Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers

Forensic Deformation Analysis of a Farm Clevis Using Photographs and Exemplar Tests

Michael Stichter — 2025-07-08

Photographic evidence can be a sufficient basis for a forensic failure analysis, especially when characteristic features of the failure mode are readily observed in photographs (e.g., deformation, fracture, etc.). In this case, the failed component (a farm clevis or round pin shackle) was part of equipment used to attempt to recover a vehicle mired in the mud at an above-ground mine site. The shackle failed, and the shackle pin became a projectile that penetrated the cab and injured the driver. The subject clevis was not available for physical inspection or testing. However, the condition of the subject clevis after the accident had been documented in photographs. Application of solid mechanics principles made it possible to determine the sequence of deformation steps that occurred during the failure. Additionally, comparing the deformation behavior documented in photographs of the subject clevis — and to tests of exemplars — allowed a determination of the strength of the subject clevis. Thus, investigators were able to use photographs to determine whether the shackle failed below its working load limit (WLL) or if a citation issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for using the subject clevis over its WLL was merited.

FE Analysis of a Modular Fireplace Fire with an Improperly Constructed Hearth Extension

Jerry Tindal — 2025-07-08

A fire originated beneath a modular fireplace hearth in a newly constructed home, which then spread into the adjacent chase and attic spaces, resulting in the destruction of the residence. The fireplace was installed on a CMU block riser positioned on a wooden subfloor in violation of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Scene investigators concluded based on fire patterns and witness observations that the fire originated beneath the fireplace hearth and that the first fuel ignited was wood construction in proximity to the hearth. The author was contacted 3.5 years after the fire during ongoing litigation to review and analyze the available information and determine the cause of the fire. This paper examines the cause of the fire based on forensic engineering analysis and testing. Incorporation of analysis of previous similar cases and testing data as well as new testing data are utilized to reinforce the author’s cause determination.

Forensic Analysis of an Elevated Pool Vault

Brian Eubanks — 2025-07-08

Distress observed in the plaster lining and gunite/shotcrete of a pool structure located within a podium slab on the third floor of an eight-story student housing building located in central Texas was determined to be causally related to the gunite/shotcrete mix. The gunite/shotcrete mix combined high alkali Portland cement with siliceous aggregates sufficient to generate alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Additional construction deficiencies associated with the thickness of the pool shell and the clear cover over the steel reinforcement were determined to have exacerbated the distress in the structure. Upon demolition of the pool structure, design deficiencies were subsequently identified in the recessed concrete vault that supported the pool structure. The identified design deficiencies included inaccurate structural design and analysis with finite element modeling software, inconsistencies in the thickness of the floor slab, omission of a shear key at the abutment/connection of the floor slab and the vault walls, and an inadequate amount of bonded, non-prestressed reinforcement in the floor slab. These deficiencies culminated in the demolition and reconstruction of the vault. This paper will explore the different parties involved in the design and construction of the project, the errors that resulted in deficient conditions, and the positions maintained by the different forensic engineering consultants representing the various parties.

Failure of a Climbing Treestand Due to Corrosion and Selective Leaching of Cable’s Galvanic Layer: Failure Analysis and Experimental Study

Olin Parker — 2025-07-08

Both supporting cables of a climbing treestand failed when a user stepped onto the stand’s foot platform. Analysis of the failed cables revealed extensive corrosion and selective zinc leaching of the galvanized steel cables due to an electrical connection between the treestand cables and the steel frame. Experimental measurements of corrosion rates were performed through accelerated immersion tests utilizing mass-loss and DC current measurements as well as cyclic voltammetry. Results indicated a ~79% to 300% increase in the rate of corrosion as measured by millimeters of cross-sectional area reduction per year. Flaws in the design that led to the creation of a galvanic cell between the treestand cable and its frame are discussed, and alternative designs are proposed. Finally, the manufacturer’s failure to properly account for anticipated use environment of the treestand in its design while being aware of similar prior incidents as well as their over-reliance on warnings are presented.

Using Ground Penetrating Radar Techniques in Forensic Structural Engineering

Chakradhar Gondi — 2025-07-08

One of the most powerful non-destructive testing methods in forensic structural engineering is ground penetrating radar (GPR). It is utilized to detect subsurface features such as rebar, voids, and corrosion in concrete. It is also helpful in investigating differential settlements in structures by identifying voids and anomalies in sub-surface soils that can cause structural instability. GPR works by emitting electromagnetic waves that reflect off materials with varying electrical properties, producing 2-dimensional images or profiles of the subsurface. This paper explores the application of GPR techniques in gathering important structural data and identifying subsurface anomalies and defects. Additionally, it also presents case studies from real-world forensic engineering investigations that demonstrate the use of GPR to diagnose structural defects and prepare repair solutions while minimizing project costs. The challenges and limitations of GPR are also discussed. In summary, GPR is an invaluable tool engineers can use to assess the structural integrity and design without damaging the structure.

Assessing Weather Event Damage in Forensic Engineering: Data Sources and Challenges

Chad Williams — 2025-07-08

Forensic engineering evaluations often involve assessing damage from weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. A crucial aspect of these evaluations is verifying whether the reported weather event occurred on or around the specified date and determining relevant meteorological parameters from the available historical data. Two primary sources of historical meteorological data are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center Local Storm Reports (SPC-LSR) and the National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database (NCEI-SED). These databases rely on reports from various sources and may sometimes provide imprecise or inconsistent data. Therefore, forensic engineers should not rely solely on these sources but instead use them in conjunction with data or observations from multiple other sources.