Architectural Forensics

Successfully Conduct and Report on Any Architectural Forensic InvestigationArchitectural Forensicsclearly defines the role, responsibilities, and essential work of forensic architects. This unique resource offers comprehensive coverage of building defects and failures, types of failure mechanisms, and job-critical tasks such as fieldwork, lab testing, formulating opinions, and providing expert testimony.Packed with 300 illustrations, in-depth case studies, and numerous sample documents, this vital reference takes you step-by-step through every phase of conducting investigations...diagnosing building failures... preventing and curing building defects...and reporting on findings. The book also includes strategies for avoiding liability and resolving disputes-potentially saving vast amounts of time and money. Authoritative and up-to-date,Architectural Forensicsfeatures: Full details on conducting investigations and reporting on architectural forensics Clear guidance on preventing and curing building defects and failures In-depth coverage of field work, photogrammetry, and lab testing Practical insights into litigation, dispute resolution, and expert testimony Solid business advice on presentation methods, marketing, and setting up an office and website A valuable CD with sample forms, checklists, templates, and cost dataInside This Complete Architectural Forensics Toolkit Theory and Application of Architectural Forensics Building Systems: Design, Evaluation, and the Forensic Architect Building Systems and Other Issues: Failures, Causes, Prevention, and Remediation The Forensic Consultant: Investigative Techniques, Litigation, and the Final Report Business Development Abbreviations and Acronyms Glossary Sample Documents

Sam A.A. Kubba, PhD, (Herndon, VA) has more than 30 years’ experience in all aspects of construction. He is an award-winning architect, and has worked as a general contractor, interior designer, and property developer. His practice includes projects in the U.S., U.K., and the Middle East. He has appeared on numerous TV and radio talk shows including the BBC World Service, CNN, Lehrer Hour, CNBC, and was featured in the documentary film Fahrenheit 9/11. He is currently a consultant for the United Nations Office for Project Services, and his books include Mesopotamian Furniture (Oxford, 2006) and Space Planning for Commercial and Residential Interiors (McGraw-Hill, 2003).

Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Introduction	p. xv
Defining Architectural Forensics	p. 1
General-Defining Architectural Forensics	p. 1
Qualifications of the Forensic Architect	p. 2
Professional Responsibilities and Standards	p. 4
Professional Organizations	p. 5
The Assignment/Investigation	p. 7
General	p. 7
Accepting the Assignment	p. 8
Purpose & Scope of Assignment	p. 8
Forensic Consultant's Agreement With Client	p. 11
Consultant's Fees	p. 12
The Project Assignment-Miscellaneous Aspects	p. 14
Shop & Assembly Drawings	p. 17
The Forensic Architect's Role & Scope in Evaluations & Acquisitions	p. 19
General Overview	p. 19
Introduction to Building Systems Evaluations	p. 20
The Role of the Forensic Architect	p. 23
Evaluations for Acquisition	p. 23
When to Conduct an Evaluation	p. 24
Variations of Scope in Evaluations	p. 25
Preventative Maintenance Program Development	p. 25
The Evaluation/Investigation Process	p. 29
General	p. 29
The Investigative Process	p. 30
Opinions of Probable Costs to Remedy Deficiencies and Failures	p. 43
Reserves Analysis	p. 44
Nondestructive and Destructive Testing	p. 53
General	p. 53
Testing Equipment	p. 55
Nondestructive Testing (NDT)	p. 59
Visual Testing	p. 61
Ultrasonic Testing	p. 62
Thermal Infrared Testing	p. 63
Acoustic Emission (AE)	p. 65
X-Ray Scanning	p. 66
Eddy Current (Electromagnetic) Testing	p. 67
Penetrant Testing	p. 69
Magnetic Particle (Magnetic Flux) Testing	p. 70
Radiographic Testing	p. 72
Destructive Testing	p. 73
Laboratory Testing	p. 76
Standards, Codes, and Specifications	p. 78
Forensic Photogrammetry	p. 79
General	p. 79
Principles of Photogrammetry	p. 80
Photographic Techniques	p. 85
Measurements From Photographs	p. 93
Reconstruction Methods	p. 95
Laboratory Testing	p. 97
General Guidelines for Effective Forensic Photography	p. 97
The Building Site	p. 101
General	p. 101
Components to Be Evaluated	p. 103
Data Collection	p. 111
System Diagnostics	p. 111
Structural Systems	p. 113
General	p. 113
Building Structural Types	p. 114
Structural Elements	p. 119
Below Grade Elements	p. 120
Wall Systems	p. 124
Typical Deficiencies	p. 128
System Diagnostics	p. 129
Roofing Systems	p. 133
General	p. 133
Roofing System Types	p. 134
Shingles and Tile Roofing	p. 134
Built-up (Multi-ply) Roofing	p. 136
Single-ply Roofing	p. 137
Modified Bitumen (MB)	p. 139
Metal Panels Roofing	p. 142
Other Roofing Systems	p. 143
Components to Be Evaluated	p. 143
Typical Deficiencies	p. 151
System Diagnostics	p. 152
Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems	p. 157
General	p. 157
Refrigerants	p. 159
Types of HVAC Systems	p. 159
HVAC System Requirements	p. 169
Common Deficiencies	p. 169
HVAC Components and Systems	p. 171
System Diagnostics	p. 179
Electrical & Lighting Systems	p. 183
General	p. 183
Understanding Currents, Amps, Volts & Watts	p. 185
Components to Be Evaluated	p. 186
Building Automation & Intelligent Buildings	p. 191
Interior and Exterior Lighting Systems	p. 194
Solar Energy Electric Systems	p. 197
Solar Electric System Basics	p. 197
Types of Solar Energy Systems	p. 198
Harmonics Distortion	p. 199
System Diagnostics	p. 200
Plumbing Systems	p. 203
General	p. 203
Cold Water Distribution	p. 205
Hot Water Distribution	p. 206
Plumbing Fixtures	p. 206
Natural Gas & Fuel Oil Distribution Systems	p. 211
Sanitary Sewer System	p. 211
Storm Drain System (Rainwater Sewer)	p. 212
Fittings & Valves	p. 213
Backflow Issues	p. 215
System Diagnostics	p. 216
Vertical Transportation Systems	p. 219
General	p. 219
Elevator Systems	p. 220
Escalators	p. 227
Moving Walks and Ramps (Inclined Moving Walks)	p. 228
Building Codes and ADA Compliance	p. 229
Basic Component Groups to Be Evaluated	p. 229
System Diagnostics	p. 233
Interior Systems	p. 235
General	p. 235
Components to Be Evaluated	p. 235
Walls	p. 235
Floors	p. 237
Interior Doors	p. 240
Stairs	p. 242
Finishes: Floor, Wall & Ceiling	p. 244
System Diagnostics	p. 251
Exterior Closure Systems - Building Envelope	p. 253
General	p. 253
Exterior Wall Systems	p. 254
Masonry Wall Systems	p. 254
Stone Wall Systems	p. 259
Concrete	p. 261
Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)	p. 262
Curtain Walls	p. 263
Siding	p. 269
Exterior Doors, Windows & Glazing	p. 270
Weatherproofing	p. 272
Air Barriers	p. 273
Control/Expansion Joints, Sealants & Caulking	p. 273
Typical Deficiencies	p. 274
System Diagnostics	p. 275
Interior Air Quality-Environmental Issues	p. 277
General	p. 277
Sick Building Syndrome	p. 280
Inorganic Contaminants-Asbestos, Radon, Lead	p. 281
Asbestos	p. 282
Radon (Rn)	p. 283
Lead	p. 285
Combustion-Generated Contaminates	p. 286
Organic Contaminants-Aldehydes, VOCS/SVOCS, Pesticides	p. 288
Biological Contaminants - Mold and Mildew, Viruses, Bacteria, and Exposures to Mite, Insect, and Animal Allergens	p. 291
Mold	p. 291
Bacteria and Viruses	p. 294
Mites	p. 294
Insect, Rodent and Animal Allergens	p. 296
Allergens	p. 297
System Diagnostics	p. 297
Natural Hazards	p. 299
General Overview	p. 299
Earthquakes - Seismic Considerations	p. 299
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Etc.	p. 306
Additional Issues	p. 313
Life Safety Systems	p. 313
Introduction	p. 313
Fire Life/Safety Systems and Components	p. 315
Sprinkler Systems Types	p. 315
Standpipe & Fire-Hose Systems	p. 317
Hand-Held Fire Extinguishers	p. 318
Smoke & Heat Detection Systems	p. 319
Fire Doors	p. 320
Exit Routes	p. 321
Fire Stopping - Compartmentation	p. 322
Alarm Systems & Notification Systems	p. 323
System Diagnostics	p. 325
Property Security Systems	p. 326
Types of Security Threats	p. 328
Defining Security Needs	p. 331
Types of Access Control Systems	p. 333
Miscellaneous Issues	p. 334
Building Code Compliance	p. 336
Building Codes Today	p. 337
Model Codes Organizations	p. 338
Institutes & Standards Organizations	p. 340
Code Elements & Applications	p. 341
Barrier Free Design - ADA Requirements	p. 348
Deterioration	p. 367
Your Own Office and Web Site	p. 369
General	p. 369
Choosing the Office	p. 370
Preparing a Business Strategy & Plan	p. 371
Start-up Costs and Capitalization	p. 375
Business Forms, Taxes, Licenses, Permits & Insurance	p. 380
Creating a Professional Image - Sample Letters & Brochure	p. 383
Selling Yourself	p. 385
Identify and Track Sources for Leads	p. 387
Consultant Fee Structure	p. 389
The Internet, The Web Site, and Forming an Entity	p. 390
Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and the Expert Witness	p. 397
General - Overview	p. 397
First Steps to Be Taken After a Failure	p. 399
Responsibility for Failure, Claim Analysis, Negligence, and Standard of Care	p. 402
Traditional Litigation - Pretrial and Trial Procedures	p. 404
Ethical Considerations	p. 406
Alternative Dispute Resolution - Arbitration, Mediation, Etc.	p. 408
The Architect and Engineer as Expert Witness	p. 410
Acronyms & Glossary	p. 417
Bibliography	p. 429
Index	p. 433
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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