Structure Evaluation Engineers

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co.
Wespark Townhomes
Romeoville, Illinois

After a natural gas explosion that damaged approximately 100 townhomes SEE was retained to assess blast related damage to structural components, determine the extent of the damage, and provide litigation support. We immediately recommended emergency shoring during our initial walk-thru in order to provide safe access for our close-up observations. We reviewed original construction drawings, shop drawings, product data and material information, code and regulatory requirements, and reports prepared by other engineering firms. SEE prepared a report for blast related damages and repair recommendations for each townhome and a separate report for code non-compliance items. We worked very closely with the lead counsel and regional general adjuster to identify and analyze claim issues and construction defects.

Confidential Client
Litigation and Expert Witness
Chicago, Illinois

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to provide forensic engineering services to evaluate and review a multi-million dollar construction law suit. The scope of work includes review of original documents, construction documents, construction techniques, material evaluation, manufacturer’s literature, etc. SEE worked closely with the attorneys of the Architect and provided objective expert witness services that resulted in a settlement in favor of our client.

Walter Murphy Residence
Litigation and Expert Witness
Orland Park, Illinois

SEE was retained to provide an independent opinion on the basement slab cracking, and general comments on the potential slab and foundation wall settlement. Our client wanted to make sure that the newly built, half million dollar house was structurally adequate and sound. After performing field condition survey and reviewing design documents, SEE concluded that the floor cracking was due to drying shrinkage and slab curling. Additionally, the basement floor slab was not built per design drawings. SEE recommended replacing the floor slab. The soil borings indicated an unstable soil layer below the foundation. SEE recommended that the developer open observation pits along foundation walls to document the as-built foundation footings and retain services of geotechnical engineering firm to perform calculations either to show that the expected long-term settlement is within allowable limits or to design required underpinning details.

Confidential Client
Litigation and Expert Witness
Braidwood, Illinois

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to provide forensic engineering services to evaluate and review an underground construction law suit. The scope of services included review of original documents, construction techniques, material evaluation, field measurements, code review and code compliance. SEE worked closely with the attorneys of the contractor and provided objective litigation services as the law suit progressed.

Blast Deflectors, Inc.
Chicago Ground Run-up Enclosure
Watsonville, California

Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. was retained to peer review the design drawings and structural calculations for the O’Hare Ground Run-up Enclosure. The enclosure walls were 40-foot high A-frame trusses that enclosed an area of 280 feet by 262 feet on three sides. The subject structure will be used to test aircraft and reduce noise levels. After reviewing the documents and calculations, SEE issued a report that included our conclusions and recommended revisions. Recommendations included ice loading calculations, connection modifications and revised foundation attachment details. At the request of the manufacturer, SEE modified the drawings and reissued new drawings for construction.

Aurora Housing Authority
Condition Survey of Structural Modifications
Aurora, Illinois

SEE was retained to perform a condition survey of structural modifications at approximately 20 units of various apartment buildings. Our task was to determine exactly what structural modifications had been performed at each location. We documented the structural modifications with video tape as well as drawings. SEE then prepared a detailed condition survey report which compared the actual strengthening performed with the work that was specified to be performed at each unit.

Timothy J. McCann Attorney at Law
Grosskopf Residence
Oswego, Illinois

SEE was retained to perform structural evaluation of the foundation wall that was cracked and bowed a year after construction. SEE took concrete core samples and reviewed cracking patterns. SEE determined that the foundation wall was poured during cold weather and was not protected. The petrographic results indicated the concrete was frozen. Also, core samples revealed that the epoxy injection of the cracks was not performed properly and there was no epoxy material at several locations. SEE concluded that the contractor backfilled before the concrete had reached adequate strength. The investigative report addressed the problems and recommended corrective measures and included a cost estimate.

The Ritter Group
Fire Damage Evaluation
St. Charles, Illinois

Our client contacted SEE to perform an evaluation of damage resulting from a fire at his home. Based on our initial visit, SEE prepared a report highlighting worst damaged areas and made recommendations regarding further exploration to determine the full extent of damage. After review of the report, our client retained SEE to make engineering representations on his behalf during the insurance claim process.