header-logo header-logo

Standing up

08 November 2013 / Dr Rajen Lavingia
Issue: 7583 / Categories: Features , Expert Witness , Profession
printer mail-detail
web_construction

Dr Rajen Lavingia identifies the requirements of a forensic engineer

James Amrhein defined structural engineering as: “The art and science of moulding materials we do not fully understand; into shapes we cannot precisely analyse; to resist forces we cannot accurately predict; all in such a way that the society at large is given no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance” (Forensic Engineering, Kenneth L Carper).

Consulting structural engineers have been educated and trained largely for the design and construction of new works. Therefore, their focus is on how to make things work. They are often responsible for innovative design and researching and implementing daring new ideas. Good designers generally have a creative mind to develop simple and efficient solutions. As a result they have familiarity with industry standards and practices, codes and specifications.

Consulting engineers generally consider a number of design solutions during the initial design stages and then focus on one for the detailed design. They normally follow the design process based on well published and established design simplification processes and assumptions. A consulting engineer’s design is usually

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

NEWS

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Could the Labour government usher in a new era for digital assets, ask Keith Oliver, head of international, and Amalia Neenan FitzGerald, associate, Peters & Peters, in this week’s NLJ

An extra bit is being added to case citations to show the pecking order of the judges concerned. Former district judge Stephen Gold has the details, in his ‘Civil way’ column in this week’s NLJ

The Labour government’s position on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is not yet clear

back-to-top-scroll