EDT Engineering

As flooding continues to impact communities across Hawaii, our thoughts are with those affected and with the professionals working to support response and recovery efforts. Engineering Design & Testing Corp. (EDT) has licensed professional engineers in the State of Hawaii who are experienced in flood damage assessment, cause and scope evaluation, and technical support for insurance claims and recovery decisions. Our team is standing by to assist when it is safe and appropriate to provide objective, independent engineering evaluationsto help stakeholders understand damage conditions and move forward with clarity. We recognize that this situation is ongoing and developing, and we remain committed to supporting clients and communities with care, professionalism, and respect. · Hawaii-licensed engineers available · Flood damage assessment & forensic evaluation · Claim review and technical documentation If assistance is needed, EDT is ready to help.

We’re excited to be heading to the PLRB Claims Conference & Insurance Services Expo at National Harbor, MD, March 22–25 — and we’d love to connect with you while we’re there. Stop by Booth #510. 🔹 Product Demonstration Observing Solar Module Microcracks Using Electroluminescence (EL) Presented by members of EDT’s electrical engineers Britton C. Hager, P.E. and David H. Barnett, Ph.D., P.E., this session will walk through how electroluminescence imaging is used to identify, document, and evaluate solar panel damage with greater clarity and accuracy. 🔹 Lightning Tech Talk Fundamentals and Case Studies of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Failures Hear EDT engineer, Scott Lieberman, Ph.D., P.E., CWI, LEED AP, break down what MIC is, how it develops, and real‑world examples of how it impacts claims, structures, and systems. If you're attending PLRB, we’d welcome the chance to connect, discuss your current challenges, and share how our forensic engineering expertise supports claims professionals across the country. Stop by Booth #510 — we look forward to seeing you there! #PLRB2026 #InsuranceClaims #ForensicEngineering #EDTEngineers #ClaimsConference

In recent weeks, many regions across the U.S. have experienced unusual earth movement, seismic activity, and winter-related damage such as snow load and ice damming. Events like these aren’t limited to one area—they occur across the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and beyond. When damage happens, identifying the true cause is essential. At EDT, our multi‑disciplinary team of engineers is equipped to assess: • Earth movement & seismic-related damage • Snow load failures & ice damming • Structural, mechanical, and electrical impacts • Construction defects, material performance issues, and more With experts licensed in all 50 states, we’re ready to support your loss evaluations through rapid response, root-cause analysis, and clear, defensible findings. Explore more about our catastrophe services: EDTengineers.com Have a loss-related question? Call us at 1‑800‑752‑2373 Prefer email? assignments@edtengineers.com We’re here to help—wherever and whenever loss occurs.

As we prepare for the severe winter weather event forecasted to impact much of the Southern and Eastern United States this weekend—stretching from the Southern Plains through the Southeast and into the Mid-Atlantic—our thoughts are with everyone in the region. At EDT Engineers, we hope you and your loved ones stay safe, warm, and protected from the potential hazards of freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice accumulation. Winter storms can lead to unexpected structural failures, such as frozen pipe ruptures, overloaded roofs, and system breakdowns in HVAC or fire suppression setups. In the unfortunate event of weather-related damage, our team of forensic engineers stands ready to provide expert evaluations, root cause analyses, and thorough inspections to help you assess and recover. To better understand these risks and how to mitigate them, here are a few key insights from past articles written by EDT experts: - Snow Loads—Impact on Buildings & Structures (edtengineers.com/blog-post/snow…) – Guidance on evaluating the weight and effects of snow accumulation. - The Reason Frozen Pipes Rupture (edtengineers.com/blog-post/why-…) – Exploring the mechanics behind pipe bursts in freezing conditions. - Why Pipe Ruptures Aren't Always Where You Think (edtengineers.com/blog-post/pipe…) – Debunking misconceptions about freeze-related failures. - How Did the Snow Do This? (edtengineers.com/blog-post/how-…) – Analyzing real-world roof collapses from uneven snow distribution. If you need assistance or have questions about preparing for or responding to winter damage, reach out to us at EDT Engineers. Stay safe out there! #WinterWeather #StormPreparedness #ForensicEngineering #StructuralIntegrity #SoutheastUS

As winter approaches, many of us brace for the challenges that freezing temperatures can bring to our homes and businesses. One common issue is pipe ruptures due to freezing. A frequent misconception I've encountered is that the location of a pipe rupture is always where the pipe froze. In reality, the rupture point isn't necessarily the same as the freeze point. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for accurately diagnosing issues and preventing future problems. Read the full article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/pipe… Written by: John R. Rophael, P.E. Learn more about the author: edtengineers.com/engineer/john-…

We are excited to welcome Patrick T. Earley, IAAI-CFI(V, M), NFPA-CFPS, to the EDT team as Principal Fire Investigator. Pat brings over 30 years of excellence in fire investigation and a distinguished career built on technical precision and trusted client partnerships. His credentials speak volumes: · IAAI Certified Fire Investigation IAAI-CFI (V, M) · NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist · NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI-CFEI) · Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration Pat has also served as a technical committee member for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), contributing to the Hot Work standard and several other NFPA standards. He is a recognized subject matter expert in fire and life safety in accordance with NFPA and possesses a strong knowledge base in fire protection systems as well as fire and life safety. To learn more about Pat’s vast wealth of knowledge and experience, or to contact Pat directly, visit his bio page: edtengineers.com/engineer/patri… #FireInvestigation #OriginAndCause #CertifiedFireInvestigator #IAAI #CFI #NFPA #CFPS #CFEI #FireClaims #Subrogation #ExpertWitness #PropertyClaims #LargeLoss #LitigationSupport #ForensicEngineering

How to Mitigate and Manage Flooding Flooding remains a persistent threat to commercial and institutional facilities, with even a single event capable of causing lasting structural and operational damage. Megan Abadie, P.E., civil engineer at EDT, recently spoke with FacilitiesNet Assistant Editor Jeff Wardon Jr. about how to mitigate and manage flooding. She outlines how to better understand and document flood risk and explains how both nearby waterways and intense rainfall can quickly lead to site flooding. Watch the full interview here: facilitiesnet.com/maintenanceope… #FloodMitigation #FloodManagement #RiskAssessment #StormwaterControl #FloodPrevention #PropertyResilience #InsuranceRisk #DisasterPreparedness #EngineeringSolutions #FloodDamage

From Dog Food Plants to Float Tanks: Unusual Moisture Intrusion Cases Explained by Nels R. Peterson, P.E., M.S.C.E. Read the full article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/fore… Many moisture claims start a similar way: “We’ve got water where it shouldn’t be. Must be the roof.” Sometimes it is. Often, it isn’t. Water has more than one way to become a problem in a building. #MoistureIntrusion #CondensationDamage #BuildingEnvelope #ForensicInvestigation #PropertyDamageClaims #InsuranceAdjusters #WaterDamage #HiddenDefects #ClaimsResolution #MoistureControl

Why Towers Fall: An Engineer’s Perspective Read the full article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/why-… Article by: Luke Meadows, P.E. Many tower failures occur as a result of improper design or construction. For example, I investigated a tower that collapsed during a major hurricane, in which a seven-foot-long portion of one of the tower foundations uprooted from the ground. At first glance, this is just another example of high winds, right?  Well, there were two additional facts to consider ... #TowerFailures #StructuralEngineering #ForensicEngineering #InsuranceClaims #DamageAssessment #CorrosionDamage #ConstructionDefects #RootCauseAnalysis #PropertyInsurance #EngineeringInsights

When Medical Implants Fail: A Forensic Engineer's Perspective Medical implants can be life-changing, but failures—from worn polymers, corrosion or installation errors—often result in pain, repeat surgeries, and courtroom disputes. As forensic engineer Richard T. Edwards, P.E., explains, it's not guesswork. Experts use the scientific method with tools like microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, hardness testing, and wear mapping to pinpoint root causes of medical implant failures. Edwards reminds us: 'For the patient, a medical implant failure isn’t a data point. It’s their life.' What are your thoughts on implant reliability? Share below! 👇 Read the full blog: edtengineers.com/blog-post/when… #ForensicEngineering #MedicalImplants #FailureAnalysis #PatientSafety #EngineeringInsights

Generator Fires: Beyond Carbon Monoxide Risks When most people think of generator hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning is the first concern ... Read more: edtengineers.com/blog-post/fore… By Lucas Brown, P.E., CFEI, EDT Forensic Engineer #ForensicEngineering #GeneratorSafety #FireInvestigation #EngineeringInsights #EDTEngineers

A hidden leak in a home's hydronic heating system flooded an entire finished basement overnight—thousands in damage from poor PEX crimps and installation flaws. Read the article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/fire… Written by: John M. Rophael, P.E. Ever had a surprise heating/plumbing failure during winter? #FireSafety #FireProtection #FireSprinklers #FireSuppression #FirePrevention #SafetyFirst #HomeSafety #WaterDamage

When Hydronic Heat Stops Circulating: A Residential HVAC Failure Investigation When a homeowner loses heat in the middle of winter, the problem can sometimes escalate beyond inconvenience, and it can even be catastrophic. Read the article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/resi… Written by: John M. Rophael, P.E. #ForensicEngineering #HydronicHeating #RadiantHeat #PlumbingFailure #WaterDamage

Overhead Door Failure Investigation: How a Simple Installation Mistake Nearly Caused a Serious Warehouse Accident When you work in facilities that depend on large mechanical systems, even minor installation errors can lead to major safety risks. Read the full article here: edtengineers.com/blog-post/over… Written by John M. Rophael, P.E. #ForensicEngineering #WarehouseSafety #OverheadDoor #IndustrialSafety #SafetyFirst

Polymers Under Pressure: Why Plastics Fail More Often Than People Think It often starts in the design phase—hidden stresses locked into molds, wrong material choices, ignoring real-world conditions. But they're not unpredictable. Plastics follow rules of chemistry & mechanics. New blog from EDT's Richard Edwards, P.E. edtengineers.com/blog-post/poly… What's the worst plastic failure you've seen? #ForensicEngineering #PolymerFailure