Element Analytical, PLLC

Electrical Engineering Course Completion

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 13:59:59 -0400

Rob attended a two-day seminar presented by SEM-Train covering Electrical Engineering principles and concepts for non-Electrical Engineers. Covered topics include current, voltage, inductance, capacitance, impedance, diodes, transistor, movs, and circuit analysis with calculations performed. Single and three phase electricity was reviewed including working with values in rectangular, phasor, and polar notation to work through circuit analysis problems. Additional topics covered included electronic instruments, variable frequency drives, NEC, arc flash, electrical schematics/wiring diagrams, controls equipment, power transmission/distribution, power factor correction, utility billing, and motors.

Residential Dryer Fires

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 15:30:00 -0400

Rob attended a two-day seminar presented by Fire Findings Laboratories in Benton Harbor, Michigan, covering many aspects of residential dryer fires. Topics discussed included gas vs. electric operation, interior components, factors affecting lint, component failures, and dryer manufacturer identification. This hands-on seminar permitted inspection of many exemplar appliances and individual components to allow comparison between unburned and failed or nearly failing conditions.

Pervious Concrete It won't hold water

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 10:47:01 -0400

Rob attended a seminar presented by NCSU Engineering Faculty entitled "Design, Construction, and Troubleshooting of Concrete Slabs-On-Grade + Pervious (Porous) Concrete". Â In addition to discussions on current trends with commonly encountered rigid concrete pavement, much discussion revolved around pervious (permeable) concrete pavements. Â These pavements reduce runoff and provide a level of added safety by limiting ponding surface water or ice accumulation yet have some load carrying capacity limitations that must be considered before selection. Â While not the solution for every client, pervious pavements may become common alternatives to runoff/sedimentation ponds in urbanized areas and replace some rigid pavement materials in areas where impervious surface limitations are required. Â

2013 NC/SC Fire Investigations Conference

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Rob attended the 2013 North Carolina and South Carolina chapters of the International Association of Arson Investigators (www.firearson.com) conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. Â Seminar topics presented for the portion attended included review of NFPA 921, NFPA 1033, emerging trends in fire investigations, technoglogies useful in fire investigations, interviewing techniques/tips, case studies, and expert witness roles. Â Discussions encompassing report writing, testimony presentation, investigative methodology, and use of the scientific method have wide-ranging applicability outside the scope of fire investigations extending to any forensic engineering investigation. The conferece agenda can be found at:http://www.nciaai.com/conference. Â

Off to the West Coast

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:09:30 -0400

Mike will be attending ASCE's 6th Congress on Forensic Engineering in San Francisco, CA, October 31 through November 3, 2012 (http://content.asce.org/conferences/forensics2012/index.html), where he will offer a presentation based on the paper he authored entitled Study of Residential Damages in Coastal North Carolina from Hurricane Irene. The Congress will attract engineers and forensic specialists from around the world, with presentations on numerous damage, failure, evaluation, and reconstruction topics. Copies of the proceedings will be available for purchase from ASCE Press (http://ascelibrary.org/proceedings) after the Congress. Mike is a member of the Congress Steering Committee, as well as a Track Chair, and he will moderate sessions at the Congress. He is the outgoing Chair of ASCE's Technical Council on Forensic Engineering, the technical group that organized the Congress.

Laboratory Facility and Services expanding

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:30:00 -0400

Â Â Â As we continue to grow and strive to expand our capabilities to serve your needs, we acquired an adjacent space for use as a laboratory facility.. Â The climate-controlled space offers excellent lighting and large work-spaces. Â Multiple examination tables permit comfortable inspection of items and side-by-side comparisons. Â As always, tolls and equipment needs never seem to cease, but current apparatus include:

2x-225x Stereo Boom Microscope with LED light and digital camera
Portable digital microscope (20-200x) with integral LED light and available boom stand
Calibrated oven
Infrared camera
Shore Hardness Durometer (Type D)
Digital force gauge (500 lbs capacity) with computer interface
Hydraulic test bench with pressure, flow, and temperature capability
300 psi hydraulic test pump
Flow meters and regulators for air/gas testing (high and low pressure) and portability for field system testing
Data logging thermocouple system with up to 24 simultaneous channels
Video documentation capability
Thermo-hygrometers
Moisture meters
120/240 volt electrical connections
Dedicated lap[top for digital microscopes and data logging
Assorted tools and supplies for many inspection needs.

Â Â Â Â Not only is the space intended for our in-house use, but we designed the laboratory facility so that others can independently utilize the laboratory for evidence examinations and testing.Â

Â Â Â Contact us (888-875-5973/info@elementanalytical.com) to discuss availability and arrangements for your use. Â Stay tuned for updates on expanding capabilities....Â

TCFE Update

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:46:44 -0500

On October 1, 2011, Mike assumed the role of Executive Committee Chair for ASCE's Technical Council on Forensic Engineering (TCFE), and he will hold that post until September 30, 2012. Mike recently rerturned from Council meetings in San Francisco, where TCFE members engaged in several activities, including planning for the 6th Congress on Forensic Engineering (6th Congress) October 31 - November 3, 2012, in San Francisco. Â Council memebers also worked on the following upcoming publications: the 2nd Edition of Guidelines for Forensic Engineering Practice, the 2nd Edition of Guidelines for Failure Investigation, andÂ Failure Case Studies in Civil Engineering. TCFE's next gathering will take place in Boston in April 2012.

Specialized Fire Investigation Training

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:00:00 -0400

Rob attended the 2011 Fire Investigative Approaches Seminar coordinated by the North Carolina and South Carolina Chapters of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) for 3 days which included a day focused on advanced concepts in fire debris analysis and laboratory capabilities/limitations pertaining to identification of materials. Other topics of discussion during the balance of the sessions attended included legal issues for fire investigators, interviews and interrogation, fire death investigations, and using building electrical systems in fire origin determination.

2011 Structures Congress

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:32:55 -0400

Mike attended the 2011 Structures Congress in Las Vegas in April where he moderated the session: Performance Issues in Buildings and Structures. Â While in Las Vegas, Mike attended executive and technical committee meetings for ASCE's Technical Council on Forensic Engineering (TCFE), which is active in producing documents relating to foresnic engineering practice, foresnic engineering investigation, and reduction of engineering failures. Â Mike is curently the vice chair of TCFE's executive committee and will take the chair in November 2011. Â TCFE is actively planning the 6th Forensic Engineering Congress, slated for San Francisco in November 2012.

Newest Element Analytical Family Member

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:20:00 -0400

Element Analytical welcomes its newest family member, Luke McGraw, born April 26, 2011. Â Contragulations to Rob and his family!!