Now Rescheduled!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Noon-1:00 pm (1 PDH)
Online Webinar via Zoom
Topic:
Engineering Investigations of Hurricane Damage: Wind Versus Water
Abstract:
When a hurricane strikes, civil engineers are often called upon to investigate the resulting damage to structures. Frequently, engineers performing those investigations are asked to distinguish between wind damage and water damage. This seemingly simple task presents a number of challenges, which, if not properly addressed, can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal action.
This webinar explores important technical and professional issues related to performing high quality investigations, based on sound technical principles, in an efficient manner.
This webinar is intended primarily for engineers who perform, or are considering performing, this type of investigation.
Primary Discussion Topics
- Fundamental engineering principles underlying wind forces and storm surge forces.
- Building damage patterns associated with wind and with storm surge
- Best practices for conducting hurricane damage investigations
- A high-profile case study that led to legal action highlights the potential pitfalls
The presenters have performed numerous hurricane damage investigations.
The presentation is based on a book recently published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, titled “Engineering Investigations of Hurricane Damage: Wind Versus Water”
Presenters:
David B. Peraza, P.E.
Principal Engineer, Buildings & Structures, Exponent
Mr. Peraza is a Principal Engineer in the New York City office of Exponent.
He has over 40 years of broad structural engineering experience. He is licensed as a professional engineer in 17 states.
In 2014 he received the Forensic Engineering Award from the American Society of Engineers (ASCE) for his work.
He has performed numerous hurricane damage investigations, for properties ranging from single family homes, to industrial buildings, to large commercial complexes.
He spearheaded the preparation of an ASCE publication “Engineering Investigations of Hurricane Damage: Wind versus Water.”
James R. Bailey, Ph.D, P.E., F.ASCE
Senior Managing Engineer & Office Director, Buildings & Structures, Exponent
Dr. Bailey is a Senior Managing Engineer in the Houston office of Exponent.
He has 38 years of broad civil engineering experience. He is licensed as a professional engineer in 11 states.
He has conducted hundreds of on-site surveys and has extensive expertise in determining the risk exposure of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to hazards associated with hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
He is the past Presiding Officer of a five member expert panel that developed a methodology for assigning losses caused by wind and wave to properties insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. The methodology was subsequently adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance in March 2017.
In 2016 he received the Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. Energy Award from ASCE for his work involving wind loads on onshore and offshore structures.
Click here to view this information at the SEAoT Houston website
