Projects
A selection of photos from typical projects are shown below, together with a description of the work done.
1999 Ford Power Plant Fire & Explosion Investigation (Dearborn, Michigan) - This natural gas/coal dust explosion and fire resulted in 6 deaths and 38 injuries. The cause was determined to be an unintentional open gas valve, allowing natural gas to enter a boiler during a shutdown operation. The boiler burst at its seams during the initial explosion and ignited lofted coal dust (see NFPA Journal article, July/Aug 2004 - link available under Publications).
Process Building Explosion Investigation (Belvidere, IL, 12/09) - This catastrophic explosion heavily damaged an industrial building and was caused by the failure of a large high pressure vessel within. The investigation is still underway and is conducted jointly with the Chemical Safety Board.
.Sofa Superstore Fire Investigation (Charleston, SC, 6/07) - This fire involved a large commercial furniture showroom and warehouse, and resulted in the death of 9 firefighters (due to structural collapse). The investigation focused heavily on building/fire code issues.
Computer Fire Model Simulation of a Fatal Apartment Fire - This model was constructed to examine smoke alarm response and toxic gas development during a fatal apartment fire, as well as in response to allegations regarding the point of origin. Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) model software was using during this analytical investigation.
Time Sequence Explosion Test of Toy Caps Package (2000) - This testing program, conducted in western Colorado, involved the bulk packaging of toy caps, and related to an accident where several deaths and injuries occurred in a plant in California in '97. Several tests explored different product configurations. An approximate TNT equivalency was determined.
Example of Large Origin & Cause Investigation, During Scene Processing ( Sycamore, IL, 2/04) ) - This fire/ explosion investigation involved one of the largest documented backdraft explosions, occurring in a church sanctuary. The origin of the initial fire was found to be in an adjoining basement, caused by failure of church organ components.
Natural Gas Dispersion Simulation Model of Gas Leak in the Basement of a Commercial Building (St Cloud, MN, 12/98) - This model simulation was prepared in response to a need to determine the rapidity of natural gas migration from a large leak located underground next to the building. Natural gas had migrated through the basement wall, filled portions of the building to within the flammable limits, and subsequently exploded, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The analysis allowed the estimation of leak rate flow into the basement. Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) model software was using during this analytical investigation.
Apartment Building Explosion Investigation (Bergenfield, NJ, 12/05) - This explosion and fire resulted in multiple injuries to the tenants within. The cause was found to be related to a removal of an underground oil tank adjacent to the building, where a nearby natural gas line to the building was damaged, resulting in a leak. Natural gas from the damaged line migrated into the building and exploded.
Investigation of Aerosol Filling Facility Fire/Explosion and Subsequent Equipment Inspection - This aerosol filling building exploded during operation, resulting in death/injuries. The material being filled was ethylene oxide. The bottom photo shows an inspection of the filling equipment being examined in a laboratory.
Investigation of Residential Natural Gas Explosion; Gas Pipe Damaged by Backhoe - This single family home was in the vicinity of excavation activities being conducted in the street. It is believed that a backhoe pulled the natural gas service line to the home out of its fitting, resulting in an underground release of gas which migrated to the home. An occupant was severely injured during the explosion. The bottom photo shows the gas service line with indentations that matched the backhoe bucket dimensions.
Investigation of Restaurant Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System Failure - This kitchen hood's fire suppression system's control linkage was not properly adjusted during a periodic inspection. Later, a fire occurred under the hood, and the system did not activate, resulting in heat and water damage to the restaurant.
Sprinkler System Reconstruction Efforts after Major Warehouse Fire (Chicago, IL, 1/07) - During this warehouse fire, a dry pipe sprinkler system activated. Reconstruction efforts, examinations and tests were conducted to determine if the system activated and performed properly.
Investigation of Abandoned Tunnel Explosion in Mall Parking Lot (Chicago, IL, 1/05) - An abandoned underground tunnel under a shopping mall parking lot exploded, resulting in some injuries and damage to many vehicles and to surrounding buildings. Investigation focused on the determination of the fuel source, leaking natural gas from adjacent and intersecting gas lines through the tunnel.
Computer Fire Model Simulation of High-Rise Building Fire and Stairwell Smoke Flow (Chicago, IL, 10/03) - In this high rise fire case, several occupants were fatally injured in one of the stairwells during evacuation due to toxic exposure to hot smoke and products of combustion. The author modeled the fire area of the building in a manner similar to work done by NIST scientists, to investigate what variations in building construction and firefighting procedures (based on various allegations) would have on the outcome of the incident. Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) model software was using during this analytical investigation.
Testing Smoke Alarm Artifact in Laboratory - This investigation involved a fatality in an apartment building fire, in a unit adjacent to the burning apartment. The photo shows the examination and testing of the smoke detector from that apartment. Testing determined that the unit was operational.
