Forensic Engineering Expert Witnesses

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Acorn Consulting Services, LLC

William Acorn, P.E., FASHRAE

Principal

1610 E. River Road, Ste. 117

Tucson AZ 85712
USA

phone: 520-322-6150

fax: 520-577-0851

Summary
CV/Links
Articles
Books

William R. Acorn, P.E., FASHRAE, is principal and founder of Acorn Consulting Services, LLC (ACS). For over 30 years, he has been involved in the Engineering Analysis and Design of hundreds of projects ranging from Institutional Laboratories to Cleanroom Facilities for the semiconductor industry.

Mr. Acorn has significant experience as an Expert Analyst of System Design, System Failures, Code Compliance issues and Cause/Effect relationships of problems related to the built environment. Mr. Acorn has received numerous awards for technical excellence and is recognized for his technical achievements, innovation and foresight by peers, associates and clients in the advanced technology industry.

Mr. Acorn is an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University; the author of the book Code Compliance for Advanced Technology Facilities; and a frequent lecturer to the industry and academia on a variety of technical topics related to building and cleanroom design, construction and project management.

Mr. Acorn is registered as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah. He is also registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Forensic & Litigation Consulting

Analysis and evaluation of losses related to failed systems or other facility performance issues is provided on behalf of owners or attorneys. These services are provided with regard to deficiencies in HVAC Systems, Cleanrooms, Piping Systems, Refrigeration Systems, Construction Claims, Building and Fire Codes:

Litigation Consulting
Technical Analysis and Investigation
Claims Preparation and Analysis
Expert Testimony

Project Consulting

ACS assists their clients to optimize the outcome of new and retrofit facilities by providing a range of high level services including:

Strategic Planning: Conceptual Design; Feasibility Studies & Evaluations; Value Engineering
Facility Retrofit and Renovation Strategies
Program Management: Project Delivery Strategies; Selection of Design and Construction Teams
Design Consulting and Design Review
Code Compliance Analysis and Negotiation

• View a sample of Litigation Projects

• View a sample of Non-Litigation Projects

4/11/2005 · Construction

Things You Can Do To Avoid Conflict In The Design And Construction Of Building Projects

By: William R. Acorn

Introduction: In our first Volume of the Forensic Exchanger, we discussed some of the all too many reasons why HVAC systems fail. If you missed that edition and are interested in that topic e-mail us and we will gladly send it to you. We will follow up with more discussion of that important topic in later editions

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Code Compliance for Advanced Technology Facilities : A Comprehensive Guide for Semiconductor and Other Hazardous Occupancies

William R. Acorn

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AIS Forensic Testing Laboratory, Inc.

Roland O’Brien-Bills, PE, MSc

Mechanical & Safety Engineer

212 Elmwood Ave.

Gloversville NY 12078
USA

phone: (800) 249-0959 x112

fax: (518) 725-1144

Summary

AIS Forensic Testing Laboratory, Inc. is a provider of expert Forensic Engineering .

Expert in Fire Tube Boilers, Water Tube Boilers, which include - Steam, Hot Water, HTHW, Condensate -, Piping, and Furnace & Vapor Explosions and Steam Condensate Explosions as well as Steam Condensate Water Hammer.

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Analytic Engineering

Steven R. Thomas, P.E.

Multiple Addresses (See Below)

NJ NH ME MA VT RI CT NY PA DE USA

phone: 877-267-7855

fax: 973-401-0056 or 603-293-4142

Summary
CV/Links

New Jersey Office:
PMB 4066
55 Madison Avenue - Ste 400
Morristown, NJ 07960
T: (973) 401-0010
F: (973) 401-0056

New Hampshire Office:
Analytic Engineering
105 Juniper Ridge Road
Gilford, NH 03249
T: (603) 293-4477
F: (603) 293-4142

Analytic Engineering combines Professional Engineering with Effective Communication. We offer Technical Analysis and Services in the Engineering field and provide experienced Expert Testimony to communicate the conclusions reached.

Engineering Services:

Mechanical Engineering

Safety Engineering

Vehicular Accident Reconstruction

Failure Analysis

Computer Animation

Premises Liability

Patent Claim Analysis

Product Design & Liabilty

Product & Equipment

Design Engineering Services

Steven R. Thomas, PE, the Principal Engineer at Analytic Engineering, earned his Bachelor of Science - Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical) at Widener University, Chester, PA in 1979 and a Master of Science in Engineering Science (Safety Engineering and Human Factors) at The New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1997.

Professional Experience: Steven R. Thomas, P.E. has worked for such organizations as General Motors, Thomas & Betts, General Cable and Breed Automotive Corporation. He has worked in the engineering fields of Research and Development, Product Design, Machine Design, Manufacturing, Industrial, Tooling, Safety, Facility Design, Failure Analysis and Accident Reconstruction. Since 1991 Mr. Thomas has worked as an Engineering Consultant in the Forensic field and has testified in numerous jurisdictions.

• View Mr. Thomas' Curriculum Vitae

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ANNA, Inc

David Alley

626 Admiral Drive C537

Annapolis MD 21401
USA

phone: 410-353-4976

Summary

David Alley is a Consulting and Forensic Engineer with over three decades of Design Engineering Experience, Field engineering experience and financial analysis experience for power Generation Projects in Cogeneration, Nuclear, Hydropower, Diesel Engine, Combustion Turbine and Gas Turbine Powered Power Generation Facilities. Mr. Alley is a National Electrical Code NFPA-70 expert and an Hazardous area delineation expert.

BSEE-Clemson, MBA-Darden

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Artzat Consulting

Arthur Zatarain, P.E.

Principal

401 Arlington Dr.

Metairie LA 70001
USA

phone: 504-837-3090 (Central time)

Summary
CV/Links
Articles

Equipment, Controls, and Automation.

Accidents - Intellectual Property - Commercial Disputes

Forensic Engineering: Electrical, Electronic Equipment & Control Systems
Design-Build Engineer, Manufacturer, Contractor, Inventor, Corp Executive, and Expert Witness
30+ years in Industrial, Oilfield, and Commercial Environments, both Domestic and International
Extensive hands-on experience with industrial control systems, computerized devices, PLC & DCS, and SCADA (industrial telemetry)
Operations and commercial consulting for mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment
Patent experience including claim construction, patent validity, and infringement
Granted US Patent for computerized nuclear medical treatment device (remote afterloader)
Registered Professional Engineer: Electrical and Control Systems in Alabama, Alaska, California, and Louisiana
Certified in both Systems Integration and Computer Forensics
Master Electrician (TX) and Qualifying Party as Licensed Electrical & Instrumentation Contractor in 4 states
MS in Engineering, University teaching experience, published author
Access to diverse forensic testing facilities and detailed photographic equipment
10+ years Deposition and Trial Experience, Qualified in U.S. Federal Court
Based in Louisiana, service nationwide

• View Mr. Zatarain's Résumé

• References for Artzat Consulting, LLC

• Partial List of Expert Consulting Engagements

1/10/2011 · Control Systems

Don't Gamble With Control Safety And Reliability: Understand The Benefits And Limitations Of Safety Instrumented Systems.

By: Arthur Zatarain, PE

As a wise singer once crooned, you have to "know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." But Kenny "The Gambler" Rogers merely had to beat long-shot odds to win at his game.

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1/6/2011 · Intellectual Property

Be Smart About Intellectual Property: Understand The Rights, Responsibilities And Pitfalls Of Using Others' Great Ideas

By: Arthur Zatarain, PE

I’m not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV. Yet my engineering career has often involved legal issues, the most interesting of which is intellectual property (IP).

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5/14/2009 · Computer Forensics

Computer Forensics in Non-Computer Investigations

By: Arthur Zatarain, PE

While the information recorded on event data recorders (EDRs), commonly referred to as vehicle black boxes, is tremendously helpful in determining how a traffic accident occurred and in improving safety, it was not until recently that EDR data was legally challenged in Illinois and ultimately accepted

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7/20/2007 · Control Systems

Outwit The Gremlins That Jeopardize Control-System Reliability

By: Arthur Zatarain, PE

In order to maintain complete control-system reliability, you have to be committed. Here are four often-overlooked flaws that can creep into modern automation and control systems while you're not watching

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12/25/2006 · Control Systems

How To Test Redundant And Backup Control

By: Arthur Zatarain, PE

Many of us are inclined to ignore the time honored adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Sometimes our handyman instincts can't leave well enough alone. Yet that same intuition also encourages us to believe, "If it ain't broke, don't test it." This reluctance is especially evident when it comes to testing the redundant and backup features of our critical control systems

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Bison Engineering

Dawn Moore

Office Manager

3423 Rivers Edge Trail

Houston TX 77339
USA

phone: 888-502-4766

fax: 281-359-2591

Summary
CV/Links

Bison is a multi-disciplined engineering firm specializing in failure analysis, forensic engineering and fire sciences with a team of P.E.'s who have performed thousands of forensic assignments including in excess of 1,000 fuel gas investigations.

Legal professionals turn to Bison to scientifically conduct investigations to determine the cause of destructive events. Forensic Engineers provide expert testimony and consultation. Investigations include explosions, fires, carbon monoxide incidents, electrical fires and failures, structural failures, mechanical failures, accident reconstruction, specialized testing, and courtroom presentations:

Fuel Gas Incidents: Fire and Explosion Causation; Propane Explosions, Natural Gas Explosion, Gas Delivery Systems; Carbon Monoxide Testing and Evaluation, Production and Migration Investigations; Plant & Pipeline, Piping Evaluation; Operational Analysis; Appliance Evaluation; Code Compliance; Soil Gas Migration; Vapor Dispersion

Fire Investigation and Explosion Analysis: Cause and Origin, Scene Documentation; Collection of Evidence; Certified Fire Investigator

Electrical Engineering: Electrically Related Fires, Electrical Service and Wiring Failures, Production Facility Service and Controls for Chemical, Petroleum, and Distribution Facilities, Electrical Contacts, Electrocutions; Lightning Strikes

Mechanical Engineering: Equipment Design and Operation; High-Pressure Oilfield Equipment; Pump Design and Operation; HVAC Systems; High and Low-Pressure Seals; Plastic Part Design and Manufacture, Industrial Equipment

Accident Reconstruction: Accident Sequence Reconstruction; Speed, Time and Distance Calculations; Crush Damage; Braking; Steering and Mechanical Analysis, including Tires; Electrical System / Electronic Failures; Mechanical and Fuel Systems; Airbag and Seatbelt Fatalities/Injuries; Staged Vehicle Impact

Failure Analysis: Industrial Equipment, Vehicle Impacts, Airbags and Seat Belts; Elevator Failures; Helmet and other Protective Equipment Failures; Infant Crib Design Inadequacies; Carbon Monoxide Investigations, Crane Failures, etc.

Metallurgical Engineering: Metal Fatigue of Gas Compressor Components; Electrical Contact Evaluations; Cracking of Structural Plastics; Chemical Analysis; Corrosion & Stress Evaluation and Analysis; SEM Analysis; Electron/Optical Microscopy; X-ray Examination

Bison's clients argue their cases with confidence, secure in the knowledge that their claims are based on unbiased, scientific data.

• Bison Engineering Failure Services Overview

• Bison Engineering Failure Analysis Investigations

• Bison Engineering Brochure

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Bracken Engineering

William Bracken, PE

2701 West Busch Boulevard
Suite 200

Tampa FL 33618
USA

phone: (800) 971-7252

fax: (813) 243-9530

Summary
CV/Links

Bracken Engineering is a Structural Engineering Firm that provides consulting services for Commercial, Residential, Municipal, Historic, Industrial, Agricultural, and Coastal Properties. Their professional staff specializes in engineering in support of Design Assessments, Restoration, Disaster Response and Forensic.

Bracken Engineering provides engineering expertise that addresses public safety, cost, design, construction, building codes and standards of care issues for insurance, legal, construction and real estate industries. They understand the issues that result from sinkholes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe weather, explosions, construction defects, and improper design.

William C. Bracken, PE, SECB, CFM, StS2 is a nationally recognized subject matter Expert Witness that consults with defense attorneys, prosecutors and fact finders to provide extent and cause of damage, as well as, analysis and reporting of disputed partial, single and multi-unit structures.

As an industry recognized expert in the field of Building Codes, Structural, Civil and Buidling Envelope Engineering, William Bracken can provide consulting services and detail reporting to defense attorneys and prosecutors who litigate disputed matters within its field of expertise. Mr. Bracken is also available to provide expert testimony by deposition and in person in a court of law.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Forensic Engineering - Structural, Construction, Building Envelopes, Industry Standards, Codes and Construction Practices Regarding Vertical Construction, Transportation Sturctures and Historic StructuresStructural Engineering - Concrete, Masonry, Wood, Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass and Pre-Tensioned Structures. New Construction, Retrofitting, Movable Bridges, Falsework

Building Codes - Residential, Commercial, Life Safety, Coastal, High Wind, Floodplane Management, FEMA-NFIP

• View William C. Bracken's Curriculum Vitae

• View Bracken Engineering's Reference List

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Brosz & Associates

Helmut G. Brosz

President & C.E.O

See Website for USA Office Address
64 Bullock Drive

Markham Ontario L3P 3P2
CAN

phone: 905-472-6660

fax: 905-472-6665

Summary
CV/Links

Brosz & Associates are Electrical Experts headed by President and C.E.O., Professor Helmut G. Brosz, B.A.Sc., D.B.A., F.A.A.F.S., P. ENG., Adjunct Professor at Ryerson University, Adjunct Assistant Professor at University of Toronto.

They provide a wide range of highly specialized Forensic Science and Engineering, Accident Reconstruction, Testing, Commissioning, and Technical and Scientific Services. Their staff of specialists and experts have completed over 5,200 assignments since 1970 ranging from electrical accidents and electrocutions to electrical power system investigation and testing of equipment failures including circuit breakers, motors, switchgear, generators, transformers and appliances.

Their engineering facilities at Brosz & Associates enables them to perform in-depth research, electrical testing, forensic laboratory testing, microscopy, macro photography and photographic documentation, X-Ray testing, infrared testing, high voltage testing, high current testing and more. Most of their testing equipment is portable and they are also capable of producing professional collages and scale models for reports, mediations, depositions and trial.

Their clients include insurance companies, legal firms, adjusters, risk managers, manufacturers, contractors, utilities, governments and individuals.

Services Include:

Cause and Origin Investigations
Failure Analysis
Loss Prevention and Mitigation
Subrogation Support for the Insurance Industry
Electrical Safety and Accident Prevention

• More on Brosz & Associates Services

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CECON Group, Inc.

Michael Fisher

President

242 N. James Street, #202

Wilmington DE 19804
USA

phone: 888-263-8000 (Toll Free) 302-994-8000 (Local)

fax: 302-994-8837

Summary
CV/Links

The CECON Group, Inc.

Consulting in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials, Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Related Science and Engineering Fields. Technical Experts with Experience in Patent Litigation, Products Liability and Personal Injury.

Our inside technical professionals will help you find the expert you need, either from CECON's network of over 1200 science, engineering, and technical business experts in 19 countries, or by doing a custom search. We will help you find the best consultant for your project. Advantages are:

Quick response, and no fee until the expert is working for you
Inside technical staff is able to understand the nuances of your project and effectively screen experts for your case.
Skilled at quickly assembling multidisciplinary technical expert teams.
26 years of experience serving the legal community and industry.

Litigation Experts For:

Products liability, patents and trade secrets, chemical and fire hazards, OSHA, EPA, FDA compliance, labeling, fitness for use, failure analysis, evidence evaluation, forensic investigation, insurance claims, damage valuation, IP valuation.

What CECON Consultants Do:

CECON consultants have decades of experience in industry, federal agencies and academia. CECON's strength is in finding the right consultant for your exact need from a world class network of technical experts. If the expert is not a CECON Consultant, we will use our external network to find the expert that meets your specifications.

Areas of Expertise:

Agriculture
Bio Technology
Ceramic / Glass
Chemical Analysis
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Composites
Controlled Release
Electrical
Electronic
Energy
Engineering
Environment
Failure Analysis
FDA Compliance
Fermentation
Fertilizer
Fibers / Films / Coatings
Food / Beverage
Food Engineering
Geo Science
Hazardous Materials

Herbicides

Insurance

Legal: Expert Testimony

Legal: Patents

Manufacturing

Materials Engineering

Material Safety

Medical Device

Medicinal Chemistry

Metals / Metallurgy

Nanotechnology

Particle Size

Pesticides

Pharmaceutical

Physics / Optics / Magnetics

Polymers / Plastics

Regulatory Compliance

Safety / Risk Assessment

Sensors

Toxicity

• More About Cecon's Expert Witness Work

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Coloney Bell Engineering

John T. Bell

President

1624 Village Square Boulevard
Suite 101

Tallahassee FL 32309
USA

phone: (850) 222-8193

fax: (850) 222-9824

Summary

Company Background:Coloney Bell Engineering provides consulting & engineering services to clients throughout the United States. With the combined backgrounds and experience of our principals and staff, we are able to respond to many types of engineering assignments.

Allow us to be your company for consulting and investigative engineering services.

Services

Structural Failures, Condition Assessment and Construction Issues/LITIGATION

Fire Origin and Cause Investigations

Heavy Equipment Failures

Machinery / Material Failures

Moisture Intrusion / Damage

IAQ Evaluation

CRASH / ACCIDENT Reconstruction

Storm Damage Evaluation

Sinkhole / Settlement Evaluations

Roof Systems, Stucco and EIFS Evaluations

Subrogation Analysis

Litigation Support

Eminent Domain / Land Planning

Our clients consist of insurance companies, claim adjusting firms, attorneys, law firms, large corporations, small businesses, production facilities and appraisal companies.

We work closely with numerous testing laboratories, specialized engineering firms, weather verification companies and other sources in order to provide our clients with accurate and professional information.