By: Richard E. Daniels, P.E. Excavation next to or near a foundation and in particular near a wall requires special care. Many structures, particularly residential row homes, were constructed on shallow foundation walls that were set at the frost depth. A shallow foundation wall exerts downward force in the form of a pressure bulb. The […]
By: Richard C. Moakes, CEng A recent weather event in February 2022, caused by battling warm and cold fronts after a major winter storm, had left snow on the ground, which created thick daytime fog. This resulted in a very hazardous situation that highlighted a deficiency in the human/vehicle interface of modern vehicles with automated […]
As an Industrial Hygienist and Safety Professional, when evaluating workplace incidents and injuries I request written safety programs from the parties involved with the matter. When reviewing the documents, I look to see whether the documents were produced within the organization or are from an outside entity. The reason for this is to identify whether […]
In the development of medical and scientific equipment, Biomedical Engineers combine engineering principles to design, invent, and create medical or scientific equipment, devices, computer systems, and software to aid medical professionals. These devices include vascular and orthopedic implants, machines to diagnose medical problems, dental chairs, surgical instruments, etc. Biomedical Engineers provide safety efficacy for such […]
By: Derek T. Jander, P.E. Whenever I investigate a roadway incident and prepare an expert report involving vehicles, pedestrians, and/or bicycles and there is the unfortunate occurrence of injuries or, regrettably, something worse, I determine some simple things that could have been done to prevent the incident. Frequently in the news and media, and perhaps […]
By: Richard E. Daniels, P.E. A pedestrian was severely injured when he was crossing a street at an intersection, within a marked crosswalk and during a green traffic signal, when he was struck by a dump truck that was making a left turn. The truck driver was transporting crushed stone between two construction sites, Site […]
by: Richard C. Moakes, CEng Population statistics show that we are living on average 15 years longer, and in response, the automotive industry is discovering aging drivers may have different technology needs from their younger counterparts. Cars have become more comfortable, more efficient, and more technologically advanced. These days, even the most tech savvy drivers […]
Following the trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, the prosecutors credited one of their expert witnesses, Dr. Martin Tobin, as being a significant contributor to obtaining a conviction. From years of in-court testimony experience, here is my list of the top five desirable characteristics of an expert witness that will aid […]
I am often asked what the difference is between Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanical Engineering because I have a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Biomechanics. Biomedical Engineering is the application of general engineering solutions that can be applied to biological and clinical areas of study. Under Biomedical Engineering, there can be numerous other […]
How does mold get into a home or building? Let us start by recognizing that mold and fungal spores occur naturally outdoors. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead trees, and other debris. When indoors, mold needs moisture to grow; it becomes a problem […]
By Derek T. Jander, P.E. Drivers on a road often think of safety and accident prevention in terms of speed limits, STOP signs, and other visible roadway characteristics that send the clear message to, among other things: Don’t drive so fast! Slow down! Stop ahead! However, the civil engineering design of a roadway also includes […]
e-Scooters have risen in popularity as a transportation device in urban city areas. Scooter-sharing systems work towards providing the public with a fast and convenient mode of transport for last-mile mobility in these areas. It was reported in Consumer Reports that, “According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, e-scooters resulted in an estimated 50,000 emergency […]