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Civil & Structural Forensic Engineering Services
Almost any structure can fail – sometimes it takes abnormal or extreme conditions such as hurricanes, floods, winds, fire, and earthquakes, sometimes it’s something inherent in the design.
When a building, roof, bridge, process plant, grain elevator, sewer, drilling rig, or other structure fails, McDowell Owens’ experts are there to examine, evaluate, investigate, and find answers.
McDowell Owens investigates Civil & Structural incidents and accidents and explains what happened, how it happened, and, where possible, how to avoid the same issues in the future. We dive deeply in evaluating the design, materials, and methods employed in the construction of a structure to determine loading and stability factors that contributed to the loss.
McDowell Owens and Civil & Structural Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, worldwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased civil & structural forensic engineering and failure analysis services.
Established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens’ professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in forensic structural investigation.
When we investigate a structural failure as part of a forensic investigation, we seek answers to:
- How and why did the structure fail?
- Were there indications that a failure was pending?
- If so, for what period of time were those indications apparent?
- Ultimately, who was responsible?
Civil & Structural Expertise
Our team of civil engineers and forensic investigators specialize in evaluating a wide array of civil and structural failures.
We have decades of experience, deep industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We will identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate, then produce reports that are as detailed as they are clear and understandable.
McDowell Owens Civil & Structural experts have experience in:
- Roof Analysis
- Stress Analysis
- Foundations
- Structural Failure
- Post-Damage Structural Analysis
Our experts investigate the site, evaluate the design, materials, and methods employed in the construction, determine loading and stability factors that may have contributed to the loss, and reach an unbiased conclusion. We never lose sight of the fact that it is all too easy in structural forensics to fall into the expectation bias trap. We start and end every investigation with one thought in mind: the incident is unique.
Over decades of experience and more than 20,000 cases we have investigated:
- Structural Collapse
- Fire and Explosion Damage
- Water Damage
- Construction Defects
- Tree Impacts
- Snow and Ice
- Lightning Strikes
- Vehicle Impacts
- Wind
- Climate Change
- Construction Ground Vibration
- Material and foundation related failures
- Structural Collapse
- Fire and Explosion Damage
- Water Damage
Custom Civil & Structural Forensic Solutions
We solve puzzles. Our mission: investigate, solve, and explain the most challenging engineering & scientific problems. McDowell Owens has deep resources that allow us to provide a custom forensic solution for every assignment. We evaluate the available evidence, apply scientific methods, specialized knowledge, and the latest analytical technologies to reach scientifically sound opinions and solutions for our clients.
Our investment in research and development and dedication to rigorous scientific processes keeps us on the cutting edge as industry leaders in conducting complex structural forensic investigations and subsequent in-depth forensic analysis.
When performing forensic analysis, our team thoroughly investigates the issues – from taking data at the scene to analyzing drawings, material specifications, supporting documentation, and tests. We produce reports that are as clear, concise, and accurate as they are comprehensive.
Our Civil & Structural Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens’ consultants have extensive experience in a vast array of civil & structural forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
Forensic investigation is vital to pretrial discovery — and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are expert at conducting civil & structural forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive yet understandable report and, whenever necessary, testimony.
McDowell Owens structural forensic experts are leaders in the field - accomplished experts with proven track records of achievement in research, teaching, and industry. Our expert engineers and scientists combine real world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines. We stay abreast of changes, are active in industry groups, conduct research and testing to hone our skills, publish in highly respected professional journals/industry publications, teach, and make presentations to peer groups.
McDowell Owens’s Forensic Consulting professionals offer critical clarity and dedicated expert insight on your Civil & Structural forensic case through deep analysis and research conducted by fully vetted industry professionals.
We never stop learning. A core belief is that when it comes to forensic science and solutions there is always something more to learn, always a new way to look at a problem, an innovative technology to consider. Structural forensics demands this dedication to continuing education as building methods and materials ever evolve, buildings are built higher, foundations are sunk deeper, and everything built by humans are subjected to harsher environmental conditions.
Litigation Support and Forensic Expert Witnesses
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience supporting every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We deal in objective solutions unimpeded by expectation or confirmation bias. We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive while remaining accessible to non-experts.
When you work with us:
- We will match you with an engineer with the expertise to inform your case.
- We rapidly respond to your litigation needs, including 24/7 support.
- You are assured of working with a team of licensed experts with extensive credentials.
- Civil & Structural Analysis (X-ray and Digital Microscopy)
- Fire debris X-ray and photography
- Electrical testing and recording and photography
- Specialized Laboratory Testing (Designed as needed and with your protocol).
McDowell Owens Laboratory – Services and Capabilities
Our “clean” laboratory services are utilized by our staff on a regular basis to provide our clients with the most accurate and complete analysis possible.
Our laboratory has full video recording capability with real-time observation and remote participation for those who cannot be present. All inspections, examinations, and testing can be recorded, as can all digital microscope work.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Civil & Structural Forensics
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Determining All Causally Related Factors
Workplace accidents have a devastating impact. At McDowell Owens Engineering, we provide the forensic analysis and expert witness support you need to uncover the critical details in workplace injury cases. We help you understand the causes, analyze relevant safety and process training, assess if safety protocols were followed, and identify causally related issues.
Understanding Workplace Injury Causes
McDowell Owens specializes in investigating a wide range of workplace injuries, including those related to:
OSHA Violations: Our team analyzes potential violations across various industries, like general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture.
OSHA's "Big Four" Hazards:
- Falls and Fall Protection
- Caught-In/Between Machinery
- Struck-By Objects or Equipment
- Electrocutions
Additional Workplace Hazards:
- Scaffolding failures
- Trip Hazards
- Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)
- Confined Space Entry
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Sharp object hazards and lacerations
- Inadequate machine guarding and pinch points
- Heavy equipment and construction site accidents
Our Investigative Approach
The engineers at McDowell Owens use their extensive experience to investigate each workplace injury case meticulously. This includes:
Thorough Evidence Collection:
We meticulously examine the accident site, inspect the equipment and/or processes involved, and review all available documentation to gather the data needed for a comprehensive analysis.
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise:
Our diverse team allows us to understand workplace injuries from all angles, ensuring a thorough understanding of what happened.
Root Cause Determination:
We don't just identify what happened – we focus on the underlying reasons to provide you with a complete understanding of the incident.
Clear and Compelling Communication:
At McDowell Owens, we're committed to translating complex technical information into language everyone can understand. This clarity is crucial for everyone involved.
The Power of Experience
McDowell Owens Engineering has a long history of workplace injury investigations. Our team's experience allows us to:
1. Identify Potential Contributing Factors:
We know that no two accidents are identical. Our expertise means we can spot the subtle details others might miss.
2. Assess Safety Measures:
We compare what happened on-site to industry standards and regulations to determine if safety protocols were followed appropriately.
3. Anticipate Key Questions:
Our experience allows us to proactively address potential issues that commonly arise in workplace injury litigation, making things smoother for you.
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McDowell Owens Fire & Explosion Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic fire investigations engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased fire and explosion investigation analysis services to clients throughout the nation. Over the decades, we have worked with private and public sector clients in the legal, oil and gas, insurance, electrical, and petrochemical industries, among others.
Established leaders in the field, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in fire and explosion analysis. Over the generations, our clients have come to rely on us to conduct thorough investigations to produce a multi-disciplinary analysis in the wake of any fire-related loss.
Cause and Origin Analysis in Fire & Explosion Investigation
McDowell Owens engineers have industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience in fire investigations. From determining the origin to identifying the cause and/or causal factors, as often times there are a combination of events that lead to a failure and/or fire, we bring our expertise to every fire and explosion analysis we conduct.
Our team of uniquely qualified experts, engineers, and consultants has almost forty years of experience in fire and explosion analysis. Recognized for our reliability and accuracy, we have built a trusted reputation among our clients. We are always up-to-date on the latest research and fire forensics investigations, and we are committed to ethical professionalism.
What is a Fire Investigation?
A fire investigation is the application of dynamics in analyzing fire-related incidents. When a devastating fire occurs, our expert investigators set out to discover where and how the fire began and why it spread using evidence and conducted tests.
Over the decades, we have investigated thousands of fires related to industrial, commercial, residential, heavy equipment, vehicle, and marine cases. We pride ourselves on always being on the cutting edge of fire science.
McDowell Owens experts are always aware that there is much more at stake in most fire and explosion investigations than just property loss. Our findings can impact people’s lives far beyond monetary compensation.
We examine the physical attributes of the fire scene, then identify and collect physical evidence. Our investigation includes:
- Fire Scene Inspection
- Residential Fire Reconstruction and Analysis
- Fire Debris Combustion By-Product Analysis
- Wildland Fire Ignition and Spread Analysis
- Fuel Gas System Analysis – Gas Mechanics and Diffusion
- Full and Reduced-Scale Fire and Explosion Testing
- Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Analysis
- Computer Fire Modeling
- Origin & Cause Analysis
- Smoke Detector Failure
- Spot Fires and Ignition of Fuels by Hot Particles
- Fire Testing
- Failure Analysis
Types of Fire Investigations
From on-site investigation to evidence examination, testing, and analysis, we provide comprehensive fire investigation services supported by an in-depth knowledge of fire science. We also perform testing without expectation or confirmation bias, ensuring accurate, unbiased results.
McDowell Owens experts have investigated fire origins while providing engineering support for thousands of fire investigations, including:
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- High Rises
- Automobiles
- Wildlands
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- Marine Fires
- Electrical Fires
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- Motorcycles
- Factories
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- Commercial Buildings
- Aircrafts of All Types
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- Residential Structures
- Commercial Kitchens
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- Battery Fires
- Post-Fire Analysis
Litigation Support Services
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.
With McDowell Owens, you will:
- Receive assistance from experts with academic credentials and real-world courtroom experience to lend expertise and credibility to your case.
- Gain a team that will always meet stringent court and internal deadlines. Our highly-focused approach delivers timely work.
- Know that our experts have a deep understanding of and respect for ethical courtroom conduct.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Explosion Analysis
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Custom Forensic Solutions
Our mission is to investigate, solve, and explain the most challenging engineering and scientific problems.
McDowell Owens has extensive resources that allow us to provide a custom forensic solution for every assignment. We evaluate the available evidence and apply scientific methods, specialized knowledge, and the latest analytical technologies to reach scientifically sound solutions for our clients.
When performing forensic analysis, our team thoroughly investigates the issues, from taking data at the scene to analyzing drawings, material specifications, supporting documentation, and conducting tests.
We produce reports that are clear, concise, accurate, and comprehensive.
Our Areas of Expertise
We provide technical answers and engineering solutions for insurance companies, law firms, and businesses – anyone looking for an unbiased, scientifically sound answer to questions involving:
For our clients, we have the experience and expertise to determine the cause and scope.
Expert Witness Services
McDowell Owens team of highly credentialed experts has a proven track record of success in helping audiences understand the value and strength of our findings.
We present the facts based on solid science. The science is vital, of course, but it doesn’t mean much without the ability to make it understood and put in its proper context to tell the true story of what happened.
Communication is the key to favorable case outcomes in both pre-trial settlements and verdicts. The experts at McDowell Owens have a firm grasp of Frye and Daubert standards and possess the ability to take complex concepts and turn them into easily understood principles for all to understand. We ensure that the judges and juries fully understand the technical and scientific information from your case, leaving them with a clear picture and convincing evidence.
When you work with McDowell Owens experts in court, you will:
- Partner with professionals that offer academic credentials and real-world courtroom experience to lend expertise and credibility to your case.
- Have a team that will always meet stringent court and internal deadlines. Our highly-focused approach delivers timely work.
- You are assured of working with a team of licensed forensic engineers with extensive credentials.
McDowell Owens Laboratory – Services and Capabilities
Our “clean” laboratory services are utilized by our staff on a regular basis to provide our clients with the most accurate and complete analysis possible. Our laboratory capabilities are available to anyone who needs lab space and/or the proper documentation, including the following:
- Fire Debris X-Ray and Photography
- Electrical Testing, Recording, and Photography
- Mechanical Failure Analysis (X-ray and Digital Microscopy)
- Appliance Fire, Water Loss and Other Failure Analysis/Testing/Documentation
- Dryers and Other Appliances
- Water Losses in Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Sink, Toilet Valves, Etc. (Testing Capabilities and X-ray where needed)
- Various Product Testing
- Specialized Laboratory Testing (Designed as needed and with your protocol)
Our laboratory has full video recording capability with real-time observation and remote participation for those who cannot be present. All inspections, examinations, and testing can be recorded, as can all digital microscopes.
“Dirty” laboratory services are available to anyone who needs teardown space for engines, transmissions, etc. They can then be examined, documented, photographed, and X-rayed in the “clean” lab as needed.
Our Clients
McDowell Owens does not publish the names of clients unless required to do so. They include some of the largest and most sophisticated Forensic Engineering service users in the Western Hemisphere. We believe, however, that we are hired to solve a problem, not to use their names to attract business.
24/7 To Meet Your Needs
Our experts are here 24/7 to help with the analysis of fires, explosions, and vehicular accidents, as well as structural, mechanical, and electrical failures using the latest technology and testing methodologies.
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