By Expert No. 27024, AIA

Construction defects and subsequent litigation can stem from many different sources. During a construction project, quality is the most important aspect to concentrate on to mitigate defects. A primary contributor to quality is the level of craftsmanship that is employed and the quality of materials that are used as well as the various assemblies that make up the project. The experience and the professionalism of the parties involved also have considerable influence on the quality of the project. On average, there are approximately 58 different subcontractors. Unless there are sufficient proactive quality control measures, e.g., third party review, implemented throughout the construction process and the management provided by the builder itself, construction defects may result. Below is a list of the most basic and most common defects for which experts can help.

» Read more

By Expert No. 40237, P.E.

Large Vs. Small

Whether purchasing a new or used vehicle, safety should be considered along with utility, comfort, price and style. After the use or non-use of seat belts, the single most important factor in determining your chance of getting killed or seriously injured in an accident is your vehicle's weight. In fact, an extra 300 pounds of vehicle weight improves your chances of survival as much as an air bag. Try to avoid smaller vehicles, especially those weighing less than 3,000 pounds. This choice will cost more at the gas pump and might offend your sense of environmental responsibility, but it could save your life.

» Read more

By Expert No. 33219, Ph.D.

The major objective of this research was to use motorcycle and rider models in a crash simulation to identify injury mechanisms, injury trends, and injury potential to motorcyclists in one particular type of collision. MADYMO (MAthematical DYnamic MOdel), a commercially available software program, was used to construct and analyze realistic motorcycle crash scenarios in an effort to understand the dynamics of the motorcycle-rider system. Modification strategies were also investigated, which mainly involved identifying possible injury trends based on changes in motorcycle geometry. Validation of the models used was previously performed (motorcycle validation by Neiboer et al, 1993, and MATD validation via ISO 13232) using proven scientific biomechanical and collision analysis procedures.

» Read more

By Expert No. 42777, R.G., C.E.G.

Although this winter has been relatively mild, last year’s devastating landslides such as Bluebird Canyon and the La Conchita resulted in millions of dollars of property damage and several deaths. These failures, and thousands of other smaller failures, have resulted in insurance claims and legal actions that will be supported by attorneys and experts for years to come.

This article will serve as a primer on the general types and causes of slope failures and the role that geologist’s provide as investigative consultants.

» Read more

By Expert No. 8937, PE

A shopping center owner recently sued a paving contractor who had performed some asphalt repairs and maintenance for the prior owner. They alleged that the distressed conditions at the present time were due to improper work done by this Contractor several years earlier. This very large shopping center was designed with sufficient grade that the water flowed quite rapidly over the surface to the collection area. From there, it flowed to the storm drain catch basins. However, when it was constructed, no concrete swale or gutter was installed to carry the water from the collection points to the catch basins, and the water had to flow over the surface of the asphalt concrete.

» Read more