The Little Things Make All the Difference: A Warehouse Roof Incident

Edward M. Deegan, Jr., P.E. investigates a warehouse roof collapse during snowfall. Critical double-angle braces stabilizing cantilevered steel girders were missing due to a construction defect. Without this bracing, one girder twisted and failed under snow load. The collapse was caused by the missing braces, not the solar panels installed months earlier.

Automatic Water Shut-off Valves

Kenny A. McClure, P.E. describes automatic water shut-off valves designed to limit damage from burst pipes. The system monitors flow and shuts off the main water supply if usage exceeds a set rate for a defined period. These devices provide both automatic protection and manual control, making them valuable for vacation homes and multi-story properties.

Why Are Brand-New Hotel Showers Falling Apart?

Edward M. Deegan, Jr., P.E. examines why brand-new hotel showers began leaking shortly after installation. Selective demolition showed contractors did not install a continuous waterproof membrane as specified. Tile alone is not waterproof — the missing membrane allowed water intrusion, forcing costly retrofits across hundreds of bathrooms.

Managing Forensic Engineering Costs by Defining the Project Scope

Glenn Stewart, P.E. shows how defining project scope early helps manage forensic engineering costs. Clients should clearly communicate their technical questions so engineers can recommend the right investigative steps. Phased approaches allow initial findings to determine whether more expensive work, such as material testing, is actually needed.

The Nautical Origins of Common Phrases

Steven M. Lindholm, P.E. traces the nautical origins of everyday phrases. This lighthearted article explains how terms like “bitter end,” “scuttlebutt,” “above board,” “loophole,” and “cut to the chase” originated from life at sea and entered common English usage.

Where did the Water Come From?

Richard T. Edwards, P.E. describes methods to identify the source of water in structures. By testing small samples for chlorine, fluoride, conductivity, sulfates, nitrates, and pH, engineers can distinguish tap water from surface water or condensation, providing critical insight for moisture damage investigations.

Air Infiltration & Leakage

Michael W. Dickenson, P.E. discusses how air infiltration and leakage increase energy costs and HVAC wear. Blower door testing measures air changes per hour (ACH) to quantify the problem. By sealing common leak points and improving building tightness, property owners can significantly reduce energy consumption and equipment strain.

Drywall: Levels of Finish

Anthony P. Centurelli, P.E. outlines the five standard levels of drywall finish used in construction. A case study shows how using a Level 4 finish instead of a Level 5 skim coat caused visible defects after painting. Matching the correct finish level to the final decoration prevents costly disputes and appearance issues.

A "Tun" of Fun (Beer Making & The Failure of a Mash Tun)

Steven M. Lindholm, P.E. examines the collapse of a mash tun at a craft brewery. Inadequate support for the mixing paddle shaft allowed the bearing to shift off-axis, pulling in the cooling jacket and fracturing the shaft. This case demonstrates how insufficient mechanical stabilization can lead to catastrophic failure in process equipment.

Alternative Energy - Power from the Earth

Thomas D. Traubert, P.E. investigates tube leakage in a geothermal ORC plant after extreme cold weather. During restart following a long shutdown, sub-zero temperature ORC fluid entered the vaporizer and froze inside the tubes, causing damage. The incident revealed gaps in the original design for handling prolonged outages in severe winter conditions.

How to Extend the Life of Your HVAC Equipment – This Summer and Beyond (Part 1-3)

Michael W. Dickenson, P.E. outlines key maintenance practices to extend HVAC equipment life and reduce energy costs. Homeowners should regularly change filters, clean coils, maintain condensate drains and insulation, and consider programmable thermostats. However, checking refrigerant charge is a complex task best left to licensed professionals.

Diesel Fire Pump Damages

Steven M. Lindholm, P.E. examines why low-usage diesel fire pump engines frequently sustain serious damage. These stand-by engines depend on continuous water flow from the fire piping through a small heat exchanger for cooling. Closed valves or inadequate recirculation during testing can cause rapid overheating and engine failure.