This book is about applying engineering skills, knowledge and judgement to the analysis of vehicle accidents. It assumes the reader has knowledge in statistics, dynamics, calculus, vector algebra and basic strengths of materials. Chapters include simple skids, simple falls, acceleration and deceleration, motorcycle accidents, photographic documentation, interpreting lamp filament damages, sudden acceleration incidents, momentum methods, energy methods, curves and turns and scene examination. At the end of some of the chapters are example problems, based largely on actual incidents. The final chapter gives a list of references and sample vehicle accident report forms. (OUT OF PRINT)

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This edition of Forensic Engineering/Accident Investigation updates the original work by presenting new case studies and new investigative techniques. Contributors are the foremost authorities in each area of specialisation. These speciality areas include fire investigation, industrial accidents, product liability, traffic accidents, civil engineering and transportation disasters, and environmental systems failures. Each chapter includes discussions of guidelines, techniques, methods, and tools employed in accident investigation and analysis. In addition, the book contains vital information on forensic photogrammetry, the planning and writing of reports, and the presentation of evidence as an expert witness in traditional litigation. This book also analyses the role of the forensic engineer in the evolving methods of alternate dispute resolution.

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This book is a compendium of the investigative methodologies used by engineers and scientific investigators to evaluate 21 of the more common types of failures and catastrophic events. The range of topics include wind and blasting damage to structures, vehicular accidents, fires, explosions, hail / lightening damage, and industrial guarding accidents. Noon offers an extensive discussion of the scientific method as it applies to organising and writing an investigative report. It also discusses the applicable codes and standards of the profession, the role of the forensic organiser, the role of the forensic engineer in court proceedings, and management’s role in ensuing industrial safety. Each chapter is self –contained, specific and succinct, and the analysis of questions therein is tailored to the answering of questions usually posted under particular circumstances under discussion.

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This book arose from a conference held by the Institution of Civil Engineers to raise the awareness of Forensic Engineering/Accident Investigation - the technical investigation of failures that could lead to civil or criminal legal activities - as a multi-professional discipline. The papers focus on failures of constructed environments (from serviceability to catastrophic) and contain a variety of case histories, including the Ramsgate walkway collapse and Piper Alpha disaster. The proceedings address the legal aspects of forensic investigation and the importance of the insurance and loss-adjusting industries. Lessons learned can be fed back into codes of practice and to education and continuing professional development. This book draws engineers' attention to forensic procedures and points to standards of excellence and distinction which the law is right to expect from the engineering professions.

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This forensic engineering book is unique in that it focuses on case studies of real accidents, broadly focused on consumer products, and is dedicated to problem solving through scientific principles. Each well-illustrated case study includes legal background, the case results and highlights the lessons learned from the case. Case studies are featured in transportation, construction, industrial, medical, consumer products and intellectual property.

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The information in this manual is based to the best of ITPM’s knowledge on the current practices and formula applications in traffic accident investigation in the USA. The manual prepared for the police traffic accident investigator and is designed to assist the investigator in understanding the complexity of a motorcycle accident and to provide a ready reference source of information relevant to motorcycle accident investigation.

This (American) publication on tyre prints covers some fundamental information about their nomenclature, design, manufacturing as well as how they are sold in its early chapters. There is a growing awareness of the value of tyre print evidence in proving a suspect’s car was at the scene of the crime as, contrary to popular belief, they can be quite individual. Other chapters cover how to record tyre prints; an identification system and what can be learned about a suspect’s vehicle even when you don’t have it.

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This manual begins with an introduction to traffic accident investigation and includes chapters on the human element; environmental and trafficway factors; vehicle inspections; speed estimates; field measurement and scale diagrams and accident photography. At the beginning of each chapter there is a lesson together with lesson objectives. A detailed bibliography concludes this 550 page tome.

This book is intended to be both an introduction for the beginner and a review for the more experienced accident investigator. The basic tools and equipment are described in detail, and there are lots of examples from actual cases. Other topics covered include: computer accident simulations, occupant kinematics, pedestrian accidents, use of exhibits, expert witnesses and ethics. One of the nineteen chapters is devoted to sources of information that can help the budding accident investigator. Van Kirk also provides an introduction to the mathematical analysis of vehicle accidents, and lists the most useful equations. Recent advances in investigation techniques are highlighted, and there are references for further reading at the end of each chapter. There is also a succinct glossary.

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