scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of Fatal Overhead Crane Accident

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Ziernicki ◽  
Ricky Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
3D Modeling ◽  
Safety Assessment ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Manufacturing Plant ◽  
Overhead Crane ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Video Imaging ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Industrial Standards ◽  
Modeling Principles

This paper outlines the forensic procedure and techniques used in the reconstruction and safety assessment of a fatal overhead crane accident. The decedent (a subcontractor) was working as a pipe fitter at a manufacturing plant. At the time of the accident, the decedent had climbed up onto an overhead crane rail to move existing pipework when the crane struck and killed him. This paper presents the application of various techniques/methodologies to reconstruct the complex accident, including 3D HD scanning, drone video imaging, and 3D modeling/principles of photogrammetry to understand how the incident occurred and provide visualizations of the construction project. Safety analysis was conducted by analyzing crane maintenance and operation as well as the duties/responsibilities of the different employers and comparing industrial standards and practices such as OSHA, ANSI, and safety principles.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis of an Electrical Substation Fire in a Manufacturing Plant in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Cueva-Eguiguren
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Manufacturing Plant ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Voltage Transients ◽  
Cable Fire ◽  
Electrical Substation ◽  
Short Circuit Currents ◽  
Business Interruption

A cable splice failure in one of the cables associated with one of the 6 MVAR capacitor banks in an electrical substation at a manufacturing plant in South America caused a fire in the 88/4.16kV electrical substation. The fire caused the plant to stop production for approximately 29 days while temporary repairs were made. Operating two shifts per day/seven days a week, and stopping for maintenance once a year, the manufacturing production generates approximately $750,000 in revenue per day. The cable splice failure caused an electrical short circuit in the substation 4.16kV distribution system for approximately 120 seconds. The cable splice failure ignited the adjacent cables in the cable tray, causing damage to various sections of the 4.16kV cables, three 88kV disconnect switches, and four 88kV – 4.16kV transformers. The cable fire in the electrical substation resulted in property damages and business interruption losses with an estimated value of $20 million. The four 88kV – 4.16kV transformers that were in service at the time of the substation fire were exposed to voltage transients and electromagnetic forces produced by the short-circuit currents for approximately120 seconds.

scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Use Of Computer Animations And Graphics

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Ziernicki ◽  
Danaher David A.
Keyword(s):  
3D Modeling ◽  
Accident Reconstruction ◽  
Engineering Analysis ◽  
Computer Animations ◽  
Modeling Simulation ◽  
Physical Evidence ◽  
Forensic Engineering ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Investigation Process ◽  
Video Matching

During An Accident Reconstruction Investigation, Many Complicated Issues Arise That Must Be Presented To A Judge Or Jury. Although The Reconstructionist May Understand The Issues And Can Explain Them Orally, The Audience May Not Completely Understand. The Use Of Computer Animations And Graphics Can Take Those Complicated Issues And Present Them In A Clear And Understandable Way. The Graphics And Animations That Are Developed From The Engineering Analysis Are A Visual Representation Of The Forensic Engineers Opinion. Psychological Studies Show That People Are Only 15% Likely To Remember Orally-Communicated Information, But 95% Likely To Remember Orally-Communicated Information In Conjunction With Visually-Communicated Information. Visual Tools, Such As Photo Matching, Evidence Matching, Photogrammetry, Video Matching, 3d Modeling, Simulation, And Animation, Can Be Implemented During The Accident Investigation Process To Identify Evidence And Demonstrate A Thorough Analysis For Later Use In Court. For Example, Roof Crush Analysis Graphics, As Seen In Figure 1, Not Only Visually Illustrates The Deformation Of The Roofs Structure, But The Graphics Also Have A Solid Foundation Based On Accurate Measurements Of The Physical Evidence.

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.

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