Category: Articles

Research & Testing in Action: A Dog’s Story – October 2024

Research & Testing in action: A dog’s story

By Steve Smith, PE, Forensic Engineer, Director of Research & Testing

In 2018, Haag Research & Testing expanded our testing capabilities by acquiring a Heat Flow Meter (HFM) and adding ASTM C518 Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Apparatus to our laboratory accreditation. The HFM gave us the ability to measure the R-value (thermal resistance to conductive heat flow) of insulation. Since that time, we’ve used the HFM to measure the R-value of roof insulation, artificial athletic track surfacing, insulation for medical equipment, experimental insulation formulations, and even wall panels.

We also used the HFM to conduct a research study on the effects of hail-caused dents on the thermal performance of insulation under single-ply roofing. Our research paper for the study can be found here.

Earlier this year, we were contacted by an entrepreneur, Leena Chitnis, who invented a special dog bed that was designed to keep her recently adopted rescue dog warm while camping in cold weather. The bed combines thermal insulation to insulate her little Kashi from the cold ground and a detachable sleeping bed cover to keep cold air off Kashi while sleeping at night. Leena was so excited to finally find a laboratory that was willing to test the dog bed so that she could provide data to her customers and in hopes of being highlighted on a popular celebrity investor show on network TV in the coming season. A few months before being contacted by Leena, we lost our little Shizu “Ranger” to illness and offered to test the dog bed free of charge to help Leena with her dog bed project and to honor our little buddy.

1. Heat Flow Meter (HFM)
Ranger

Okay, enough about Mr. Ranger. 

Our testing of the RuffRest Ulimate Dog Bed (patent pending)  demonstrated the sleeping bag helped retain body heat and the R-value was more than adequate to insulate dogs from the cold ground. We give Leena, Kashi, and all other camping dogs our best wishes, and hope they stay warm while camping this winter and many winters to come.  

Learn more about Leena’s RuffRest Ultimate Dog Bed here- www.timberdog.com.  

If you have a testing project, contact Haag to see how we can help.

STEVE SMITH, P.E., DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & TESTING, PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
 

Steven R. Smith is a Forensic Engineer with Haag Engineering Co., and the Director of Research & Testing. Mr. Smith is an experienced forensic engineer who began his career with Haag more than 24 years ago. He spent seven years working as a Senior Lab Technician while earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been involved with the lab throughout his career, and has been able to leverage his extensive and practical engineering field experience with research and testing projects.

Mr. Smith’s areas of expertise include accident reconstruction, mechanical equipment evaluations, code and standards compliance, roofing system evaluations, and fires and explosions. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Prior to joining Haag, Mr. Smith was a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy. He trained at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command Center in Orlando Florida and was stationed on the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), where he maintained reactor and steam plant chemistry, performed radiological controls, and operated mechanical equipment in the propulsion plant.

 

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Expert Spotlight: Benjamin Irwin, PE, P.Eng, DFE

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Benjamin Irwin: Expert Forensic Engineer Driving Innovation

Benjamin (Ben) Irwin’s expertise as a forensic engineer is defined by his deep understanding of engineering, architectural, and construction principles, coupled with over 26 years of professional experience. Ben’s career spans a wide range of consulting services, including multi-disciplinary engineering and architectural design, damage and repair assessments, construction defects, safety engineering, and expert witness litigation support. His qualifications as a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in 24 U.S. states and British Columbia, Canada (P.Eng.), along with his designation as a Model Law Engineer (MLE) by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), underscore his commitment to the highest standards in the field. Ben’s thorough approach, coupled with his certification as a Diplomate Forensic Engineer (DFE) from the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, makes him a trusted leader in forensic investigations.

Ben Irwin, Forensic Engineer

A key example of Ben’s ability to lead and adapt in complex, high-stakes environments was his response to a vehicle impact assignment with structural collapse potential. Within 24 hours, he assembled a team of engineers, architects, and construction personnel, mobilized 3D scanning equipment and high-reach lifts to respond to the developing public safety concerns. His swift actions led to a same-day letter identifying the imminent collapse danger and the need to cordon off the area. When the structure partially collapsed the following weekend, Ben coordinated a second rapid response. He addressed the potential dangers of collapse progression, ensured safe debris removal, and facilitated further inspection and remediation efforts.  His quick thinking and ability to mobilize resources underscores his leadership in urgent response scenarios.

Innovation is central to Ben’s approach to forensic engineering. In a fire-damage loss case involving a building next to a collapsed structure, he developed a phased investigative methodology to address safety concerns during inspection. Using 3D scanning technology, Ben assessed the structural deformation of a formerly shared wall from nearby rooftops, then used the data to plan safe entry for further analysis from the inside out. This methodical, data-driven approach not only allowed for a safe inspection but also prevented further collapse. His strategic use of technology and phased investigations exemplifies his ability to provide precise, adaptive engineering solutions for both assessments and remediation.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Ben Irwin’s work, particularly when tackling complex claims and client assignments. He leads cross-functional teams with a clear understanding that no two assignments are alike—each investigation requires a tailored approach that reflects the unique challenges presented. Ben believes in engaging collaboratively with clients from the very beginning, helping them refine their needs and align their expectations with scientifically reliable investigative methodologies. This proactive collaboration sets the stage for more effective investigations, ensuring that clients are empowered and informed throughout the process.

The internal collaboration among the team is just as critical. Ben strategically builds teams that can leverage individual strengths while avoiding unnecessary overlap in efforts, all with the goal of delivering the highest-quality investigation and reporting. His ability to organize, plan, and direct complex investigations, along with his willingness to step back and let others on his team shine, exemplifies the collaborative culture he fosters.

Ben’s leadership and accomplishments have earned him notable recognition, including being named Project Leader of the Year in 2021. His work spans a diverse range of projects, from large-scale commercial and residential developments of complex buildings to high-rise skyscrapers and even bridges. Ben’s experience in addressing post-collapse, fire-related damage, and high-risk structural failures makes him an invaluable asset in forensic investigations.

Looking ahead, Ben is excited about the future of forensic engineering, particularly in the development of new ways to distill complicated in-field data, even when acquired at large scale by teams of experts, into clear, concise, and meaningful visualizations that are easier and faster for clients to understand. His passion for advancing the field and his commitment to excellence make him an exceptional figure in the industry.

Haag Launches New Geoportal Hurricane Reports

Haag Hurricane Reports provides reliable hurricane reports.

Haag Launches New Geoportal Hurricane Reports: Reliable, Court-Defensible Data for Insurance and Legal Professionals

DALLAS, TX — Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, the United States oldest and most respected forensic consulting firm, renowned for its expertise in forensic meteorology, announced the launch of its new Hurricane Reports, now available via the Haag Geoportal. With this new addition, users gain access to highly accurate and defensible hurricane and tropical storm data, reinforcing Haag’s commitment to providing transparent, trusted, and actionable weather information.

The Haag Geoportal, initially launched in June with Storm Reports offering verified wind, hail, and tornado data for property-related claims, now adds Hurricane Reports as an essential resource for insurance and legal clients. This addition sets a new standard for how weather data is delivered and used in claims investigations, litigation, and decision-making.

What Sets Haag’s Hurricane Reports Apart?

The Haag Geoportal Hurricane Reports leverage data directly from authoritative sources, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), the United States Geological Survey, NCEI Local Climatological Data, and NWS Local Storm Reports via the Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM). The Reports cover both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins, providing critical hurricane and tropical storm data such as wind intensity, wind swath, track, and high-water marks. The data is available from the 2017 hurricane season to the present, allowing users to analyze both past storms and ongoing events.

Unlike other reports in the marketplace, Haag’s Hurricane Reports do not rely on proprietary algorithms which are difficult to defend in court. Instead, the Geoportal aggregates and presents raw, verifiable data that is both transparent and reliable, making Haag’s Storm and Hurricane Reports an essential tool for insurance claims adjusters, legal professionals, and those involved in disaster recovery.

Key Features of Haag’s Hurricane Reports:

  • Active Storm Tracking: During active storms, the Hurricane Reports display dynamic data, including forecast and observed tracks, wind swath, and forecast error cones. This information is updated every 15 minutes as storms progress, ensuring users always have the latest data.
  • Customizable Mapping Tools: Users can view hurricane and tropical storm data through an easy-to-navigate map interface, with the ability to zoom, select specific data layers, and expand buffer zones to up to 40 miles beyond the area of interest.
  • Court-Defensible Reports: All data is sourced from trusted agencies like the NHC and USGS, ensuring transparency and reliability without the use of proprietary models.
  • Historical Data: Users can retrieve reports on storms dating back to 2017, offering valuable historical insight for analysis and legal cases.
  • Additional Data Layers: Reports include supplementary information such as High Water Marks (HWM), Peak Summaries (PS), Local Climatological Data (LCD), and Preliminary Local Storm Reports (PLSR), providing a comprehensive view of storm impacts.

Value to Insurance and Legal Professionals

Haag’s Hurricane Reports provide an unmatched level of clarity, accuracy, and ease of use. The interactive platform enables users to visualize data in relation to specific locations, zoom in for detailed analysis, and generate PDF reports that are tailored to their needs. This provides professionals with solid evidence for claim investigations, disputes, or litigation.

Get Started Today

The Haag Geoportal Hurricane Reports are now available to all users. Discover how the Haag Geoportal can enhance and expedite your data analysis and reporting process. Visit our website to learn more, create your free account, and request a demo to see the platform in action.

Hurricane Storm Track - Geoportal Hurricane Report by Haag
Hurricane Buffer Rings - Haag Geoportal Hurricane Report

About Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company

Established in 1924, Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, is proud to celebrate 100 years of forensic innovation and consulting excellence. Haag’s comprehensive services include forensic engineering, forensic meteorology, forensic architecture, construction consulting, fire origin and cause, forensic research and testing, education courses and training, and GIS, BIM, and 3D scanning technology solutions. We specialize in serving the legal, insurance, construction, and manufacturing industries, plus private companies. With a century of expertise, Haag has become the national authority in examining, analyzing, and consulting on complex engineering and technical challenges following failure and damage to the built environment. In June 2024, Haag merged with Salas O’Brien, an employee-owned engineering and technology firm at the forefront of sustainable design. Together, Haag is poised to embrace new challenges, adapt to evolving industries, and provide cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of forensic engineering and consulting.

About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact™, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.

Storm Reports, Part 2: How Do We Use Them? – September 2024

Storm Reports: how do we use them? (Part 2)

In Part 1 – Storm Reports: Where Do They Come From – we discussed the various sources of obtaining storm report information. In Part 2 we will show an example of how Haag Certified Consulting Meteorologists can supplement official storm reports with information provided by other hail report databases to increase detail in the analysis of a complex severe weather event. 

A recent hail event near St. Louis, Missouri highlighted the utility of using Preliminary Local Storm Reports (PLSRs) and Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) reports in analyzing a hailstorm. The official National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Storm Events Database entries for this event contained a handful of hail reports across the St. Louis metro, some of which were entered into the database as hail swaths, despite the NWS receiving dozens of additional hail reports. Keep in mind that the primary objective of the NWS is not necessarily to document every instance of reported severe weather into the Storm Events Database, rather it is to officially document enough reports to adequately verify the severe weather warnings that were issued. So, at times, it is appropriate for NWS offices to consolidate multiple hail reports, concentrated in a relatively small area, into a single hail report or hail swath when entering this data into the Storm Events Database. This is especially prevalent in densely populated, metropolitan areas where sometimes dozens of hail reports are made across just a few city blocks.  

For the event in St. Louis, one of the NCEI Storm Events Database hail swath entries indicated that the largest hail stone within the swath was 3 inches. The storm report included a beginning and ending point for that swath of hail shown as the yellow line below. Note, however, that 3-inch hail was not observed along the entire length of that swath. Additionally, by consolidating the reports into this swath, information on the distribution quantity and magnitude of the additional hail reports across this area was lost. These additional hail reports are shown in blue.

Event Narrative: A wide swath of large hail fell across Franklin County from Union through Villa Ridge, Grey Summit and Pacific. The largest hail stones, 3 inches in diameter, were reported on the north side of Pacific. 

NCEI Storm Events Database hail reports (yellow) for a single hail swath overlaid with PLSRs and CoCoRaHS reports (light blue), along with Storm Events Database Event Narrative for the hail swath.

When the official Storm Events Database is combined with the other hail report databases, such as PLSRs and CoCoRaHS for this thunderstorm across St. Louis, more information about where, when, and how large the hail occurred becomes available, which along with careful radar analysis, provides useful detail.

It is important to remember that these databases are not fully quality-controlled, so while these reports are mappable and publicly available, the lack of a quality control process means that they could be prone to errors.  When these reports are combined with sound analysis by an experienced meteorologist, they can help provide details into events otherwise not made possible by using solely the official Storm Events Database. Haag Global, Inc. is proud to have four active American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologists (CCMs) on our team, with expertise and applied experience in all weather phenomena.  With our meteorologists you can be sure that your assignment will be handled with the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and ethical standards.

Author

Jared Leighton
Jared Leighton, CCM, FORENSIC Meteorologist 

Jared Leighton, CCM, is a Forensic Meteorologist with Haag Engineering Co. Based near Kansas City, Jared Leighton has over 16 years of experience in meteorology. He has spent the last decade as Senior Forecaster for NOAA National Weather Service in Kansas City, Missouri, and as a General Forecaster and Meteorological Intern prior to that position.

Mr. Leighton has extensive, comprehensive experience in NWS forecast operations across multiple geographic areas, including frequent supervision of severe and winter weather watch and warning operations. He regularly conducted storm surveys, both solo and as storm survey team lead, including multiple tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri, as well as the severe weather event on September 15, 2010, in which 7.75 inch hail occurred in Wichita, Kansas (the second largest certified hailstone recorded in the US). Mr. Leighton led and participated in several research teams, resulting in five peer-reviewed formal publications as well as presentations at local, regional, and national conferences. He also organized local storm spotter training in coordination with emergency management and led the Storm Ready community preparedness program.

Mr. Leighton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of California Davis. He is an American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM #783).

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

The Hunt for Damage: Hail & Wind Damage to Commercial Roofs, August 2024

The Hunt for Damage: Where are our most damage-susceptible areas when it comes to wind and hail damage to commercial buildings?

By Amber Prom, P.E., Director of Curriculum, Forensic Engineer

When assessing a property for potential hail and/or wind damage, evaluating is easier when we understand how storms impact a building.  If you’ve taken any of Haag’s damage assessment training, you know by now that storms typically impact a property with directionality.  Winds are blowing a certain direction, the storm itself is moving in a certain direction, and thus, the winds are going to push on some of the building surfaces and pull on other surfaces depending on which direction the winds are blowing.  In the same sense, hailstones are going to fall from the sky in a diagonal nature, causing more direct and frequent impacts on some structure surfaces, with little to no impacts on others.  Moreover, there are certain areas of a building that are simply more susceptible to becoming damaged by winds or hailstone impact than others.  By utilizing this knowledge, we can predict which portions of a building are likely to be more severely impacted by a storm, and where the weak spots are in a building, and look first at wherever those two areas overlap as these areas would surely become damaged before any other portions of the building.  

Figure 1.
Figure 2.

High wind pressure zones

As mentioned previously, the winds in any given storm (except hurricanes) are, in most cases, going to blow in one primary direction.  That direction can change from storm to storm, but for any given storm, a single property typically experiences winds blowing in one primary direction.  Based on this direction, we can label the surfaces of our structure and predict what type of damage might occur from the resulting wind pressures.

As far as terminology goes, any wall or roof surface that is facing the direction of the wind is going to be termed ‘windward’.  This would include any wall surfaces and any roof facets that are perpendicular to and facing the directionality of the wind.  Any wall or roof facet that is facing perpendicular to but away from the directionality of the wind is going to be termed ‘leeward’.  These would be the walls opposite the windward walls.  And any surfaces that are parallel to the wind directionality are typically termed ‘sidewalls’, as shown above in Figures 1 and 2.

Based on this philosophy, pushing wind pressures are going to be applied to the windward elevations of the structure, and a pulling or suction pressure is going to be applied to all the other surfaces that the wind is speeding past. That includes the sidewalls, the leeward wall, as well as the majority of the roof surface.  Moreover, an increased wind pressure is going to be applied anywhere the wind must change speed and direction.  So, this is going to be all around the perimeter edges of a structure’s walls and roof.  As soon as the wind has to navigate around an obstacle in its way, such as a building, it is forced to change direction and increase its speed, which causes it to pull on the structure with even more force. Because of this, we get varying wind pressures across the building envelope with some pushing and some pulling, in varying degrees.  This is demonstrated in Figures 3-5.

Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.

So, as we can see, we have a pushing force on the windward wall, which means we are going to have our highest chance of damage from windborne debris impact on this elevation.  We are also going to have our highest chance of windows and doors blowing inward on these elevations as well.  We will not, however, have a higher chance of our siding being pulled off of this elevation as the winds are pushing inward, not pulling outward.

On the sidewalls, we have our highest chance of the siding being pulled off near the corners of the building, especially those corners near the windward wall.

On the leeward wall we also have the highest suction pressures along the corners of the building and along the top edge of the wall, essentially all around the perimeter of this wall is where we would expect to lose portions of the building envelope.

And on the roof, we have our highest pressures along the windward edge of the roof as that wind has to navigate up and over the structure at this location.  These high wind pressure zones are demonstrated in Figure 6 for all wind directionalities combined and as you can see, because of the overlap in the increased perimeter wind pressures, the corners of the roof and walls experience the highest wind pressures of all.

Figure 6.

So, with all that said, when it comes to direct wind damage to the building envelope, we would expect for the damage to occur where the building is experiencing the highest wind pressures, assuming that all siding is attached the same and all roofing is attached the same.  This means, in general, we should experience wind damage first near the building corners, then near the perimeter edges of the walls and roof, and then in the middle of the walls and roof.  And when it comes to indirect wind damage to the building, i.e. impact from windborne debris, we would expect this to occur on the windward elevation of the structure.

 

Areas most exposed and susceptible to hail damage

Just like wind, hailstones impact a structure with directionality.  And because of this, the windward-facing elevations of the building, any windward-facing roof facets, and the windward elevations of any signage, parapet walls, and mechanical units will receive more impacts from falling hailstones.  As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, depending on the directionality of the storm, the windward elevations will be impacted more severely by the hailstones and the leeward-facing elevations are quite shielded from impact. Portions of the roof are shielded from impact by things like the windward parapet wall and large mechanical units, while the roofing that covers the windward side of the mechanical unit curbs and the interior of the leeward parapet wall are most susceptible to incurring direct hits from the falling hailstones.  So, knowing this, we can determine the directionality of the storm and predict which areas of the building envelope should be receiving little to no damage from hailstone impact, and which portions would be most exposed.

Figure 7.
Figure 8.

Taking this a step further, there are portions of every low-sloped roof that are more susceptible to becoming damaged by hailstone impact than others and these would be, among others, any portions of the roofing that do not have good, solid substrate support.  This can happen if the roof is blistered or wrinkled in any way, at steps in the roof, and on almost every commercial roof this occurs along the perimeter of mechanical unit curbs and all around the perimeter parapet walls where the roofing must make a transition from a horizontal surface to a vertical surface.  At these areas, the roofing membrane has little to no substrate support, as can be seen in Figures 9-12.

Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.

Each one of these locations creates a condition where the roofing has little to no support behind it, making it easier to puncture than the remainder of the roofing.  So, if we put all of this together, we can see that the fist places one should look for hail damage on a commercial roof are any location where the roofing might lack substrate support and that would be exposed to direct impacts from falling hailstones based on the directionality of the storm.  It is these locations that would surely become damaged first and foremost on any commercial roof that’s been exposed to sizeable hailstone impacts.

Now with all this said, this does not mean that wind damage cannot happen in areas of the roof outside the highest wind zones.  In fact, some roofing systems are designed to have more robust fastening in the high wind zones of the roof and thus, may not be the first areas to fail.  In addition, there could be areas of the roof located in the lower wind zones that have an underlying condition, like an installation deficiency or advanced deterioration, which would cause them to not be able to resist wind uplift pressures as well as the surrounding areas.  And thus, it is not a hard and fast rule that wind damage must occur in the high wind zones, but rather, it is a logical tool that we can use that applies most of the time.  This also goes for hail damage as there could be other areas of the roof that have poor substrate support than those discussed here.  There could also be conditions on the roof that would make other areas more susceptible to becoming damaged, like areas that experience frequent ponding of water, or areas near gas pipes and mechanical units that may be exposed to heat, grease, or vapors.  So again, this is a general rule of thumb and not a hard and fast rule. But regardless, utilizing what we know about storms and these commercial roofing systems can help us identify those areas that are most likely to become damaged by mother nature.

If you’d like to learn more about the damage assessment of commercial roofing, Haag now offers Hail & Wind Damage to Commercial Roofing, a 6-hour on-demand comprehensive course that begins with a refresher on weather basics, including both wind and hail.  It then moves on to low-slope/commercial roofing systems in general.  And finally, it moves into a separate section for each of the most common commercial roofing materials encountered on site today.

The roofing types covered in this course include:

  • Built-Up Roofing
  • Modified Bitumen Roofing
  • Single Ply Roofing (TPO/PVC/EPDM)
  • Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
  • Metal Roofing

And each of these individual sections cover the following topics for each roofing material type:

  • The manufacturing process
  • Installation & fastening requirements & processes
  • Weathering & anomalies encountered in the field
  • Hail damage assessment
  • Wind damage assessment
  • Repair protocol

This course is recommended for anyone trying to advance their career into commercial inspections, anyone who is just starting to assess commercial roofs, or anyone that would like to learn more about commercial roofing but is not interested in a certification in commercial roofing inspections.

If you are someone who has experience in commercial roofing damage assessment but wants to elevate your game/knowledge further, our Haag Certified Inspector- Commercial Roofing course is your best bet.  This course covers the same material but in further depth, earning you the Haag Certified Inspector- Commercial Roofing badge.  This course requires that the student has performed at least 50 commercial roof inspections, so it is not for beginners, but rather those with a bit of commercial roofing assessment experience.

Author

Amber Prom, P.E., Director of curriculum

Amber M. Prom, P.E., is Haag’s Director of Curriculum and is based out of the greater Denver area. Ms. Prom is a Registered Professional Civil/Structural Engineer with approximately 20 years’ experience in structural design, project management, forensic engineering, and engineering management/training. Ms. Prom previously worked in the field of forensics as a Professional Development Manager and Principal Consultant for approximately 10 years. As a Professional Development Manager, she was responsible for training all newly hired Civil/Structural Engineers and Building Consultants and providing continuing education/training for existing experts.  As a Project Engineer/Principal Consultant, she conducted forensic engineering investigations related to structures which had failed, become damaged, did not operate/function as intended, or were constructed deficiently.  Most of her investigations involved hail damage to structures caused by wind, hail, tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes, along with fires, explosions, ground vibrations, and construction defects.  Ms. Prom has also been engaged as an expert witness in numerous mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials throughout her career.  Currently, Ms. Prom acts as Haag’s Director of Curriculum and develops/manages all of Haag Education’s training curriculum, including the Haag Certified Inspector and Haag Certified Reviewer Programs.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Haag’s Storm Reports: Accurate, Reliable Weather Event Data for Insurance & Legal Professionals

Haag's Storm REPORTS Portal:
Accurate, Reliable Weather Data for Insurance and Legal Professionals

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 produced an unprecedented number of billion-dollar disasters – 28 in total – across the United States. This is the highest number of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. on record. In the first six months alone, 12 individual billion-dollar weather and climate disasters devastated parts of the nation. These 28 events from 2023 included 17 severe weather/hail events and two tornado outbreaks. According to NOAA’s billion-dollar disaster record dating back to 1980, the U.S. has sustained 376 separate weather and climate disasters exceeding a cumulative cost of $2.660 trillion.

As homes and properties are increasingly affected by severe weather, access to reliable information about these events is critical. NOAA and several other agencies meticulously track these events and have incredible amounts of data available to users. But which sites should you access? How can these events be seen in relation to your property? How do you know which events have impacted a specific location over the years? The Haag Geoportal has the answers to these questions.

The Storm Reports portal on the Haag Geoportal is the ultimate tool for accessing detailed, reliable, and accurate weather reports for wind, hail, and tornado events. It is a powerful mapping application that aggregates data from multiple sources and displays results in an easy-to-understand visual and interactive format. Users search for a location, enter a date range, and select events they are interested in from hail, wind, and tornado options. The Storm Reports portal compiles data from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC; preliminary data that is updated daily) and the Storm Events Database (SED; finalized data available approximately 90 days after an event occurred) and displays relevant events based on the search criteria. Users then have the option to export a PDF report with details about each event including date and time of occurrence, location, magnitude, distance from the location, event narrative, and more. Data is derived from verified national weather sources and is never manipulated, which makes it perfect for insurance professionals, forensic investigators, legal professionals, etc.

Initial location search:

Haag’s Storm Portal reports cover a robust 14-year span (2010 to present day) of weather events and are updated daily, ensuring you have the most accurate and historical data available. These reports are an invaluable tool when trying to assess where events occurred and the magnitude of the events. The data also provides insights into weather patterns – clusters of events show where storms passed through an area and which locations could have been impacted the most severely. When paired with an on-site inspection by a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM), the comprehensive data provided in the reports is invaluable for professionals who need to document and verify weather events. Whether you’re assessing property damage, preparing legal cases, or conducting forensic analysis, the Haag Geoportal provides the accurate and reliable data you need. 

As global temperatures rise, the number of severe events will continue to increase. Users of all types need a way to research and understand the impact of weather, especially when it affects their property. The Haag Geoportal allows users to unlock precise weather history and view reliable, verified data to streamline the weather analysis process. Sign up today and experience the difference that weather reporting can make. For more information and to sign up for a free account, visit the Haag Geoportal site today or contact our Geoportal team at geoportal@haagglobal.com.

We’re excited to announce that our Hurricane Report will be available soon for the 2024 hurricane season. This report will feature detailed storm data, Local Storm Reports (LSRs), high water mark data, peak summaries, and more. Stay tuned for this addition to the Haag Geoportal.

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About the Author
Marcie Deffenbaugh, Manager, GIS Services

Marcie Deffenbaugh is the Manager of GIS Services for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Ms. Deffenbaugh oversees initiatives related to GIS planning, system design, and system administration. She also manages a staff of GIS technicians, analysts, cartographers, and project administrative assistants who provide data validation and project management services for oil and gas clients. As the primary liaison between the client management teams and Haag personnel, Ms. Deffenbaugh provides technical consulting services on a regular basis.

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company or subsidiaries. 

Expert Spotlight: Ahmad Elhajj, PE – Forensic Engineer in Baltimore, MD

Haag 100 Year Anniversary - A century of forensic innovation

Ahmad Elhajj: Expert Forensic Engineer in Baltimore, MD

Ahmad Elhajj’s journey into the world of engineering was deeply influenced by his upbringing in refugee camps with deteriorating civil infrastructure. Witnessing firsthand the impact of poor construction, he was inspired to pursue a career where he could make a significant difference. His passion for evaluating building failures has been a driving force throughout his career, providing him with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. One of his most challenging projects involved constructing a road through Tyre, using locally sourced materials to create a durable concrete matrix without the benefit of established codes or standards. This project stands as a testament to his resourcefulness and commitment to improving infrastructure in resource-limited communities.

Ahmad Elhajj: Expert Forensic Engineer in Baltimore, MD

To stay abreast of the latest developments in forensic engineering, Ahmad relies on esteemed publications like Structure Magazine and regularly attends conferences hosted by the Structural Engineering Association and the American Concrete Institute. His involvement with professional peers has been instrumental in keeping him updated on industry advancements. Ahmad’s presentation to the ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute on construction defects in March 2022 and his role on the Committee on Practices to Reduce Failures highlight his dedication to sharing knowledge and improving industry standards most critical to life safety. Recently, he has also navigated the complexities brought about by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in engineering, demonstrating his adaptability and critical thinking in addressing AI-related challenges in the commercial use of the technology.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of Ahmad’s professional philosophy. He holds dual degrees in civil engineering and physics from the University of Virginia, complemented by postgraduate work in computer science. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering at Auburn University, set to graduate in December 2024. Ahmad emphasizes the importance of developing soft skills, which he believes are crucial for success in the engineering field. His advice to aspiring professionals underscores the necessity of a well-rounded skill set, combining technical expertise with effective communication and problem-solving abilities.

Balancing work and personal life is essential for Ahmad’s productivity and well-being. He advocates for a work environment that supports personal well-being, challenging the outdated notion that excessive pressure leads to better performance. He prioritizes time with his wife, with whom he shares a passion for bouldering, a hobby that they enjoy together. Ahmad also dedicates time to volunteering with Penny Appeal USA, coaching youth wrestling, and reading the works of Edward W. Said and Antony Lowenstein.

Looking ahead, Ahmad is excited about the future of engineering, particularly the increasing complexity of codes and the growing emphasis on prescriptive design allowances. This evolution allows engineers to focus on solving intricate problems, such as designing bridges for vessel impacts. Ahmad is enthusiastic about offering non-destructive evaluation services to address building failures, leveraging his extensive expertise to contribute to the field’s advancement. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence position him as a valuable asset to the engineering community.

Ahmad Elhajj, P.E., is a forensic engineer based in Baltimore, Maryland. In his forensic practice, Mr. Elhajj applies meticulous attention to detail, delivering comprehensive scientific analysis and reporting to educate clients with answers to their technical questions.  He brings the big picture into focus with thorough scientific data and analysis to qualify its soundness.  His capabilities extend well beyond traditional origin and cause determinations to include wraparound services like cost estimating and remediation design, as applied to the built environment, temporary construction supports and structures, and construction materials.  Structures of all types, bridges and buildings, from the ground to the sky, are carefully analyzed under the applied sciences governing their physical behavior.  This is Ahmad’s craft—Investigative Sciences, Applied.

Introducing the Haag Geoportal: Comprehensive Weather Event Data for Insurance and Legal Professionals

Geoportal US weather Maps

Introducing the Haag Geoportal:
Comprehensive Weather Event Data for Insurance and Legal Professionals

Dallas, TX – June 25, 2024 – Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, the United States oldest and most respected forensic consulting firm and leader in forensic meteorology, announced today the launch of its innovative new product, the Haag Geoportal. This interactive web-mapping application is designed to provide insurance and legal professionals with comprehensive, reliable weather event data tailored to specific site locations.

A New Standard in Weather Reporting

The Haag Geoportal delivers precise and detailed weather reports, covering a wide range of storm types, including wind, hail and tornado events. Hurricanes will be added in the fall 2024. By leveraging data sourced from verified national weather authorities such as the NOAA Storm Event Database, NOAA Storm Prediction Center, and the National Weather Service, the Haag Geoportal ensure that users receive trustworthy and defensible information every time.

Why the Haag Geoportal is Different

Unlike other platforms that use proprietary algorithms and offer higher-cost services, the Haag Geoportal provides direct, unmanipulated data from multiple national authorities. This approach not only ensures the data’s accuracy and reliability but also makes it defensible in court, a critical factor for legal and insurance professionals.

Product Features and Benefits

With the Haag Geoportal, users can:

  • Access Accurate Storm & Hurricane Reports: The platform delivers tailored, site-specific weather data ideal for insurance claims, legal cases, forensic investigations, and detailed weather analysis.
  • Receive Verified and Reliable Data: Utilizing both preliminary and finalized data from multiple sources, our reports cover a robust 14-year span and are updated daily.
  • Customized Reports to Fit Specific Needs: Each report includes maps, event types, dates, event magnitudes, and more, providing comprehensive data suited to individual requirements.

Discover how the Haag Geoportal can enhance and expedite your data analysis and reporting process. Visit our website to learn more, create your free account, and request a demo to see the platform in action.

For more information, please contact

Polly Prado, Director of Corporate Communications

214.614.6500 or PPrado@HaagGlobal.com

 

About Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company

Established in 1924, Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company, is proud to celebrate 100 years of forensic innovation and consulting excellence. Haag’s comprehensive services include forensic engineering, forensic meteorology, forensic architecture, construction consulting, fire origin and cause, forensic research and testing, education courses and training, and GIS, BIM, and 3D scanning technology solutions. We specialize in serving the legal, insurance, construction, and manufacturing industries, plus private companies. With a century of expertise, Haag has become the national authority in examining, analyzing, and consulting on complex engineering and technical challenges following failure and damage to the built environment. In June 2024, Haag merged with Salas O’Brien, an employee-owned engineering and technology firm at the forefront of sustainable design. Together, Haag is poised to embrace new challenges, adapt to evolving industries, and provide cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of forensic engineering and consulting.

About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact™, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.

The Art and Science of Collaborative Construction Consulting – June 2024

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF COLLABORATIVE CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING

By Brian Segedin, Senior Construction Consultant

I believe I can safely speak for all construction consultants when I say report writing is the most enjoyable part of being a Construction Consultant.  The effortless speed at which we type, skillfully using our ten human digits, makes writing impactful reports almost instinctive.  Words naturally flow from us, artfully describing the sequence of damaging events and laying out multi-phase repair concepts with flawless clarity.  Our writing stands alone, hardly needing the support of photographs or drawings.  But, of course, we have photos – lots of them.  We only include a select few in our reports because sorting, captioning and keeping track of them is tedious, and too many visuals can distract from our perfected prose. The unseen images? They are compressed and hidden on expensive hard drives.  Who would ever dare meddle with this beloved process?

Haag will.

Development level visualization of exterior finish combinations. The data can be symbolized with various colors, shapes, and overlays to highlight varying attribute information between each unit.

The business units of Haag have a long and rich history of innovating methods, procedures, and tools to turn complex and ambiguous situations into manageable and quantifiable solutions over the past one hundred years.  Haag Construction Consulting is supported by the vast knowledge and experience of our Forensic Engineers, Research and Testing, Forensic Meteorologists, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialists, 3D Scanning/Modeling and Photogrammetry Specialists, and a myriad of technical professionals.  Haag Construction Consultants, who frequently encounter unique and challenging situations in the field, have quick access to our specialist colleagues, providing a massive toolbox for any scenario. 

Units with a specific combination of exterior finishes
Units with a specific combination of exterior finishes. Users can filter data so that only units that meet the specified criteria appear on the screen.

Three key technologies — Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 3D Scanning/Modeling, and Photogrammetry — are the building blocks of data collection, organization, and presentation capabilities at Haag.  Our teams collaborate with specialists in these areas to develop capabilities within our secure web mapping application, the Haag Geoportal. The GeoPortal collects, organizes, and presents the most accurate information possible in a visually engaging interactive map-based environment.  Consultants and engineers will work independently or side-by-side using a custom mobile app to log field observations, notes, sketches, photos and scans that are geocoded to the coordinates where they were captured.  Information is automatically categorized when captured and stored in real time by location in an organized and accessible shared workspace. Team members at their desks can work with the data and images as their colleagues continue to collect in the field.  When a project goes live on the GeoPortal, clients can have access to all their data with the desired level of granularity.

Linked building elevations, sections and floorplans documenting test results
3D scan generated floorplan overlaid with Infrared scan data
3D Scan point cloud

When responding to a catastrophe, accuracy and timeliness are paramount.  In the coming months, Haag’s clients will have the ability to watch a map populate with markers for their inspected losses, select single addresses or individual buildings in a large development or campus, and instantly understanding of the severity of the situation with a mouse-click.  Litigation clients, for example, will be able to view development-wide maps with symbols depicting building types, finishes, and the status of destructive testing progress and results.  The enhanced Haag GeoPortal is expected to launch to the public in Q4 2024.

The power of a knowledgeable team of construction professionals equipped with a well-developed GIS workspace and mobile collection app cannot be understated.  It is an exciting time to be part of Haag, working with a project team to develop a system that will enhance the way our team communicates findings for decades to come.

3D scan generated elevation documenting invasive testing

Author

Brian segedin, senior construction consultant
 

Brian Segedin is a Senior Construction Consultant with Haag Construction Consulting. Mr. Segedin is an experienced consultant with more than 27 years in the construction industry. He is based in Pequannock, New Jersey, near the NYC area. Mr. Segedin’s areas of expertise include facility condition assessments, energy efficiency, construction management, and property loss consulting. He most recently conducted facility condition assessments, including 30 Boston Public Schools campuses and 20 sites for First Energy. He was the owner of Atlantic LED Solutions for almost 10 years and worked on lighting projects for medical centers, roadways, warehouses and more. He has experience with property loss recovery and reconstruction projects, including New York Law School, and Hurricane Sandy recovery at One New York Plaza. He spent 13 years as a construction manager overseeing large commercial projects.

Mr. Segedin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University. He is certified as a Qualified Individual – General Contractor Unlimited: South Carolina and Virginia, and an Associate Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society. He is skilled with Fulcrum, ArcGIS, Quickbooks, Xactimate, Timberline, Microsoft Office 360, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Google Earth Pro.

 

Any opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Haag Technical Services, Haag Engineering Co., Haag Education, or parent company, Haag Global, Inc.

Brandon Alaniz Promoted to Vice President, Leader of Haag’s Construction Consulting Group

 

Brandon Alaniz Promoted to Vice President, Leader of Haag’s Construction Consulting Group

Dallas, Texas – June 6, 2024 – Haag Global, Inc., the United States’ oldest and most respected forensic consulting firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Brandon Alaniz to Vice President, where he will lead Haag’s construction consulting group.

“Brandon Alaniz is skilled in project management and experienced in leading teams of experts on large-scale and complex projects,” said Justin Kestner, P.E., CEO of Haag Global. “Over the past seven years at Haag, Brandon has successfully overseen demanding construction consulting projects including major litigation files.  He has been trained and mentored by industry veteran and outgoing Construction Consulting leader Larry Dillon to prepare for this leadership role. I am excited to see the imprint Brandon will make on our construction consulting team.”

Brandon has managed or had leading roles in numerous high-profile construction consulting projects, including multiple hurricane and earthquake files in Puerto Rico such as the historic El San Juan hotel. With over 27 years in the construction industry that spans luxury residential to large complex construction projects, he brings a wealth of experience in building construction, repair, and restoration cost assessments for the insurance and legal industries. Brandon is adept at preparing cost estimates and providing litigation support including construction defects and addressing contractor’s standard of care.

As Vice President of Haag Construction Consulting, Brandon will oversee a talented team of consultants, many of whom are likewise very experienced and accomplished. One of Brandon’s priorities will be to expand the division and elevate team members into leadership roles.  Brandon was honored with Haag’s Outstanding Leadership and Mentorship Award and Project of the Year awards. Before joining Haag, Brandon worked as a Commercial Project Superintendent for Manhattan Construction Company and held supervisory roles with Braswell Company, Stephenson Consulting, and David Weekley Homes.

Larry Dillon will continue to play a key role in Haag Construction Consulting as Executive Vice President Emeritus/Litigation & Appraisals Lead. Larry will focus on expanding and enhancing litigation and appraisal services and overseeing staff development in those areas.

“Since joining Haag in 2016, Larry significantly enhanced the quality and reputation of Haag Construction Consulting and grew the division into an industry leader,” said CEO Kestner.  “He hired and mentored talented staff, took on large projects domestically and internationally, and developed Haag into a go-to firm for building and construction consulting services.  Larry has always enjoyed the challenge of litigation and appraisal files, and we are both excited that he will be able to help grow that work at Haag.”

 

About Haag Global, Inc.:

Established in 1924, Haag Global is proud to celebrate 100 years of forensic innovation and consulting excellence. Haag’s comprehensive services include forensic engineering, forensic meteorology, forensic architecture, construction consulting, fire origin and cause, forensic research and testing, education courses and training, and GIS, BIM, and 3D scanning technology solutions. We specialize in serving the legal, insurance, construction, and manufacturing industries, plus private companies. With a century of expertise, Haag has become the national authority in examining, analyzing, and consulting on complex engineering and technical challenges following failure and damage to the built environment. As we move into the next century, Haag is poised to embrace new challenges, adapt to evolving industries, and provide cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of forensic engineering and consulting.

 

For more information, please contact:

Polly Prado, Director of Corporate Communications, 214.614.6500

HaagGlobal.com