Orlando, Florida District Office
To All:
Residential
Engineers committed to the study, interpretation, and resolution of loss. Historically, this is the statement that we have used to describe the type of work that we do at EDT. The engineers and support staff at our Orlando District Office strive to provide you with a quality work product for a reasonable cost and in an appropriate timeframe. For your reference, our engineering staff is listed below:
Commercial/Industrial
•
Al Rose, P.E. (Electrical)
Automotive/Vehicle
•
Rich Stogran, P.E., CFEI, CVFI (Mechanical)
•
Sergio Arratia, P.E. (Civil/Structural)
Fires & Explosions Workplace Products Materials Testing & Analysis
This latest newsletter contains a sampling of our recent experiences; consider it as a reminder that we remain a resource for you as your needs arise.
Respectfully, Al Rose, P.E.
www.edtengineers.com Rapid Response 24-Hour Number 1-800-PLACE P.E. (1-800-752-2373)
Engineering Manager Orlando, Florida amrose@edtengineers.com
EDT ( ©Engineering Design & Testing Corp.) is an association of consulting engineers committed to the study, interpretation, and resolution of loss. We specialize in mechanical, civil/structural, electrical, fire, automotive, materials, and chemical engineering.
A SELECTION OF RECENT ASSIGNMENTS , from the orlando
florida district office
Lightning Strike Damage A residence was struck by lightning. This residence was a “smart home�, meaning all of the windows, shades, and the heating/air conditioning was controlled by a master computer. Examination of the residence showed damage to the master computer, motors that opened and closed the shades and windows, a couple of appliances, and three of the four televisions. The actual wiring of the residence was tested and found to be intact with no damage noted. A cost to repair or replace the damaged items was obtained.
Outdoor Lighting Levels An incident at a commercial store brought into question whether the exterior lighting met the appropriate local lighting codes. A Lux meter was used to measure the lighting levels in and around the parking lot. Review of the local lighting codes and national lighting standards showed that the lighting levels were acceptable.
Large Generator Transformer Incident A large power plant generator step-up transformer malfunctioned leaving the power plant nonoperational. The transformer was examined on-site and the origin of the malfunction could not be seen. The transformer was then transported to a transformer shop and disassembled and a turn-toturn short was found in the low voltage section of the copper windings. From the inspection it was determined that the transformer could be repaired (called a rewind). Costs to rewind the transformer were obtained.
Vehicle Fire A fire took place on a vehicle that was parked in a residential garage. The vehicle was taken to a local laboratory and inspected. A cable with a direct connection to the battery was found to be arced at the transmission casing. Further investigation showed a clip that held the cable in place had come loose, allowing the cable to rub against the transmission, wearing through the insulation and shorting to the vehicle body, resulting in a fire.
Residential Fire A rental home caught fire during a holiday weekend. Examination of the remains were not possible due to the remaining structure being unsafe to enter. EDT engaged an excavator to remove the sections of the remaining structure to allow for safe entry. After an examination of the remains, samples of the fire debris in the area of origin were sent to a laboratory for analysis. Gasoline was found in samples, indicating the fire was a set fire.
Portable Silo Incident The silo was mounted to a wheeled transport trailer, allowing it to be mobile and easily transported. Two large hydraulic actuators functioned to raise the silo from the horizontal position during transport to a vertical position used during operation. Upon lowering the silo, both actuator rods failed, allowing the silo to fall, resulting in damages to the silo and trailer. Metallurgical testing of the rods was performed to determine their mechanical properties. Calculations determined a modification was made to the silo resulting in additional stresses on the rods, exceeding their strength.
Automotive Accident Involving A Tractor and Mower Deck A tractor was crossing the highway while pulling a mower deck. A passenger vehicle collided with the mower deck and tractor, resulting in a fatal injury for the driver. Onsite measurements of the accident site and detailed analysis of vehicle movement, vehicle speeds, and post-collision travel was conducted, and the information stored in the vehicle’s data recorder was obtained. Using this information and analysis, fault for the collision was able to be determined.
Malfunction of Commercial Chiller System Two large chillers were employed to provide chilled water for HVAC systems used at a hospital facility. One of those chillers stopped functioning for reasons unknown to the hospital staff soon after it had been recharged with refrigerant. EDT coordinated with a chiller repair contractor to disassemble the chiller and evaluate the conditions. It was found that the supplied refrigerant was contaminated with an incompressible fluid, resulting in catastrophic failure of the chiller compressor.
Scope of Loss and Value Determination Fire destroyed a portion of a manufacturing and packaging facility. The damage resulted in significant loss of property and equipment. EDT examined the damages, compiled requests for pertinent information, reviewed equipment and layout drawings, and corresponded with the insured and other parties throughout the course of the investigation. The investigation concluded with deliverables of a scope of damage assessment, estimates of the value of the property damage loss, and an analysis of like, kind, and quality of replacement equipment.
Pipe Break and Water Loss Contractors were working to complete repairs to a damaged section of 4� PVC piping carrying water in a condominium complex. Just days after, the repaired section of piping detached, allowing a large volume of water to enter a hallway and cascade downward through elevator shafts. The resulting damages affected multiple units and displaced tenants. The repaired section of piping was evaluated and installation methodology was compared to applicable industry standards and best practice, where it was determined that improper techniques were employed, resulting in inadequate bonding of a PVC coupling. Orlando, Florida District Office | Engingeering Design & Testing Corp.
Orlando, Florida District Office
(407) 865-9900
Š Engineering Design & Testing Corp. Engineering services in New York and North Carolina provided through the associated firm, EDT Engineers, P.C. 03/2018