OR WATER DAMAGE?
Your claimant says water damage from ice dams caused the web of the joist to bow outward. But there are no signs of decay or water damage. Could it be a case of
overloading? Give us a call.
WAS THE FLOOR REFINISHED PROPERLY?
In general, how many times can a ¾ solid wood floor be sanded and refinished? In general, how much flooring should be removed in a single
sanding? Did refinishing the floor contribute or cause the damage? Give us a call.
HAIL DAMAGE TO SOLAR PANELS?
Your client has solar panels and suspects they have been damaged by a recent hail
storm. Need to determine the origin and scope of damages to solar panels due to claimed hail
damage? Give us a call.
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION?
A fire investigation reveals linseed oil was being stored in the attic space of your client. Is it
possible this is a case of spontaneous combustion? Give us a call.
DID YOU USE ALGAEBRA TODAY? WE DID!
Determining the correct size for an electrical wire is something engineers need to do from time to time. What gauge wire should have been
run in order to ensure that it meets the current electrical code and not cause a fire? Is it the correct wire type, i.e., aluminum or copper? Give
us a call.
COMMODE WATER SUPPLY LINE CAUSES MAJOR DAMAGE
The water supply line to your insured’s commode caused major damage. Could this be a manufacturer defect? Was it installed properly?
Give us a call.
WHY WOULD A SPRINKLER HEAD DISCHARGE WITHOUT SMOKE OR FIRE?
WHAT CAUSED IT TO FAIL?
An IT room on the 8th floor of a high rise experienced water damage originating from a
fire sprinkler head. There was no physical evidence of a fire or heat buildup in the room.
The high temperature alarm did not trigger and the high trigger temperature was 155 deg F.
So, what caused the sprinkler head to discharge / fail?
Let the I-ENG-A experts investigate!
America’s 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
C OYOUR
MPLIMENTS OF YOUR LOCAL MEMBER FIRM:
COMPLIMENTS OF
A 50-50 Split between Domestic and Import
LOCAL MEMBER FIRM
I-ENG-A OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
23—OSGOOD STREET
WINDHAM, NH 03087
603-647-4581
On 8/18/2014, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its annual Hot
Wheels report which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report
examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013. For 2013, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in
parentheses):
1. Honda Accord (53,995)
603-386-6022 (F)
2. Honda Civic (45,001)
[email protected]
3. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,809)
4. Ford Pickup (Full Size) (26,494)
5. Toyota Camry (14,420)
6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,347)
7. Dodge Caravan (10,911)
INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (9,272)
(I-ENG-A, as in Engi-Neer)
9. Toyota Corolla (9,010)
www.engineeringquotes.com
Toll Free: 844-217-6975 Fax: 954-537-4942 E-mail: [email protected]
The commentary contained in The Forensic Engineering Report
is not intended, nor should it be relied upon, to replace specific
professional advice. We recommend that readers consult their
professional advisors regarding issues raised in this
publication.
10. Nissan Altima (8,892)
Stolen recovered vehicles are often investigated by member firms of the Investigative Engineers Association. Oftentimes they are recovered burned or the ignition switch may have
been tampered with. Determining the origin and cause of the fire and / or if they key was
used during the theft can help ascertain what may have happened.
FRAUD
F O R E N S I C
E N G I N E E R I N G
S E R V I C E
T O
T H E
A N D
C A S U A L T Y
I N D U S T R Y
S I N C E
1 9 9 1
P R O P E R T Y

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