Introductory description

ES2C9-15 Forensic Engineering

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Basic concepts in the definition of satisfactory structural performance.
Key elements in structural performance.
Types of failures, ranging from reduced serviceability to total collapse.
Failure sources and their root cause allocation.
The forensic engineers tool kit.
Illustration by case studies of real disasters (e.g., Ronan Point tower, Piper Alpha, BP Deepwater Horizon, Twin Towers, Comet aircraft, Point Pleasant Bridge, etc.).
Failure prevention mechanisms.
Risk and Probability of failure
Introduction to limit state design principles.
Trade magazine articles.
Human factors.
Ethics.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply scientific and engineering principles to forensic engineering investigations within the context of an interdisciplinary approach to engineering.
• Explain how and why structures and complex systems have failed.
• Show that much can be learnt from disasters and that the lessons learnt can prevent similar failures from happening again.
• Demonstrate knowledge of topics related to structural reliability, risk assessment and limit state design.
• Demonstrate an awareness of what constitutes the profession of forensic engineering.
• Discuss the types of organisations and independent bodies who review and monitor matters relating to the safety of an industrial sector.

Indicative reading list

Set text book - Levy, M. and Salvadori, M., ‘Why Buildings Fall Down,’ W. W. Norton & Co., New York, 1992. ISBN 039303356 (available online)
‘Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities,’ American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ISSN: 0887-3828 eISSN: 1943-5509 http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jpcfev
‘Journal of Forensic Engineering,’ Proceedings of the ICE. ISSN: 2043-9903 E-ISSN: 2043-9911
http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/serial/feng
Teams will be required to read the investigation report to the case study for their trade magazine articles; these are either on Internet or with module leader (and ESO).

Research element

Students have to conduct a literature review as research for a forensic engineering case study used in the coursework assignments

Subject specific skills

1. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
2. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
3. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
2. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
3. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
4. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
6. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
7. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.