Catastrophes

 

Bridge Collapse

Packer Engineering (PE) was retained to determine the cause and origin of the collapse of the world's longest segmental pre-cast concrete bridge. Our work scope included field investigation, structural and material analysis, and litigation support services.

Plant Explosion

Packer Engineering determined the cause and origin of an explosion involving nine settling tanks at an aluminum plant. The resulting damages totaled several hundreds of millions of dollars. Our work included analysis of chemical, electrical and structural systems at the plant. The work also included a four month field investigation of damage to hundreds of residential and commercial structures in the vicinity of the plant.

Duct Collapse Investigation

We determined the cause and origin of a collapse involving 2,000-tons of steel framework and flue gas ductwork. Resulting damages from the collapse and power plant shutdown totaled $200 million. The work included field investigation, evaluation of plant operations, structural analysis and testing, and litigation support.

Rigging Investigation

Packer Engineering was hired to determine the cause and origin of a collapse involving customized rigging for a 300 ton turbine generator. The collapse resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.

Chimney Collapse

Packer Engineering investigated the collapse of a 600-foot concrete chimney stack. The failure resulted in six deaths and shutdown of an 800 MW generator. Our scope of work involved field investigation, materials analysis and testing, and structural analysis.

Plant Collapse

We provided a cause and origin evaluation of a collapse involving two buried cooling water lines that failed due to liquefaction of the surrounding soil. Our scope of work involved field investigation, failure analysis, and litigation support.

Bonfire Mishap

Our company was the lead investigator reporting to an independent commission investigating the cause and origin of a bonfire accident. The collapse of the timber structure, in the process of erection, left several people dead and a large number injured.

Scaffolding Collapse

Packer Engineering was retained to determine the cause of a failure involving a 100-foot custom built scaffold. The scaffold broke free from its anchorages under high wind, resulting in four deaths. Our scope of work included field investigation, failure analysis, and litigation support.

Grain Silo Failures

A client working on a project regarding failure involving several 120-foot tall steel grain silos required Packer Engineering's assistance to determine the cause. The work scope included detailed inspection and analysis of the failed silo component.

Building Collapse

A failed steel framed structure that collapsed during erection. Packer Engineering was retained to determine the cause and origin. Our scope of work included field investigation, structural analysis, and litigation support.

Property Condition Assessment

A large resort in California planned an extensive $5 million rehabilitation project requiring project oversight. PE performed a property condition assessment service for the hotel and golf facilities.  We also planned and assisted in defining and establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the ongoing facility improvements. PE helped to establish a formal program for ongoing resort operations for the benefit of the California's resort rehabilitation and remodeling project.

Hurricane Related Projects:

Packer Engineering has investigated numerous hurricane events involving property losses throughout the Continental U.S., Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our scope of work has encompassed residential (hundreds of single and multi-family dwellings, apartment buildings and condominium complexes), commercial (office buildings, hotels, restaurants, casinos, racetracks), institutional (educational facilities and churches), and industrial (warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing plants) properties. Some of this work included initial damage assessment regarding building envelope (e.g., roof, structure, foundation, walls, etc.) and overall loss review and has also included building electrical integrity, elevators, HVAC systems and electrical conduit surveys for return-to-service analysis or loss adjustment estimates.

Earthquake Related Projects (Natural):

We have been involved with several earthquake events in the Western and Midwest portions of the U.S. The scope of these investigations generally focused on structural degradation of properties due to low intensity ground tremors.

Earthquake Related Projects (Manmade):

PE has also been involved with dozens of investigations to ascertain the source and damage from manmade vibration due to road construction, nearby explosions from quarries and building construction.

Tornado Related Projects:

Packer's involvement with many tornado initiated events has been mainly in the Midwestern states. Though much narrower in geographic spread, the damage can be minimal though catastrophic. Wind and missile damage along with severe rain compromises the building envelope and results in wind and moisture damage.

Flood and Flood Damage Related Projects:

PE's experience also includes hundreds of investigations of flood and flood damage related projects. In many instances, toilets, washing machines, sprinkler systems, sump pumps, drainage ditches and construction site modifications have caused flood damage to the site or nearby buildings. PE investigates the cause & origin and makes recommendations on how to mitigate further damage.

Hail Damage Projects:

The spring and summer seasons spawn many severe storms and consequently, bring hail that damages roofing structures and siding. PE continues to provide quick response for inspection review and analysis of hail damaged structures.