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: rossclements@bellsouth.net

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