Forensic Engineering Investigation

by Randall K. Noon

Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0849309115

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Book Description

Forensic Engineering Investigation is a compendium of the investigative methodologies used by engineers and scientific investigators to evaluate some of the more common types of failures and catastrophic events. In essence, the book provides analyses and methods for determining how an entity was damaged and when that damage may have legal consequences. The material covers 21 common types of failures, catastrophic events, and losses that forensic engineers routinely assess. The range of topics include wind and blasting damage to structures, vehicular accidents, fires, explosions, hail damage to roofs and exteriors, lighting damage, and industrial guarding accidents.

Additionally, the book offers an extensive discussion of the scientific method as it applies to forensic science and provides tips on organizing and writing an investigative report. The book also supplies the applicable codes and standards that regulate the profession, discusses the role of the forensic engineer in court proceedings, and addresses the role management plays in industrial safety.

Each chapter is self-contained, highly specific, and succinct. Even more important, the analysis in each chapter is tailored to the answering of questions usually posed in the particular circumstances under discussion. The author does not skimp on the mathematical and scientific underpinnings of the subject matter. In that sense, Forensic Engineering Investigation contains the "good stuff" that is typically omitted in less challenging texts.

Book Reviews

…highly readable and topical introduction to the real world of 'the application of engineering principles and methodologies to answer questions in fact'…books stands on its own merits…wide array of topics in succinct fashion…standard engineering algebraic formulas fully interpreted and often illustrated by a schematic drawing or photograph to assist reader…Mr. Noon is a master teacher and often blends formulas with lessons learned from his personal experience, which must be extensive…wealth of 'good stuff'… - Wayne C. Lusvardi, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Customer Reviews

A forensic engineering investigation is somewhat analogous to watching only the end of a movie and then trying to determine what led up to that ending. The investigative process is such that, usually, all that is known ahead of time is what the outcome is: a warehouse burned down; a pickup truck crashed; a tank exploded, and so on. This reference book contains over twenty of these types of the more common events. Arguably the best part is the way in which each type is presented; in a methodical, deliberate, logical way complete with equations and solid scientific theory. There is a fair amount of useful data in each chapter as well. For example, Chapter 16, Energy Methods, contains weights and "stiffness coefficients" for small, medium, and full-sized automobiles. The stiffness coefficient is basically the force at which a portion of a vehicle will buckle. Your car not listed? No problem. There is an empirical method to derive the number using the curb weight. This is indeed a welcome addition to my library.