High-Risk Stormwater Hydraulics: Why Sewer Surges Aren’t Just Acts of Nature

In my last blog post, I introduced some of the issues with stormwater management systems that can cause or exacerbate rain-driven flooding of homes and businesses (known as pluvial flooding). In this post, we’ll dive deeper into some of the most destructive phenomena that can occur when rain hits...

What Really Brought Down the Cage System? A Case Study in Objective Forensic Engineering

When 300,000 hens perished in a sudden structural collapse at a large-scale egg production facility, the initial explanation was almost too strange to believe: a rogue chicken had allegedly triggered a grain spill, setting off a chain reaction that led to catastrophic failure. But as any seasoned...

The Testing Technique That’s Improving Solar Damage Assessment for Insurance Claims

Solar farms are subject to the hazards of extreme weather, including hailstorms that can cause extensive, costly damage. Among the many severe incidents, hailstorms were responsible for over $300 million in damage to solar fields in Texas in the summer of 2022. When large-scale losses like these...

Evaluating Solar Farm Damage: The Right Technology and a Best Practice Approach Reduces Downtime and BI Losses

Solar power is on the rise, driven by climate change concerns and the transition to renewable energy. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates there are now over 219 gigawatts of solar capacity installed across the US, with deployments increasing at an average annual growth rate of 26%...

EDT Welcomes Andy Siegfried as President and CEO

We’re excited to share that Andy Siegfried, P.E., MBA, has joined Engineering Design & Testing Corp. (EDT) as our new President and Chief Executive Officer. Andy brings with him more than 28 years of experience leading engineering and construction organizations, along with a strong reputation for...

Evaluation of Hail History Reports

With spring comes warmer weather, but it also brings an increased risk of severe storms, many of which can produce hail. Assessing hail damage is an important step in evaluating insurance claims, repair decisions, and property conditions. Given the high costs associated with roof replacements and...

New Digital X-Ray Capabilities at EDT, Enhancing Fire and Mechanical Investigations

At Engineering Design & Testing Corp. (EDT), we’re continually advancing our capabilities to deliver precise, reliable answers to complex engineering investigations. One of the latest additions to our toolkit is our new digital X-ray equipment, which is already making a significant impact on the way...

Understanding the Bigger Picture When Critical Systems Fail

When critical systems like turbines, compressors, or boilers fail, the fallout can be catastrophic—escalating costs, operational disruptions, and even legal implications. At EDT, we specialize in uncovering the root causes of these failures, helping insurance professionals, attorneys, and facility...

Why Forensic Engineers Are Essential in Fire Investigations

When a fire devastates a property, it leaves behind more than just charred remains—it leaves a trail of questions. What caused it? How did it spread? Could it have been prevented? For insurers, attorneys, and property owners, uncovering these answers is essential to determining liability and...

Understanding the Impact of Vibration on Equipment and Structures

When it comes to engineering problems, sometimes the smallest vibrations can lead to the biggest headaches. Whether it’s cooling towers rattling a building’s framework or ventilation fans wearing out long before their time, the ripple effects of vibration can cause serious operational issues...

Why Pipe Ruptures Aren't Always Where You Think

As winter approaches, many of us brace for the challenges that freezing temperatures can bring to our homes and businesses. One common issue is pipe ruptures due to freezing. A frequent misconception I've encountered is that the location of a pipe rupture is always where the pipe froze. In reality...

Motorsports – Hard work, fun, education or “all of the above”

The world of motorsports serves as a captivating laboratory where failures are not only commonplace but also provide invaluable lessons for forensic engineering.