Start Date: 1/15/2025 12:00 PM PST
End Date: 1/15/2025 1:00 PM PST
Organization Name:
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
Contact:
Sponsor: Jensen Hughes
1 WSBA CLE Credit pending
via Zoom - login instructions will be emailed to registrants
WDTL Members: gratis
Claims Reps: gratis (use promo code CR at checkout)
Non Members: $40
Presented by David Webster, PE, SE
To investigate structural engineering failures effectively, an investigator needs extensive design experience and a history of learning from past mistakes. This practical knowledge is crucial for identifying root causes accurately. Forensic investigations can involve a variety of methods, including inspecting failed structures, reviewing design documents, conducting interviews, analyzing data, and testing materials. The aim is to pinpoint the causes of failure with a high degree of certainty.
This presentation provides a foundational understanding of structural engineering from a non-technical perspective, addressing design philosophy, the engineering Standard of Care, and engineering regulation and licensing principles. It also explores the key components of forensic investigations into structural failures and identifies common failure causes, supported by illustrative case studies and examples.
David Webster, PE, SE, is a Senior Structural Engineer experienced in structural and forensic engineering. He has worked as a structural engineer in the US, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. His property loss consulting and forensics investigation experience includes earthquake, fire, snow, water intrusion, vehicle, and tree impact, as well as collapse investigation and failure analysis of structures. He has extensive experience designing, evaluating, and retrofitting a variety of structures of reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, steel, and wood, and conducting advanced computer modeling to support design and evaluation efforts. He has several years of experience conducting field monitoring and modeling of structural vibrations and related consulting. He has also conducted seismic risk evaluations and probable maximum loss (PML) evaluations on behalf of owners and insurers to assist in financial planning and capital improvement decisions.
