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When the phrase: "What happened here and why?" becomes a million-dollar question, it’s important to have the precise answer, supported by facts and data. In the area of investigative engineering, providing the answers to such questions requires an impartial third party with thorough knowledge of engineering.

Engineer Ben Gustafson describes investigative engineering services provided by HUNT as simply,

"Looking at the causes and origins of failures." The investigation and report are most often requested by insurance companies, whose interest is in ensuring that a legitimate claim has been made.

HUNT is a member of the Investigative Engineering Association, the national organization that offers training in the field, as well as being a resource for members. Investigative engineering, also called forensic engineering, requires that investigators be versed in the full range of disciplines.

Ben described the process. "We get a call from whoever requests the investigation, and the first thing we do is go out the location. We can do some remote background research, but there is no substitute for being at the site. We approach the investigation with no preconceived notions, and are prepared to look at a wide range of factors. The investigator’s charge is to find the primary cause of a failure, which can be obscured by a variety of factors. "Our engineering expertise allows us to sort through that," Ben said.

To be successful at providing these services, the engineer must be available on short notice, be able to turn reports around quickly, be thorough in all things, and be prepared to submit a report that becomes legal evidence in a court of law.

"The variety of projects is interesting," Ben concluded. "You never know what you’ll be challenged with. Our engineering skills are tapped for a unique service. For those willing to investigate and analyze with an open mind, this is an interesting and enjoyable pursuit."

For more information on Investigative Engineering, call Ben Gustafson at (585)327-7950, ext. 243, or e-mail: gustafsonb@hunt-eas.com.

Photo: Ben Gustafson, P.E. (left) and architect Joe Magliocca reviewing data related to an investigative engineering project.