Responding to Problems: Engineers as Detectives and Problem-solvers
As engineers, we want to prevent problems through the design process. Problems still happen during construction or within existing buildings and we are called in to fix them. Responding to problems requires a different set of practices, skills, and priorities compared to design. Sometimes, we are wearing a detective hat to get to the root cause of an incident. Other times, we are wearing a problem-solving hat, focusing on finding a solution that is safe, timely, practical, and consistent with the needs of the clients. Frequently, the detective role and the problem-solving role are mixed. Each role requires a somewhat different approach to achieve satisfactory results.
In this presentation, we will use several case studies to discuss what it takes to respond effectively to problems in real world and real time. The examples include incidents during construction, demolition, or operation of facilities, or because of hazards such as fire and wind. We will show how factors such as public safety, availability of materials and equipment, field conditions, project schedule, reputational or operational costs, etc. drive engineering decisions in a way that is different from standard design. We will also discuss the high-pressure nature of the decision-making process, and how to ensure safe effective decision making. When there is potential for litigation, additional concerns such as preservation of evidence will affect the response. Similarly, analysis methods for forensic investigations frequently differ from those in design since the goal is to remove simplifications, approximations, and safety factors to determine how events unfolded. The audience should walk away from this presentation better prepared to respond to situations when there is no time to prepare and the decisions have significant, immediate consequences.
Presenters:
Dr. Ali Ashrafi
Dr. Ali Ashrafi is a Principal with Thornton Tomasetti, joining in 2006, and has extensive experience in forensic investigations, emergency response, structural design, fire, seismic, and wind performance-based design, renovation, deconstruction engineering, and advanced analytics. In addition to design work, Ali helps contractors, owners, attorneys, and architects when they have a problem. Ali has taught Introduction to Structural Fire Engineering as well as Earthquake and Wind Engineering at Columbia University. He is a member of several professional organizations and has served as a vice-chair of ASCE Fire Protection Committee. Dr. Ashrafi is a frequent speaker at industry and technical events and has published widely on his work.
Rupa Patel
