Structural Engineers Trained at Uncovering the Hidden Facts
To many people, the profession of a structural or forensic engineer is very intriguing. The ability to examine a situation and determine what exactly happened can be appealing to many. However, to obtain this type of knowledge takes a lot of training and patience.
The Education of a Structural Engineer
To begin a career as a structural engineering expert, a four-year degree will be needed. Students will need to study in that particular field. The subjects taught in this field are very specific, which ensures that the student knows the required material in great detail.
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering can earn an individual well over $80, 000 a year. Some of the skills required are mathematics, communication, critical thinking and much more. This field allows the expert to use scientific explanations to determine what caused the structural or material failure of a building.
The Training of Structural Engineers
Structural engineers are trained to pinpoint the exact reason why a product failed. Not only do they analyze and examine the reasoning behind a failed product, but also the reasoning behind a failed building structure. Their training is specific and extremely detailed. Due to their in-depth training and knowledge, they are often used in a court of law to be expert witnesses.
Many structural and forensic engineers can find themselves involved in multiple product liability cases. Also, it is very common to see forensic and structural experts testifying in criminal cases. Courts often find it necessary to use experts who can actually systematically break down to a jury why an object or product failed at something or why the product or object could not have failed.
Types of Investigative Circumstances
A structural engineering investigation can be needed in many circumstances. An investigation can be launched, due to a number of reasons, here are a few:
- building code violations
- damage during floods and demolitions
- construction accidents
- property insurance claims
Structural engineers are trained to detect the cause of code violations. Determining what exactly caused the violation can be very important in a court case. Also identifying and the cause of a defect, why and how it occurred is vital.
Who Structural Engineers Work Beside
Structural engineers are quite familiar with working side by side with attorneys, private firms and insurers. Also, throughout their career, they will find themselves working with HOA agencies and private adjusters. By working with a structural engineering expert these entities will have to assess to a full site investigation.
They will also be privy to documentation discussing the condition of the site. If a Structural engineering investigation is opened all types of items are collected and given to those who are seeking the information. Structural engineering experts will be able to submit to the entity a full presentation of forensic clues and evidence relating directly to the issue at hand. These experts are thoroughly educated when it comes to assessing not just industrial properties, but also residential and public buildings.
Structural Engineers as Expert Witnesses
By gathering data and using science and physics to back up the findings the expert can actually make or break a case. Due to the intense critique of all evidence found structural and forensic engineers are able to provide excellent expert witness testimonies.
Structural engineers are a needed and respected profession. Many cases have been solved through their diligence and hard work. They are a dedicated team of individuals that go into detail when it comes to uncovering the facts.
