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A Construction Evaluation Unearths Demo Damage and Falsified Public Records

Industry

Construction

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Services Involved

Forensic Engineering, Building Consulting, Construction Defect, Litigation Support, Construction Dispute Resolution

Year

2022

Experts Involved

Benjamin T. Irwin, PE, DFE, CXLT

The Assignment

Haag was retained by a confidential insurance client to evaluate catastrophic damage to a building adjacent to a demolition and new construction site in Philadelphia. The assignment involved:

  • A severe underpinning failure occurred after demolition was complete and while new construction was underway.
  • A construction dispute involving allegations of improper excavation and underpinning, including claims of inadequate dewatering.
  • Conflicting testimony and documentation from multiple parties.
  • A need for detailed forensic investigation by our forensic engineers and building consultants to determine the cause and extent of damage.

The Approach

Our team of forensic consultants mobilized on a rapid-response basis to inspect the damaged building before its demolition. We also assessed the adjacent construction site in its condition at the time.

We conducted an extensive testimony and documentation review of:

  • Structural and geotechnical design documents
  • Excavation and underpinning designs
  • Daily construction logs and site photos
  • Field activity sequencing and timing

This analysis helped establish a timeline of verifiable events capable of discerning fact from speculation within the conflicting testimony and supporting documents.

The Result

Haag’s forensic investigation produced the following findings:

  • The engineer responsible for the underpinning design and inspection was practicing outside of his technical competence.
  • Both the structural and geotechnical design of the excavation and underpinning were insufficient for the site conditions and failed to meet the demands of the excavation and underpinning.
  • Field observations and documentation disproved the allegation that dewatering contributed to the failure. No evidence supported that claim.
  • The engineer’s in-field direction to the underpinning subcontractor directly caused the catastrophic failure.
  • The engineer submitted falsified records to the municipality. This misconduct was reported to the local engineering board for disciplinary review.
  • Haag evaluated the necessity of the building’s demolition and confirmed the damage was catastrophic. Remediation was economically unfeasible once the foundation was blocked by the new construction.
  • The matter later proceeded to litigation and was resolved prior to requiring testimony.
Benjamin T. Irwin, P.E., P.Eng., DFE, CXLT

Expert Highlight

Benjamin T. Irwin, PE, DFE, CXLT

With dual degrees in architecture and civil engineering from Lehigh University and over 26 years of diverse professional experience, Benjamin T. Irwin, PE, DFE, CXLT, provides a wide array of engineering, design, construction, and safety consulting and expert witness litigation support services.

He has testified in state and Federal courts, with retentions from both plaintiffs and defendants. He is known for presenting complex findings with clarity, often offering visual demonstrations in support of his testimony.

Mr. Irwin’s exemplary leadership and experience contribute to Haag’s continued reputation for excellence.

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