Description

The course is intended to teach students how to intelligently investigate a structural failure, failure modes and patterns and determine the contributing causes of the failure, and subsequently to identify the party or parties responsible for it. It will help students to understand the forensic engineering science and process. The forensic process includes an understanding of loads, material properties, structural vulnerabilities, performance objectives, and standards of care. The forensic process, from the investigation through the dispute resolution, will also be examined.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will:

• Become familiar with Forensic Structural Engineering
• Understand the Design and Construction Process
• Become familiar with Design Codes and Standards
• Be familiar with First Steps after a Failure
• Expand the breadth of engineering skills and knowledge
• Development skill for successful job performance.

Outlines

The emphasis of the course is on the professional practice of forensic structural engineering. To the student with little to no actual structural design or forensic experience, the course provides an overview and insight into the real world problems faced by forensic structural engineers in their investigation of failures. The course includes introduction to forensic engineering, classifications and mode of failures, investigation of failures, design and construction process, design codes and standards, standard of care, and first steps after a failure.

Content

The course notes are primarily based on the Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook by Robert T. Ratay, Ph.D., P.E. (2010 Edition) and the Author personal notes.

Quiz

A minimum of 30 multiple-choice quiz questions will be offered and 70% minimum passing grades are required to successfully complete the course.