scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of Toilet Connector Failures in a Class-Action Lawsuit

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
James William Jones
Keyword(s):  
Class Action ◽  
Finite Element Analyses ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Creep Analysis ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Single Overload ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Injection Molded

A major manufacturer of water supply lines that connect flushable toilets to house water piping was the object of a class-action lawsuit. The author examined a large number of failed and exemplar connectors, complete fill lines, and similar injection-molded products as well as visited failure sites with the goal of ascertaining the root cause of the failures. Forensic work included strength tests and finite element analyses to determine the expected life of the nuts, including single overload failure strength and creep analysis to predict life. Tightening tests using random subjects were conducted. A statistical analysis of the failures was also performed. The products of competing manufacturers were evaluated for comparison of similar designs. After much investigation and analysis, it was concluded that the design of the connector was not defective and met relevant industry standards.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of Common Failures and Inspection Procedures for Residential and Commercial Chairs

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Sasso
Keyword(s):  
Paper Industry ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Maintenance Program ◽  
Cause Of Failure ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Inspection And Maintenance ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Mechanism Of Failure

Chairs have been designed, manufactured, and used by humans for thousands of years. Eventually, all chairs wear out and fail. When someone is injured due to this failure, costly litigation can ensue. Forensic engineers are consulted to investigate the root cause of failure, and whether the mechanism of failure could have been detected prior to the accident to avoid injury. Materials used in chair manufacturing and several examples of failures are discussed in this paper. Industry safety standards and manufacturers’ guidelines are used as a basis for a proposed inspection and maintenance program for chair owners.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Alleged Property Damage From Construction Vibrations

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.S. Sax Saxena ◽  
Saxena Anu
Keyword(s):  
Case History ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Pile Driving ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Florida Panhandle ◽  
Subsurface Treatment

The Influence Of Construction And Pile Driving Vibrations On Surrounding Buildings, Including Hospitals And Eye Examination Facilities, Sensitive Devices Such As Computers And Surgical Microscopes Or Electronic Machines, And People In The Urban Environment Is A Significant Consideration In Obtaining Project Approvals From Appropriate Agencies And Authorities. Implementation Of Construction Projects In Areas Adjacent To Existing Buildings (Aged, Historical, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Medical Services, Or Electronic Services) Creates Additional Difficulties. Specialized Case History Is Presented Where Damage To Sensitive Structures From A Variety Of Vibratory Construction Methods Ranging From Pile Driving, Highway Construction, Rock Excavation And/Or Blasting, Was Considered. Twenty Homeowners From A Residential Subdivision In The Florida Panhandle, Claimed Damage Including Cracking To Their Properties During Construction Of Various Portions Of City Storm Water Treatment/Enhancement Project. It Was Also Alleged That During Excavation And Construction Of Drainage Structures, Especially Four Subsurface Treatment Vaults That Required Installation And Extraction Of Sheet Piles Using Vibratory Hammer, Stability Of The Nearby Residential Structures Was Endangered And Resulted In Movement/Cracking. Forensic Engineering Analysis Was Effectively Utilized To Identify, Investigate, And Remediate The Concerns As Well As Assist In Litigation And In Some Cases Avoidance. This Technical Paper Presents Some Legal Issues Related To Litigation, Mediation, And Resolution Involving Jurisprudence System And Introduces A Case History That Includes All Elements Of Forensic Engineering.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Lightning Strikes And Surge Related Losses

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis E. Falany
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Electronic Circuits ◽  
Lightning Strikes ◽  
Structure Damage ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Living Organisms

Lightning Is A Powerful And Dangerous Natural Force. It Is Capable Of Inflicting Significant Damage To Our Environment And Causing Injury Or Death In Living Organisms. Electrical And Electronic Circuits Are Particularly Susceptible To Lightning, Both From Direct Strikes And From Lightning Induced Electrical Surges. Fires Often Result From Lightning Strikes. Injury And Death Can Result From Both Direct Strikes, Lightning Induced Electrical Surges, And Indirectly From Structure Damage And Fires. The Insurance In-Dustry Offers Coverage For Lighting Related Losses And A Forensic Engineer Is Often Consulted To Assist In Adjusting The Claim.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of Dynamic Forces Created by Pedestrians Impacting Plate Glass at Different Speeds

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Kravitz
Keyword(s):  
Impact Load ◽  
Building Code ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Glass Panel ◽  
Impact Speed ◽  
Dynamic Forces ◽  
Exit Door ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Pedestrian Impact ◽  
The Impact

This paper examines the effect of a pedestrian inadvertently impacting a glass panel adjacent to a glass exit door. The glass panel was full length and unmarked, violating the local building code and building commissioner directives. The defense argued that the old building code, to which the college building was constructed, was “grandfathered” and there was no violation. Initial witness and plaintiff statements indicated that the plaintiff was running when he struck the panel, which shattered and caused the plaintiff to incur injuries. The plaintiff testified later, in deposition, that he was walking when he struck the glass. The court needed to establish liability percentage, which is common in civil cases, and it was necessary to determine at what pedestrian impact speed the glass panel would break. The analysis used Timoshenko’s theory of vibration plates, Roark’s stress strain formulas, ergonomics, and human factors to estimate the impact load and stresses on the glass panel that caused failure.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of a Shopping Mall Explosion

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry R. Tindal
Keyword(s):  
Shopping Mall ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Forensic Engineering

On May 7, 2009 a catastrophic explosion occurred at a shopping mall located just outside of Washington, D.C. As a result of the explosion, several persons, including multiple firefighters, were injured, and a large portion of the mall was destroyed. This paper examines the cause of the explosion.

scholarly journals Effects of Evidence Spoliation on Forensic Engineering Analysis of Alleged Brake Servicing Defects

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Leffler
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Forensic Investigation ◽  
Significant Evidence ◽  
The Road ◽  
Forensic Case ◽  
Forensic Engineering

A forensic case involved an allegation of defective minivan brake repairs. On a wet two-lane road, the minivan left the road while stopping, and impacted a telephone pole. The plaintiff driver’s complaints implied a dragging brake, and the plaintiff ’s expert reported a bent lower caliper bolt. This forensic investigation involved instrumented exemplar analysis of the effects on caliper drag that could be caused by a bent caliper bolt. The investigation methodology was chosen (in part) based on significant evidence spoliation on the part of the plaintiff ’s expert. This paper will also discuss the effects of the spoliation and resulting limitations on the scope of the analysis.

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