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Nature's Fury Again Unleashed Lewis W. Ernest, P.E., I-ENG-A Advisor
 Gentle winds can provide us great comfort and pleasure but fierce winds can cause us pain and destruction. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who lost loved ones or were in the path of destruction during the recent series of tornadoes in the US, and in particular, central Massachusetts.
We know that the insurance industry is challenged to address the multitude of claims that arise from the event. In many instances, the damages are significant and very wide spread. Typically, it will take months, if not years, for the insurance companies to properly adjust these claims. And in most instances,
engineering assistance is required.
Resource Controls is here to help put the pieces back together should we be called upon. We
will do a systematic investigation to determine the cause of failure and extent of damage. Buildings faults may be monitored to determine any changes with time.
Construction and installation procedures must be analyzed as well as maintenance records to determine the source or sources of failure.
Other areas that may need to be addressed are: upcoding and
betterment, cost evaluation, and a review of replacement
alternatives.
Reports are prepared suitable for litigation purposes and can assist in the preparation of interrogatories and related questions to be asked during statements under oath and in depositions.
Courtroom Presentations: Upon request, we will answer
interrogatories, be available to attend depositions, and provide expert witness
testimony. We are also adept in the utilization of charts, diagrams, models, and other visuals to enhance the presentation.
Environmental Contaminants - What's the Risk?
Today, the insurance industry is faced with environmental-related claims that often deal with vast, complex, and difficult environmental issues.
The handling of environmental issues is dictated by many Federal and State laws and enforced by government agencies through the overwhelming array of Federal and State regulations. In addition, the insurance industry is challenged with identifying the risk of pollution before underwriting a facility or potential insurer.
Resource Controls has 25 years of
expertise in
strategic environmental planning, compliance
assistance and
risk-based site remediation. We are able to
provide expert engineering services for claims involving any
contaminant including conventional pollutants, hydrocarbons,
residual and municipal solid wastes, RCRA hazardous wastes,
asbestos, lead, PCBs, herbicides, pesticides, and low-level
radioactive wastes. We are
available to address or investigate the following:
- Air Pollution, Air Quality (including indoor)
- Environmental Audits
- Groundwater and Water-Well Contamination
- Hazardous and Solid Waste
- Industrial Accident Contamination
- Transportation Accident Contamination
- Lake, Stream, and Water Supplies
- Landfills and Waste Disposal Facilities
- Phase I - Phase V Site Assessments
- Soil and Materials Contamination
- Storage Tank and Pipeline Leakage
- Superfund/CERCLA and RCRA Sites
Contact us for immediate assistance:
401-728-6860, ext. 202 or 781-890-5374, ext. 202
Pole Structures Prone to Wind Damage
KPE Consulting Engineers, I-ENG-A Member, Bellevue, Nebraska
 Large buildings, commonly known as “Pole Structures”, are found throughout the landscape of our country. These structures are common in farming and other industries, as well as for commercial and private use. They are generally used for storage of large equipment and/or large quantities of materials or supplies. Pole Structures are typically very large buildings and in many cases are built with random construction materials and with little or no engineering input. Many times, these buildings do not have properly sized structural elements and are not properly braced. With the size and sometimes fragile construction of these structures, they are commonly prone to damage from wind (straight and swirling wind forces).
When investigating potential wind related damage to these unusual structures, engineers typically follow a prescribed protocol of investigation, including:
- Research of weather data to determine if abnormal wind forces were available to impact the structure
- Perform a complete physical inspection of the structure and identify/document all conditions and damages
- Photographically document all conditions observed
- Determine the local codes and design requirements for the construction of the structure, both at the time of construction as well as current codes for reparability
- In consideration of the wind and the code/design data obtained, coupled with the type/pattern of damage(s) observed, perform an engineering assessment of the structure to help determine if wind forces were a causal factor in the damages
- Observe neighboring properties for evidence of wind damages
- Weigh all evidence in determining the cause(s) of the observed damage(s)
During a recent insurance company commissioned investigation of a damaged Pole Structure, these procedures were generally followed to determine if the damage(s) was indeed caused by wind forces.
The four year old structure being investigated was noted to be 150 feet long, 60 feet wide (a very long span) and 20 feet tall (a very high structure). The numerous long wood-supporting poles for the structure were observed to be six to eight inches in diameter, and were reported to have been purchased from a local electric company. The roof system was noted to consist of a series of light weight pre-fabricated wood trusses. The roof and wall systems of the structure were observed to consist of various wood support and bracing members, covered by light weight corrugated sheeting.
The site investigation revealed numerous conditions. There was noted evidence of wind related damages on surrounding properties, but none of the damage was as significant as the Pole Structure damage. Inspection and documentation of the Pole Structure revealed various damage conditions. Many of the supporting poles were observed to be bowed and tilting. Some of the roof trusses were noted to have experienced out-of-plane bowing with numerous failed connections. These damages were particularly evident in areas of the trusses that had experienced previous repairs (reportedly done by the truss installer during initial construction). Considerable bending, twisting and broken member patterns were observed in the roof and wall systems. Some of the support and bracing members/systems were noted to have failed, especially near the corners of the structure(corner areas of these type structures are cited to receive the highest loads and pressures according to codes). The metal sheeting which covered a large portion of the structure displayed localized bending and buckling. Generally, the overall structure was measured to be significantly racked and out of level and plumb. Also, the overall pattern of damages to the Pole Structure was noted to be consistent with the direction of the recent documented wind event.
Although there were numerous “red flags” concerning the pre-existing condition of the structure and it’s methods of construction, after assessment of all information and damage evidence it was concluded that the primary causal factor in the damage to Pole Structure was indeed abnormal wind forces. It was further concluded that the structure was salvageable but extensive repairs and reinforcements were recommended. A detailed cost estimate for the repairs was developed as a part of this investigation.
Pole Structure owners and engineers who investigate damage to these unusual structures should take heed in these findings. By their size and very nature of construction, Pole Structures are very susceptible to wind forces, both normal and abnormal. In essence, these structures could be likened to a large kite, getting ready to fly. While it is very difficult to economically build these structures in a total fail-safe manner, it is probably prudent to take extra pains with the initial construction of your Pole Structure, in order to minimize the risk for wind damage and very costly future repairs.
Why Use a Professional Engineer?
Engineers have been qualified by education, experience and examination. They are also bound by their code of ethics.
Each state has minimum licensed requirements including a bachelor of science engineering degree or an acceptable equivalent from an approved engineering school or college of not less than 4 years, together with an additional 4 years of experience and finally the passing of a rigorous exam administered by the state of licensing.
So what does the engineering code of ethics look like? Generally fundamental are key elements that include:
- Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
- Perform services only in areas of their competence
- Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
- Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
- Avoid deceptive acts
- Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession
Finally, Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
It is for these reasons that I-ENG-A adheres to acceptance of professionals in its membership
and, promotes them to the insurance industry as an independent party for handling claims disputes and origin and cause investigation.
Resource Controls is the Southern New England Affiliate of I-ENG-A, providing
in-depth expertise on a local level.
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