This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The pattern of the joints under the coating indicate that this is a concrete block wall. The coating appears to be… Read More
Author Archives: Jerry Prugar
Happy Columbus Day! (2014)
Columbus Day doesn’t get the press it used to because of various historical and political disputes that have arisen over the past few decades. Ignoring those disputes for a moment I make the following observations: 1. It amazes me… Read More
What the Heck? (Volume 2)
Some things that we have seen just cause us the mumble, “What the heck?” Figure WTH2-1 Line of roof deck staples miss their mark. I’m not a fan of using staples to fasten a roof deck, especially when they… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photograph? (Case Study 3)
This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The wood trusses are showing distress. Specifically, the members are buckling and the trusses are leaning as evidenced by the members… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photograph? (Case Study 2)
This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The tabs with the horizontal and diagonal creases (upper left of the photo), the double horizontal creases (lower center of the photo),… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photograph? (Case Study 1)
This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The framing and the insulation indicate that it was taken in an attic. The color of the lumber and the use… Read More
Some Evidences of Recent Movement
We are often called in to evaluate as to whether some particular damage is old or new, that is, did it occur recently as reported or has it been present and possibly progressing for years. As experienced forensic engineers we… Read More
Evaluation of Concrete for Fire Damage
Just read a well-written article in Structure magazine about evaluating fire damage to concrete foundations, entitled Engineering Evaluation of Fire Damage to Concrete Foundations, by Peter Marxhausen, M.S., P.E. Mr. Marxhausen writes about his approach to evaluating numerous concrete foundations… Read More