Directing the Forensic Investigation of a Catastrophic Structure Collapse: The Jacksonville Parking Garage Collapse

This paper discusses the forensic investigation of a fatality-involved catastrophic structure collapse and the special challenges faced when tasked with directing such an effort. While this paper discusses the investigation’s findings and the outcome of the event; this paper’s primary focus is on the challenges faced directing a forensic investigation that requires coordinating with governmental oversight while also having to accommodate multiple parties’ investigative teams. In particular the challenges discussed within this paper included maintaining on-site safety and operations while accommodating outside investigator’s interests. In addition this paper discusses unique challenges that one may face such as what to do about unethical conduct of interested party’s investigative teams, “off the record” sharing of information, and clandestinely transmitted evidence.

Authors:

• W. C. Bracken

Keywords:

• Catastrophic structure collapse
• collapse investigation
• Jacksonville parking garage collapse
• forensic investigation.

References:

[1] Mohammad Ayub, PE, “Investigation of the December 6, 2007 Fatal
Parking Garage Collapse at Berkman Plaza 2 in Jacksonville, FL,” U.S.
Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
Construction Incidents Investigation Engineering Reports, May 2008.
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unpublished.
[4] “State Of Florida v. Timothy Frazier, P.E.”, Florida Board Of
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unpublished.
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Professional Engineers Settlement Stipulation, FEMC Case No.
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[6] “State Of Florida v. Darrell M. Setser, P.E.”, Florida Board Of
Professional Engineers Investigative File, FEMC Case No. 2011001633,
unpublished.
[7] “State Of Florida v. Darrell M. Setser, P.E.”, Florida Board Of
Professional Engineers Settlement Stipulation, FEMC Case No.
2011001633, unpublished.