presented by: h. ross clements, aia, ncarb, cdt construction science and engineering, inc....
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by:
H. Ross Clements, AIA, NCARB, CDTConstruction Science and Engineering, Inc.
Westminster, SC
RESOLUTION – Construction Major Case Technical TrainingTravelers Claim University
Windsor, CT
June 23, 2010© 2010 H. Ross Clements, AIA
All Rights Reserved
Forensic ToolsForensic Tools
What is CSE?What is CSE?
CSE is a Forensic Architecture and Engineering firm located in Westminster, SC.
Our work includes the investigation of building failures and we routinely work with both plaintiff and defense counsel.
We also do a substantial amount of work with insurance companies to determine the extent of damage to a building after a natural disaster.
Forensic ToolsForensic Tools
During this presentation, we are going discuss several
forensic tools that we find are often utilized to help resolve
construction defect claims.
However, it is important to remember that the most valuable
tools that we possess are:
An objective mind
A critical eye
Attentive ears
Common Field EquipmentCommon Field Equipment Dictaphone
Camera
Tape Measure
Probes
Sharpie, Chalk,
Crayon
Utility Knife
Flashlight
Blue Tape
Level
Mirror
Scale
Specialty Diagnostic Specialty Diagnostic EquipmentEquipment
Moisture Meter
IR Camera
Boroscope/Camera
Water Test Equipment
Roof Core Equipment
Digital Microscope
Withdrawal Tester
Crack Monitor
Paint Adhesion Tester
Metal Detector
Moisture MeterMoisture Meter
Moisture meters can provide a qualitative indication of the substrate conditions, which is helpful in determining if damage exists behind a cladding without having to remove it.
Pin-type
Pinless
Thermal Imaging (IR) CameraThermal Imaging (IR) Camera Thermal Imaging Cameras detect
the temperature of the surface that it is directed toward.
It creates an image using infrared radiation rather than visible light.
Given the right set of circumstances, an IR Camera can tell you if a building material is colder or warmer than the surrounding area, which can be an indication of moisture or missing insulation.
Boroscope/CameraBoroscope/Camera
Boroscopes can be helpful in obtaining images of plenum spaces and wall cavities with minimal destructive testing.
Water Test EquipmentWater Test Equipment Various tests can be
performed in order to determine how and where water is entering a building.
Isolation tests can also be performed in order to “rule-out” various components within the exterior wall assembly.
Roof Core EquipmentRoof Core Equipment A roof core sampler can be used to
verify the existing or as-built condition of a low-sloped roof.
Saw teeth at the end of the roof core sampler allow the cylinder to be inserted into the roof and a sample of the layers can be removed.
We have used this equipment to investigate a roof where anomalies were observed with our thermal imaging camera.
Digital MicroscopeDigital Microscope
A digital microscope allows us to capture images that are sometimes difficult to see with the naked eye.
Many times the area being examined cannot be easily accessed, such as a steep-slope roof.
Withdrawal TesterWithdrawal Tester
Fastener withdrawal testers are used to determine how many lbs are required to remove a screw or nail from a given substrate.
This information can then be compared with building code requirements to determine the adequacy of the as-built condition.
Crack MonitorCrack Monitor Once positioned over a crack, the
crosshairs on the two plates of the crack monitor will shift when slabs move, making movement easier to observe and document.
A progress chart records the movement
Once a pattern of movement has been established, forensic professionals can
then decide what remedial action is required.
Paint Adhesion TesterPaint Adhesion Tester
Adhesion tests can be performed on paints applied to a uniform surface in accordance with standard, industry accepted test protocols.
Metal DetectorMetal Detector Metal detectors can be used to
mark the locations of existing brick ties in masonry walls.
Questions / Comments?Questions / Comments?
H. Ross Clements, AIAH. Ross Clements, AIAe-mail: e-mail: [email protected]
Construction Science & Engineering, Inc.Construction Science & Engineering, Inc.office: (864) 647-1065office: (864) 647-1065
www.constructionscience.orgwww.constructionscience.org
A Little about Me…A Little about Me… Presenter:
H. Ross Clements, AIA
Employed by:
Construction Science and Engineering, Inc.218 E. Main St.Westminster, SC 29693
Education:
Bachelor of ArchitectureUniversity of TennesseeCollege of Architecture and Design, 2001
Defense Case Outline:Defense Case Outline:
Slip Resistance MeterSlip Resistance Meter
Slip Resistance MeterSlip Resistance Meter Measures the
resistance to slipping on a floor covering
Used to test slippage potential
ASTM
PosiPenPosiPen Used for measuring dry non-magnetic coatings on
steel and the ferrite content in metal.
Smoke PenSmoke Pen Used to dispense test smoke smoke-emitting wick is inserted into the clutch pencil and ignited Used for a variety of testing applications:
◦ Leaks in duct work, heat exchangers, furnaces, plumbing ◦ Air movement & ventilation systems ◦ Turbulence around fume hoods ◦ Duct mounted smoke detectors ◦ Fume evacuation from gas heaters, etc ◦ Leakage in ventilation systems ◦ Leakage in drainage systems ◦ Exhaust fans