CEG562
FORENSIC ENGINEERING
REVIEW QUESTION: CHAPTER 1
Prepared by: Ms Khairul Afinawati Hashim
Question 1
Define Forensic Engineering? (2 Marks)
Answer:
Forensic Engineering is the art and science of professional practice of those qualified to serve as
engineering experts in matters before courts of law or in arbitration proceedings.
Question 2
Discuss the scope of works for a forensic engineer. (8 Marks)
Answer:
• Determine physical or technical causes of accidents, failures or disputes ("Reasons").
• Prepare reports.
• Present testimony or advisory opinions to assist in dispute resolution.
• Render an opinion regarding responsibility for the accident, failure or dispute.
• Disseminate information to design professionals to improve design methods & practices,
and thus ensuring that failures or accidents are not repeated.
Question 3
Describe Eight (8) attributes that should be possessed by a forensic engineer. (8 Marks)
Answer:
1. Technical competency- the result of education and experience.
2. Knowledge of legal procedure and related vocabulary.
3. Detective skills- Diligence, interpretation of data, research, protection of evidence, act fast
4. Oral and written communication skills.
5. Other skills- psychology, sociology, photographic, etc
6. Personality characteristic- high ethical standard, flexibility, confidence
7. Work effectively with others
8. Flexible and resilient personality.
PG. 1
Question 4
Give SEVEN (7) recommended practices of an expert witness. (7 Marks)
Answer:
• The expert should avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
• The expert should undertake an engagement only when qualified to do so, and should rely
upon other qualified parties for assistance in matters which are beyond the expert’s area of
expertise.
• The expert should consider other practitioners’ opinions relative to the principles associated
with the matter at issue.
• The expert should obtain available information relative to the events in question in order to
minimize reliance on assumptions, and should be prepared to explain any assumptions to the
trier of fact.
• The expert should evaluate reasonable explanations of causes and effects.
• The expert should strive to assure the integrity of tests and investigations conducted as part of
the expert’s services
• The expert witness should testify about professional standards of care only with knowledge of
those standards which prevailed at the time in question, based upon reasonable inquiry.
• The expert witness should use only those illustrative devices or presentations which simplify
or clarify an issue.
• The expert should maintain custody and control over whatever materials are entrusted to the
expert’s care.
• The expert should respect confidentiality about an assignment.
• The expert should refuse or terminate involvement in an engagement when fee is used in an
attempt to compromise the expert’s judgment.
• The expert should refuse or terminate involvement in an engagement when the expert is not
permitted to perform the investigation which the expert believes is necessary to render an
opinion with a reasonable degree of certainty.
• The expert witness should strive to maintain a professional demeanour and be dispassionate
at all times
Question 5
There are many methods of dispute resolution such as Mediation and Dispute Resolution Board
(DRB). Differentiate between Mediation and Dispute Resolution Board (DRB). (8 Marks)
Answer:
Mediation:
• Mediation is the process of settling disputes through conferences conducted by a neutral
third party who facilitates negotiation.
• Mediation is the method of handling disputes which provides the greatest opportunity for
win/win solutions.
• And, because the parties arrive at the solution, there is a very high probability that the
solution will be carried out as agreed.
• Decision legally non-binding.
Dispute review board (DRB):
• The requirement for a DRB is included in the contract documents, and the owner, contractor,
and members of a DRB sign a three-party agreement obligating them to use the DRB to
attempt to resolve disputes while construction is ongoing.
• Typically, the DRB receives copies of the contract documents, makes a project inspection
tour, meets periodically at the site, and is kept informed of project developments. In the
PG. 2
event a discrepancy occurs that the owner and contractor cannot settle on their own, the DRB
will hear both sides of the argument at a meeting and produce a written recommendation for
resolving the dispute. Although the decision is not binding, the parties usually defer to the
judgment of the board; to do otherwise would defeat the purpose of having a DRB. The
parties have had an opportunity to be heard, and they recognize that the DRB members have
technical expertise and a first-hand understanding of the project.
Question 6
Briefly explain the following methods of dispute resolution: (8 Marks)
a) Minitrial
b) Arbitration
Answer:
Minitrial
The minitrial is a structured mediation proceeding. Like mediation, it is a private and non-binding
procedure. At the minitrial, each party to a dispute makes a summary presentation of its case to a
joint panel made up of a management person from each side. The panel members must have the
authority to negotiate and approve settlements. A minitrial has two distinct parts; the first is the
information exchange between the parties (both before and during the minitrial itself), and the
second intensive negotiations between the parties.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a proceeding in which a dispute is resolved by an impartial adjudicator whose decision
the parties to the dispute have agreed, or legislation has decreed, will be final and binding.
Arbitration is the most popular dispute resolution method in construction industry. Arbitration can
be either voluntary or mandatory. Arbitration is similar to court proceedings in that the arbitrator
(like the judge) will decide the dispute; the difference is that parties can decide on the appointment
of the arbitrator and the rules and procedures to be applied in the arbitration.
Question 7
Hyatt Regency walkways tragedy is an example showing the importance of connection details. With
the aid of sketches, propose the practical design of the walkways so that the same failure can be
avoided. (4 Marks)
Answer:
This original design, however, was impractical because it called for a nut 20 ft (6.1 m) up the hanger
rod and did not use sleeve nuts. This design change doubled the stress exerted on the nut under the
fourth-floor beam. Now this nut supported the weight of two walkways instead of just one. Figures
shows how the connection was integrated with the rest of the walkway. It was concealed and could
not be easily inspected.
Proposed alternative connection design
PG. 3
Question 8
Hyatt Regency walkways tragedy is an example showing the importance of connection details. In
your opinion, who is the person should be held responsible for the faulty of the design of the
walkways? (4 Marks)
Answer:
The contractor modified this detail to use two hanger rods instead of one, and the engineer approved
the design change without checking it. The issues of communication and responsibility in
engineering and construction are of even more interest than the technical issue of the overloaded
connection. This is not really a case study about free-body diagrams. This is about the design and
construction process and failure literacy necessary to protect the public.
*Any relevant answers
Question 9
Tacoma Narrow Bridge failure remains as a classical example of bridge failure. The bridge twisted
and vibrated violently under the strong wind on the day of the collapse. With the aid of sketches,
propose the practical design of the bridge so that the same failure can be avoided. (4 Marks)
Answer:
• using open stiffening trusses, which would have allowed the wind free passage through the
bridge;
• increasing the width-to-span ratio;
• increasing the weight of the bridge;
• dampening the bridge;
• using an untuned dynamic damper to limit the motions of the bridge;
• increasing the stiffness and depth of the trusses or girders;
• streamlining the deck of the bridge.
Question 10
Tacoma Narrow Bridge failure remains as a classical example of bridge failure. The bridge twisted
and vibrated violently under the strong wind on the day of the collapse. In your opinion, should the
designer be blamed for his faulty bridge design? (4 Marks)
Answer:
The designer should not be blamed because the design of suspension in 1940’s was not as advanced
as what can be seen today. The designer just wants to reduce the cost and try something new.
PG. 4
Question 11
Point Pleasant bridge tragedy is an example showing the importance of connection details. With the
aid of sketches, propose the practical design of the bridge so that the same failure can be avoided.
(5 Marks)
Answer:
By clamping many redundant members so that when one member failed, the redundant members
will cater for the loads
Question 12
State Six (6) causes of failures for civil engineering structures. (6 Marks)
Answer:
1. Site Selection and Site Development Errors: Land-use planning errors, insufficient or non-
existent geotechnical studies, unnecessary exposure to natural hazards.
2. Programming Deficiencies: Unclear or conflicting client expectations, lack of clear
definition of scope or intent of project.
3. Design Errors: Errors in concept, lack of redundancy, failure to consider a load or
combination of loads, connection details, calculation errors, misuse of computer software,
detailing problems including selection of incompatible materials or assemblies which are
not constructable, failure to consider maintenance requirements and durability, inadequate
or inconsistent specifications for materials or expected quality of work.
4. Construction Errors: Nonconformance to design intent, excavation and equipment
accidents, excessive construction loads, improper sequencing, premature removal of shoring
and formwork, inadequate temporary support.
5. Material Deficiencies: Material inconsistencies, premature deterioration, manufacturing or
fabrication defects.
6. Operational Errors: Alterations to structure, change in use, negligent overloading,
inadequate maintenance.
PG. 5
Question 13
Make FOUR (4) comparisons between design analysis and failure analysis. (8 Marks)
Answer:
Failure Analysis Design Analysis
Code prescribed set of factored (increased)
Real-world actual loads & actual structural
loads & factored (reduced) structural
capacities
capacities.
Time-dependent properties Instantaneous properties
Accurate model Simplified model.
Non-linear/inelastic analysis Linear/elastic analysis
Question 14
Describe FOUR (4) causes involving both technical/physical problems and human error/ procedural
factors that lead to structural failures. (8 Marks)
Answer:
1. Site Selection and Site Development Errors: Land-use planning errors, insufficient or non-
existent geotechnical studies, unnecessary exposure to natural hazards.
2. Programming Deficiencies: Unclear or conflicting client expectations, lack of clear
definition of scope or intent of project.
3. Design Errors: Errors in concept, lack of redundancy, failure to consider a load or
combination of loads, connection details, calculation errors, misuse of computer software,
detailing problems including selection of incompatible materials or assemblies which are
not constructable, failure to consider maintenance requirements and durability, inadequate
or inconsistent specifications for materials or expected quality of work.
4. Construction Errors: Nonconformance to design intent, excavation and equipment
accidents, excessive construction loads, improper sequencing, premature removal of shoring
and formwork, inadequate temporary support.
5. Material Deficiencies: Material inconsistencies, premature deterioration, manufacturing or
fabrication defects.
6. Operational Errors: Alterations to structure, change in use, negligent overloading,
inadequate maintenance.
Question 15
List out three (3) fundamental components to the forensic engineering investigative process. (3
Marks)
Answer:
1. Acquisition of data
2. Analysis of data
3. Presentation of conclusions and opinions
PG. 6
Question 16
Briefly explain the standard care of an engineer (4 Marks)
Answer:
• Have learning & skill ordinarily possessed by reputable engineers, practicing in the same or
similar locality & under similar circumstances.
• Use care & skill ordinarily used in like cases by reputable members of the engineering
profession practicing in the same or similar locality under similar circumstances.
• Use reasonable diligence & best judgment in the exercise of professional skill, and in the
application of learning.
• In an effort to accomplish the purpose for which the engineer was employed.
PG. 7