The Crucial Role of Structural Engineers as Expert Witnesses in Residential Cases

Riser height measurement

Introduction (Expert witness services):

Structural engineers play a pivotal role in legal cases related to trip and fall incidents, construction damage, improperly structurally modified structures, and improperly reinforced foundations. As expert witnesses, their expertise is sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural aspects involved in these situations. In this blog post, we explore the diverse responsibilities of structural engineers as they contribute their perspectives and analyses to achieve equitable and impartial resolutions in residential scenarios.

1. Trip and Fall Incidents:

In cases of trip and fall incidents, structural engineers examine the design and construction of walkways, stairs, and other structures to identify potential hazards. Their expertise allows them to assess whether the structural elements comply with safety standards and regulations. By analyzing factors like material integrity, load- bearing capacity, and adherence to building codes, structural engineers can determine if a structural flaw contributed to the accident.

2. Construction Damage:

When construction damage occurs in residential properties, structural engineers investigate the root causes. They assess the quality of materials used, construction methods employed, and adherence to approved plans. By identifying deviations from structural standards, engineers can provide crucial insights into whether the damage is a result of construction defects, poor workmanship, or other structural issues.

3. Improperly Structurally Modified Structures:

Homeowners often make modifications to their residences, such as removing walls or altering load-bearing elements, including party walls in row houses. Structural engineers can assess these modifications to determine if they adhere to engineering principles and local building codes. Unapproved changes can compromise structural integrity, leading to safety hazards. Expert witnesses assist the court in understanding the consequences of such alterations.

4. Improperly Reinforced Foundations:

Issues with foundations can jeopardize the stability of an entire structure. In cases involving improperly reinforced foundations, structural engineers examine the foundation’s design, materials used, and construction methods. They assess whether the foundation meets industry standards and if deficiencies contributed to structural problems. Expert witnesses play a crucial role in explaining technical details to legal professionals and the court.

5. Personal Injuries:

Personal injuries frequently occur as a consequence of facade or panel failures, whether attributed to shortcomings in design, installation, fabrication, or engineering. Our extensive experience spanning all aspects, from design and engineering to manufacturing and installation, equips us with a comprehensive understanding to effectively address such cases involving personal injuries.

Conclusion:

Collaborating with Pittsburgh Design & Engineering Services emphasizes the vital role of a structural engineer as an essential expert witness in both residential and commercial cases. Leveraging their profound expertise, the structural engineer adeptly analyzes intricate structural issues and effectively communicates their findings to legal professionals and the court. Through the provision of impartial and professional insights, these experts play a crucial part in advancing justice in various cases, including those involving trip and fall incidents, construction damage, personal injuries, improperly structurally modified structures, and inadequately reinforced foundations.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

Firas has reviewed, evaluated, and assessed thousands of properties across the state of Pennsylvania, spanning from State College to Erie and throughout Western PA.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

The Importance of Structural Engineering in Real Estate Transactions

Improperly Supported jack post

In the dynamic world of real estate, structural concerns often emerge after appraisals and inspections. Homeowners and real estate agents grapple with issues ranging from settlement concerns, sagging and improperly supported main load bearing beams, to compromised foundations. This blog discusses the critical role of structural engineering consulting in resolving these issues and emphasizes the potential pitfalls of opting for contractors over a structural engineer firm.

It highlights the importance of involving a structural engineering company to ensure the integrity of a property.

1. Early Intervention Saves Costs:

• Contacting a professional engineer early in the process can save homeowners, sellers, or buyers time and more importantly, significant costs. Engineering solutions ensure compliance with minimum code standards, satisfying both appraisals and mortgage requirements. While some concerns could be addressed in a structural inspection and maybe a letter, others may require structural repairs or intervention. Most municipalities require engineered stamped drawings for structural reinforcements.

2. Contractor vs. Structural Engineer Dilemma:

• While contractors play a crucial role, some contracting companies might mistakenly mislabel structural work as mere reinforcement, or just additional support when, in reality, it should have been a work that requires an engineering review, structural calculations, and drawings, followed by a contractor to pull the permit and perform the work. This misclassification becomes apparent during reevaluation that often is required by appraisers and loan officers, leading to additional costs and potential complications.

3. The Aftermath of Misjudgment:

• Clients opting for contractors often face post-installation appraisals that demand structural engineer approval. This step becomes problematic when the initial work fails to meet code standards, necessitating costly corrections. It also gets expensive as the registered professional engineer or licensed professional will need to verify whether the work completed meets the load requirements or if it needs adjustment and modifications.

4. The Engineering work:

• Structural engineering involves load calculations, correct beam spans, proper footing size, and appropriate load path distribution. Failure to adhere to these principles can result in non compliance work.

Conclusion:

In navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, our advice to real estate agents, sellers, and buyers in Pennsylvania is clear: involve a structural engineer early on. By doing so, you can mitigate potential problems, save time, and reduce costs. Appraisals should also prioritize evaluations by a Pennsylvania structural engineer before greenlighting any structural work. This proactive approach ensures that any structural modification done is sound and meets the minimum requirements set by the structural engineering standards for Pennsylvania.

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

Firas has reviewed, evaluated, and assessed thousands of properties across the state of Pennsylvania, spanning from State College to Erie and throughout Western PA.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.

Strengthening Home Foundations: The role of Pittsburgh’s Top Rated Structural Engineer

Push pier installation

Introduction:

The solidity of your home hinges on a strong foundation. Foundation reinforcement, a pivotal facet of residential structural engineering, significantly bolsters your property’s stability and durability. In Pittsburgh, the presence of top-rated structural engineers plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your residence remains steadfast over time.

The Significance of Foundation Reinforcement:

A strong foundation serves as the backbone of any building. As time passes, factors like soil settling, moisture fluctuations, and external forces can erode and impact a foundation’s strength. Foundation reinforcement encompasses diverse methodologies that combat these issues—ranging from supplementary supports to reinforcing preexisting structures and harnessing advanced materials.

Identifying Signs of Foundation Issues:

Before embarking on foundation reinforcement, it’s important to recognize signs of potential problems. Cracks in walls, sloping floors, sticking doors, and uneven surfaces are indicators that your foundation might require attention. Consulting a top-rated structural engineer in Pittsburgh can help assess the severity of these issues and recommend suitable solutions.

Choosing the Right Structural Engineer:

Selecting a proficient structural engineer is paramount for a successful foundation reinforcement endeavor. Seek out engineers with substantial experience, favorable testimonials, positive reviews, and pertinent certifications. In Pittsburgh, a profusion of adept professionals specialize in residential structural engineering. By collaborating with a top-rated structural engineer, you can be confident that your foundation reinforcement project is entrusted to capable hands.

Techniques for Foundation Reinforcement:

Pittsburgh’s top-rated structural engineers deploy an array of techniques for foundation reinforcement, adapted to your home’s specific requisites. These approaches encompass:

1. Underpinning: This method entails fortifying the foundation by extending it to a more secure soil stratum beneath the original foundation. It’s particularly efficacious for residences grappling with subsidence.

2. Carbon Fiber Strengthening: Carbon fiber strips are applied to fissured or enfeebled sections of the foundation, furnishing augmented potency and deterring further deterioration.

3. Pier and Beam Reinforcement: Homes featuring pier and beam foundations can benefit from extra piers or beams to distribute weight more evenly and thwart sagging.

4. Concrete Grouting: Infusing grout into cavities beneath the foundation can stabilize the soil and furnish supplementary support. (Not a common reinforcement).

Collaborating with Pittsburgh Structural Engineers:

Pittsburgh boasts an array of top-rated structural engineers who specialize in residential undertakings. By forging alliances with these mavens, homeowners stand to gain insights into local soil characteristics, climatic patterns, and building codes. Their proficiency ensures that foundation reinforcement is executed with optimal strategies suited to Pittsburgh’s distinct milieu.

Conclusion:

Foundation reinforcement constitutes an investment that reaps long-term rewards, safeguarding your home’s value and safety. Partnering with top-rated structural engineers in Pittsburgh guarantees that your foundation reinforcement venture is executed with precision and proficiency. Rather than waiting for signs of foundation issues to snowball, take preemptive measures to fortify your home’s foundation and secure its longevity. At Pittsburgh Design & Engineering Services we offer site visit evaluation for a set fee, to evaluate your foundation walls and suggests steps according to their conditions if any needs taken. We do not perform contracting work so we aren't conflicted and we will be your best bet to offer you the advice of a professional not a sales man.

Call us today if you need any further assistance: 724-949-0004

www.pittdes.com

Written by Firas Abdelahad, P.E.

Firas Abdelahad has been a practicing structural engineer since 2005, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals, including consultants, architects, investors, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors. Together, they tackle the various challenges that can arise during the design and construction phases of projects.

The information and statements in this document are for information purposes only and do not comprise the professional advice of the author or create a professional relationship between reader and author.