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Peterson Structural Engineers has extensive experience in investigative and forensic consulting services. We have performed fire damage investigations, analyzed and modeled failure mechanisms, ascertained structural condition complaints and provided our clients with summary and recommendation reports. We have also acted as technical specialists in various lawsuits, including experience in courtroom appearances.
Our firm has engaged testing laboratories in our investigations to recreate structural failures, performed extensive design document and deposition review, and apprised our clients as to our findings and recommendations. Our experience in forensics spans from the structural failure of bench seating to the collapse of transmission towers to cracked slab investigations as well as failures resulting in injury.
Featured Projects
Forest Grove CWS Building
Awning Repair
2003
Client: Clean Water Services
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The administrative building entry awning at the Clean Water Services Forest Grove treatment plant incorporated cantilevered glulam beams in its original construction, which were badly weathered and cracked from exposure. CWS installed temporary shoring to prevent potential collapse and engaged PSE to perform an evaluation and repair plan.
Given that the beams were cantilevered and the supported ends encased within the framed structure, a repair plan was implemented to allow installation of replacement beams which would allow for minimal interruption of the existing building framing and finishing. PSE performed wood coring to determine the extent of rot damage, designed the repair system and generated structural construction documents for the repair installation.
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Corvallis Apartment Building Repairs
2007-2008
Client: Shadow Hills Apartments
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This series of apartment buildings located in Corvallis, Oregon were found to have extensive water damage at all exterior wall sections. PSE was engaged to perform structural engineering services as required to mitigate the damaged areas within the structure as well as to provide the design of temporary shoring systems. |
Monthly structural observations were required to verify compliance with PSE’s proposed shoring configurations, insure the structural integrity of the towers under construction, and obtain additional as-built information for the preparation of suitable detailing as required. Upon completion of each construction phase, PSE was responsible for providing a final summary report which details any problems encountered during construction as well as recommendations for the subsequent phases. |
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Winburn Way
Flood Damage Reconstruction
1997
Client: OTAK
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The winter of 1996 flood of Ashland Creek caused considerable damage to Lithia Park core area of old downtown Ashland, Oregon. The reconstruction project involved replacement of the main bridge/culvert, inspection of the foundations of adjacent buildings and the design of a new bridge and many adjacent retaining walls. PSE’s scope of services included the review of all available information including drawings, specifications and reports for the project. Staff members attended meetings with the design team and reviewed the geotechnical report. A site visit was performed for inspection of existing conditions, so PSE was able to counsel the team on structural issues relating to the demolition of the existing bridge, culverts and retaining walls. |
PSE worked in coordination with Conspan to design the bridge/culvert and its foundations. Structural design of flood walls, headwalls, retaining walls and wing walls was provided. PSE assisted in the preparation of the structural portions of the project specifications and performed the final review of completed construction drawings and contract documents. |
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Bornstein Dock
1990
Client: Maxson Young Associates
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In December of 1990, the collision of a 2200-ton loaded rock barge caused damage to the Bornstein Dock and its adjacent 2-story warehouse in Astoria, Oregon. The impact destroyed a segment of the surface decking and damaged portions of the under-dock structure, rendering numerous pilings missing, bent, or broken.
Evidence such as new roof leaks in the building and slackened tension cables suggested that the building had experienced some shifting due to the impact. Critical aspects of the operation of the Bornstein Seafood business were interrupted due to immediate safety concerns of the dock, limiting access and thus creating the need for a quick and economical resolution. PSE assisted in the investigation of the collision damages and designs for repairs.
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