the challenge of being both an engineer and expert witness

7/29/2019 The Challenge of Being Both an Engineer and Expert Witness

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F o r e n s i c E n g i n e e r i n g

CEP


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Message from the President

In summarizing our 30 years of steady growth for this corporate brochure,

I have sought to reaffirm the very essence of our Companys goal, the one

my associates, partners and myself have always aimed for.

We constantly pursue excellence in accomplishing our forensic engineering

tasks. Our mission is to put the benefits of science and technology to use for

our clients claim and litigation needs. Our clients benefit from a wide range

of services offered by dedicated and focused professionals who pay, in each

case, careful attention to details. With our strong team spirit, our clients can

count on a valued partner to assist them in the handling of their claims and

legal disputes. We believe in developing strategic alliances with like-minded

excellence-driven associates in order to offer our clients the best possible

solutions and chances to achieve their goals.

We recognize that the consequences of natural and man-made disasters can be

considerable and most damaging, not only in terms of material or financial

losses, but also at the human level. We strive to offer the best possible

quality of analysis our professions can offer to ensure that our clients make the

right choices and decisions.

I give you my personal guarantee that each and every case entrusted to us will

be treated with the utmost diligence according to your needs. I invite you to

experience the CEP way.

Jean-Franois Joubert, P. Eng.

President and Chief Executive Officer

CEP Forensic Engineering Inc.


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Forensic Engineering :

The challenge ofbeing both anEngineer and anExpert WitnessAs the risks associated with insurance claims and legal disputes increase, the need to

establish solid partnerships and to rely on competent expertise is a matter of survival and

profitability for risk and insurance managers and their legal counsels.

The opinion of a qualified forensic engineering professional, as to the precise origin and

cause of losses and the apportionment of related liabilities, is a most valuable asset. This

is the every day task of the professional engineers, technologists and fire investigators at

CEP Forensic Engineering Inc. We are acutely aware of the importance of the opinions that

we deliver to our clients in the handling of their claims and legal disputes.

CEP has continuously refined and improved its methods of technical investigation and

its resources to offer its clients professional services of the highest standards of quality.

Our multidisciplinary team of professional engineers and scientists ensures that, first and

foremost, the most appropriate consultant is assigned to each specific case.

On the site of an accident, every detail is recorded with adequate notes, drawings and

state-of-the-art visual documentation. When required, computer-based models and

simulations are used to complement the validation of the considered scenarios. All these

factual elements are included in an accurate, concise and simply-worded report to present

and support our professional opinion in a clear and convincing way. By the time our

engineers have formed their final opinion, all possible scenarios for a given loss, accident

or disaster will have been reviewed, analysed, and interpreted.

The pursuit of excellence in every area of our activities is, for us, a never-ending quest.


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This area of investigation was the original field of specialized expertiseof the Company and it has always been at the core or our activities. Ourexperts have investigated and identified the causes of fires and explo-sions and have continually sought to refine and improve their techniques.Today, they rank among the leaders in their field.

Our scientific and engineering training is the basis on which the principles,

methodologies and accident/loss causation analysis are founded. Ourmethods and approaches are rigorous, tested, recognized in practice andhighly dependable. Deflagrations (fires and explosions) are the result ofcomplicated phenomena requiring several investigative techniques. Theanalysis and interpretation of the relevant parameters must be compre-hensive and meticulous. All facts must be taken into consideration, evenif much of the physical evidence is often destroyed.

At CEP, our team of forensic engineers and certified fire investigators uti-lizes state-of-the-art technologies and investigative procedures and con-stantly keeps abreast of recent developments. We are always prepared toconsider innovative options to improve our methods of investigation.

The integrity and credibility of CEP consultants make them strategic alliesfor their clients in resolving disputes caused by fire and explosion claims.

Fires and Explosions

Industrial dust explosion, Lac-Mgantic, 2006

Fire investigation, Laval, 2004

When fraud is suspected, CEPs experienced team is preparedto intervene in claims such as alarm systems that could havebeen tampered with, arsons and many others. CEPs expertsuse rigorous methods to establish whether there are scientificgrounds to believe that fraud occurred or not. Working asa team, our engineers will confirm or overrule the various

suggested scenarios to explain the events at hand.

Whenever fraud is suspected, we intervene with an objectiveand scientific approach to establish the facts and help uncoverthe truth. Our clients appreciate our strategy, rigor andmethodology in our search for scientific evidence.

We believe that only the combined efforts of all the partiesinvolved can result in the detection and reduction of insur-ance fraud. In this context, CEP is undoubtedly a partner ofchoice in putting together and coordinating the efforts of ananti-fraud team.

Molotov cocktail, Henryville, 2004

The Battle against Fraud


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Reaching back as far as one can in his-tory, major civil engineering projects have

always characterized civilizations. Municipalinfrastructures, large and small buildings,highways or large scale construction projectssuch as dams, have always fascinated thehuman mind. Civil engineering has its ownunique and privileged place at CEP.

Our civil engineers have been called uponto work under the most demanding circum-stances, from the Saguenay 1996 flood to

Civil Engineering

Watermain failure, Hull, 1999

Structural analysis of a bridge, Saguenay, 1996

the January 1998 ice storm which struck theMontreal area. Whether it be water inducedproblems in building or structural collapses, our experts have han-

dled all these situations.

We combine the strength of the expertise and experience gained inthe past with the fresh input of state-of-the-art technologies pres-ently available. Our engineers are always sensitive to our clientsneeds and anxious to even exceed their expectations. We use up-to-date analysis methods and pay all necessary attention to details.

With our civil engineers, our clients are assured they will obtainclear answers and meaningful professional opinions to assist themin their dispute resolution.

Electrical Engineering

Transformer examination, Stafford, England, 2001

Electricity is an essential component of modern life. An increasing number ofaccidents result from the use or misuse of this form of energy in day-to-dayactivities. Whether it be fires, electrocutions, disastrous power outages, computer oralarm systems failures, our vast experience in this field helps solving and explainingthe phenomena that triggered such events.

Because of the invisible nature of electricity,most people find it difficult to understandits behavior. Our consultants demystify theprocesses and provide clear explanations ofwhat happened.

Our experts have successfully investigatedcauses of numerous failures and accidents ofthis type, originating from large or small instal-lations, from complex hydroelectric projects,power transformers, down to regular householdappliances.

The CEP team is constantly endeavouring topush back the frontiers of its expertise and todevelop new techniques as well as novel waysto interpret electrical phenomena.

Alternator, Rivire-des-Prairies Generating Station,Laval, 1999


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With the increasing trend towards additional backup heatingequipment in residential construction, masonry fireplaces, slow-burning stoves and prefabricated fireplaces, as well as theirinstallation, are frequently the source of major accidents. Ourexperts are well aware of the manufacturing methods and installationstandards for these types of equipment.

The failure and efficiency problems of oil and gas heating systemsare also routinely investigated and are areas in which our engineers

excel and enjoy an excellent reputation.

Investigations into accidents caused by these sources require specialknow-how and meticulous on-site observations. Our experts havespecialized training in this field and are skilled in giving experttestimony.

Mechanical Engineering

Examination of a chain sling used during transporta-tion of a turbine wheel, New York, 1996

Dismantling of a gearbox, Strasbourg, France, 1997

Gas line, meal plant, Longueuil, 2006

Combustion

Since the invention of the wheel, man has increasingly dependedupon mechanical systems in his residential and industrial environment.CEP engineers have a very broad expertise in building systems, as well asin industrial and transportation equipment. Their methodology is sub-

ject to the same rigorous and scientific approach used all over the firm.

With respect to building mechanical systems, our services includeheating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, fireprotection and elevators/escalators.

Concerning general mechanics, our services include pneumatic andhydraulic systems, machinery components, industrial equipment, heatexchangers and injuries related to such equipment.

CEP engineers also provide our clients with expertise in vehiclemechanics, automotive and heavy equipment failures and fires, lubrica-tion problems, transportation and traffic accident reconstruction.

Mechanical engineers is a fundamental discipline for us. The assistance of CEP mechanicalengineers is invaluable to identify the causes of failures and accidents. With their help, whatseems at first inexplicable becomes surprisingly clear.

15 Mbtu/h rotary dr yer, meal plant, Longueuil, 2006


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For centuries, metallurgy and materials applications have been part of our everydaylife. Just thinking about steel, copper, aluminum, polymer and ceramic manufacturedproducts remind us that we are surrounded by numerous man-made materials derivedfrom metallurgy and material engineering sciences. As some of you may have heard,we are offering specialized services in these fields which are concerned with theproperties of materials (strength, toughness, hardness, corrosion, resistance etc.),their applications, their failure modes, their design, and the manufacturing processes

involved.

The systematic approach of our metallurgical and materials engineering team enablesthe identification of evidence which provides guidelines for the characterization of thetype of damage involving various materials in any accident or disaster. For example,this approach may reveal scientific information pertaining to the determination of:

theoriginandcauseofafire, thefailuremechanismofaparticularproductorcomponent, adesign,materialsselectionorprocessingproblem, etc.

Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray analysis and optical microscopy, together

with the macroscopic examination and metallographic preparation of samplesare techniques commonly used by CEPs experts in order to characterize mate-rials and/or study the damage sustained by manufactured products.

Our experts and engineers have the knowledge and experience required toprovide our clients with expert opinions and concrete solutions adapted tospecific case studies, in any combination of applications and environments.

Our specialized engineers will find the answer you are looking for any typeof problems or issues related to metallurgy and materials engineering.

Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

Polymer granulator knife, Saint-Lon-de-Standon, 2006

Case of molten metal corrosion

Evaluation of the quality of a petrochemical product, Montreal East, 1995

Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry

Chemistry deals with the worlds most basic elements. It isthus an integral part of several claims arising from theresidential and industrial sectors. CEPs range of serviceswould obviously not be complete if these fields were omit-ted. CEPs chemistry professionals apply their knowledge toresolving our clients problems.

When claims arise from industrial processes, failure orabnormal corrosion which can endanger equipment, CEP canassist you in identifying the real causes. The proper identi-fication of chemical compounds is a crucial need in manysituations. CEP ensures that it is conducted appropriatelyand coordinates the chemical analysis process.

Quality control problems resulting in product rejects andrecalls is also a field of expertise where our chemists andchemical engineers frequently provide professional opinions.

Our forensic experts leave nothing to chance in providingopinions leading to appropriate solutions.


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State-of-the-art forensic engineering;

Experienceextendingovermorethan30yearsand30,000cases;

ServingclientsacrossCanadaandworldwide;

Servicesensitivetoyourneedsandconstantlychangingtoredefinetheindustrys

standardsofquality;

Theguaranteeofaprofessional,fastandefficientservicewithoutunduedelay;

Apowerfulmultidisciplinaryteamavailableunderthesameroof;

Morethan30dependableanddedicatedengineersandqualifiedprofessionals

atyourservice; Courtrecognizedexpertswitnesseswithextensivetestifyingexperience;

Familiaritywithinsuranceclaimsandlegalprocesses;

Fiveofficestobetterserveyou;

Eachwithanemergencyphonenumbertoreachusanytime(seenextpage);

Constanttechnicaltrainingtoupgradeandkeepourhighlevelofknowledge;

Well-documentedreportssuitedtoyourneeds;

Modernlaboratoriesandtestfacilitiesequippedwithstate-of-the-artinstruments

andequipment;

Workshopscapableofaccommodatinglargeequipmentforin-depthexaminations;

Ourdocumentationcentercontainsmanyreferencebooks,standards,technicalarticles

andotherdocumentsrelevanttoourfieldsofexpertise;

Teachingandseminarpresentationsforprofessionalsintheinsuranceindustry;

Technicalbulletinstokeepourcustomersinformed.

CEP Service means...


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In the Montreal area :1980 Michelin Street

Laval (Quebec)

H7L 5C2

Telephone : 450 686-0240

Toll free : 1 877 686-0240

Fax : 450 686-1440

Emergency : 1 888 236-8815

In the Toronto area :1103 Wentworth Street West, Unit 3

Oshawa (Ontario)

L1J 8P7

Telephone : 905 404-0237

Toll free : 1 855 404-0237

Fax : 905 404-0230

Emergency : 1 888 212-4639

In the Ottawa area :2212 Gladwin Crescent, Unit B7

Ottawa (Ontario)

K1B 5N1

Telephone : 613 234-1668

Toll free : 1 866 521-1668

Fax : 613 234-0079

Emergency : 1 888 498-8078

In the Quebec City area :1345 Louis-XIV Blvd.

Quebec (Quebec)

G2L 1M4

Telephone : 418 622-4480

Toll free : 1 855 622-4480

Fax : 418 622-6002

Emergency : 1 866 671-2532

Email : [email protected]

Web site : www.expcep.com

the challenge of being both an engineer and expert witness

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