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Presented by: H. Ross Clements, AIA, NCARB, CDT Construction Science and Engineering, Inc. Westminster, SC RESOLUTION – Construction Major Case Technical.

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Presentation on theme: "Presented by: H. Ross Clements, AIA, NCARB, CDT Construction Science and Engineering, Inc. Westminster, SC RESOLUTION – Construction Major Case Technical."— Presentation transcript:

1 Presented by: H. Ross Clements, AIA, NCARB, CDT Construction Science and Engineering, Inc. Westminster, SC RESOLUTION – Construction Major Case Technical Training Travelers Claim University Windsor, CT June 23, 2010 © 2010 H. Ross Clements, AIA All Rights Reserved Forensic Tools

2 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.

3 Forensic 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

4 Common Field Equipment Dictaphone Camera Tape Measure Probes Sharpie, Chalk, Crayon Utility Knife Flashlight Blue Tape Level Mirror Scale

5 Specialty Diagnostic Equipment Moisture Meter IR Camera Boroscope/Camera Water Test Equipment Roof Core Equipment Digital Microscope Withdrawal Tester Crack Monitor Paint Adhesion Tester Metal Detector

6 Moisture 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

7 Thermal 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.

8 Boroscope/Camera Boroscopes can be helpful in obtaining images of plenum spaces and wall cavities with minimal destructive testing.

9 Water 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.

10 Roof 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.

11 Digital 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.

12 Withdrawal 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.

13 Crack 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.

14 Paint Adhesion Tester Adhesion tests can be performed on paints applied to a uniform surface in accordance with standard, industry accepted test protocols.

15 Metal Detector Metal detectors can be used to mark the locations of existing brick ties in masonry walls.

16 Questions / Comments? H. Ross Clements, AIA e-mail: rossclements@bellsouth.net Construction Science & Engineering, Inc. office: (864) 647-1065 www.constructionscience.org rossclements@bellsouth.net

17 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 Architecture University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design, 2001 Helping my Dad with his bookshelves is my earliest memory of learning to work with building materials.

18 Defense Case Outline:

19 Slip Resistance Meter

20 Measures the resistance to slipping on a floor covering Used to test slippage potential ASTM

21 PosiPen Used for measuring dry non-magnetic coatings on steel and the ferrite content in metal.

22 Smoke 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


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