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Forensics Projects

Yankee Pier Collision Investigation

August 27, 2008 - 12:15pm — Robin Smith
U.S. Yankee Pier
Project Overview: 
A detailed condition assessment of the southern portion of the Yankee Pier at the U.S. Coast Guard Center at Governor’s Island, New York was needed to assess damage caused by a cargo ship’s collision with the pier.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren provided detailed underwater inspections, condition assessments, structural analysis, repair recommendations, and construction cost estimates. A technical report was prepared using U.S. Navy formats and guidelines, which included descriptions, observations, assessments, conclusions, recommendations, photographs and figures.
Service: 
Collision Impact Mitigation
Service: 
Underwater Inspection
Service: 
Structural Analysis
Service: 
Marine Engineering
Location: 
Governor's Island, NY
Client: 
U.S. Navy
Project Type: 
Forensic Investigation
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2000
Construction Cost: 
500,000
Image: 
80a - U.S. Yankee Pier.jpg

Super Grid Collapse Analysis

August 27, 2008 - 9:57am — Robin Smith
Super Grid Load-Testing and Collapse
Project Overview: 
McLaren was asked by NJSEA to provide a third party review of the design drawings, supporting calculations, and computer models of the first Super Grid designed for the Boardwalk Hall. Based on the findings of the review, McLaren recommended the Super Grid be load tested prior to being put into service for the Miss America Pageant.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren developed a load-testing program that was performed, revealing inadequacies in the truss system that resulted in a collapse of the grid structure. Fortunately, the collapse occurred during the load test, as it would have been catastrophic had it occurred while in service. McLaren also participated in the follow-up investigations of the collapse.
Service: 
Design Review
Service: 
Load-Testing
Service: 
Forensic Investigation
Location: 
Atlantic City, NJ
Client: 
NJ Sports and Exposition Authority
Project Type: 
Structural Assessment/Forensic Analysis
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2000
Construction Cost: 
600,000
Image: 
78a - Supergrid Collapse.jpg
Image: 
78b - Supergrid Collapse.jpg

NYCDOB On-Call Contract (Waterview Court)

August 12, 2008 - 1:29pm — mmase
NYCDOB Investigation at Waterview Court
Project Overview: 
McLaren Engineering Group was retained by the City of New York Department of Buildings to provide “On-Call” Building Condition Assessment Services for various building design and construction types, including historic structures. Specific services include structural condition assessments, coordination of architectural and MEP assessments, design of structural and coordination of all repair recommendations, and construction cost estimating and construction bid support services.
McLaren's Role: 
One of the most significant projects under this contract to date was an emergency engineering response to stabilize an earthen slope where a retaining wall collapsed at 41-57 Waterview Court in Staten Island, New York (pictured). With the retaining wall giving out, the buildings were sliding down the slope, toward the waterfront. In a diverse and comprehensive effort, McLaren employed its structural, marine, civil, geotechnical and survey engineers to help develop the most effective solution. Survey and vibration monitoring were executed as part of the engineering services needed for the stabilization.
Service: 
Condition Assessment
Service: 
Construction Cost Estimating
Service: 
Construction Bid Support
Location: 
New York, NY
Client: 
NYCDOB
Project Type: 
Structural Condition Assessment
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2005-2007
Construction Cost: 
N/A
Image: 
35a - NYCDOB On-Call.jpg
Image: 
35b - NYCDOB On-Call.jpg

I-40 Bridge Collapse Analysis

August 12, 2008 - 12:22pm — mmase
I-40 Bridge Collapse, the Aftermath
Project Overview: 
The I-40 Bridge, approximately 2,000 feet long, spans the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River at Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. On May 26, 2002, a barge traveling upstream on the Arkansas River collided with one of the bridge piers resulting in the collapse of a portion of the bridge (approximately 500 feet long) and subsequent fatalities to fourteen (14) motorists crossing the bridge.
McLaren's Role: 
McLaren was retained to evaluate the structural condition of the bridge and to assess the damage. Several teams of McLaren engineers were mobilized to perform underwater and topside inspection of the bridge and to collect data for use in evaluating the accident as part of a forensic investigation. McLaren was responsible for investigation of the bridge failure, oversight of the demolition procedures, preparation of documents summarizing the events, and assessment of the causes of the collapse. A sophisticated non-linear pushover analysis was performed using several software packages, to model and reconstruct the accident. Energy analysis was also developed to assess energy absorbed by the barge, pier, and superstructure.
Service: 
Computer Modeling/Accident Re-creation
Service: 
Underwater Bridge Inspection
Service: 
Collision Impact Mitigation
Service: 
Investigative Report Preparation
Service: 
Cost Estimating
Service: 
Dynamic Analysis
Location: 
Webbers Falls, OK
Client: 
Magnolia Marine Transport Company
Project Type: 
Forensic Investigation
Role: 
Prime
Contract Period: 
2002-2004
Construction Cost: 
N/A
Image: 
76a - I-40 Bridge Collapse (computer re-enactment).jpg
Image: 
76b - I-40 Bridge Collapse (computer renactment).jpg
Image: 
76c - I-40 Bridge Collapse (computer re-enactment).jpg