ry steel building that was scheduled for
demolition. It collapsed prematurely, killing the demolition contractor. The scene
was preserved from a distance and without interruption to the first responders.
It shows how engineers can use the high
definition (HD) panoramic photos captured by the scanner (which are used to
colorize the data points collected) to assist
in an evaluation. Engineers can zoom into
the photos and measure the data points
associated with the steel plates, bolt configurations, web stiffeners and the like.
This is performed by accessing the actual
data points collected, not by applying traditional photogrammetry software packages. This allows for millimeter accuracy
within an HD field of vision.
Bridge damage evaluation: The use
of 3-D documentation is not limited to
evidence preservation, accident reconstruction or trial animation. It also allows
the engineer to facilitate efficient and accurate evaluation of the collected data
to assist in the risk mitigation and risk
transfer phases of the case management
life cycle. When a tractor-trailer damages
the underside of a multi-lane freeway
overpass, timely understanding of the
extent of the damage and appropriate remediation measures is required. A setting
with emergency repair operations taking
place or vehicles racing past investigators
at more than 65 mph may not allow for
accurate documentation of the damage.
Shutting the freeway down is expensive
and many times infeasible. Along with
accurate documentation of the damaged
overpass from a safe distance, demonstrative figures can be produced to objectively communicate the facts, allowing
for expedited resolution of the proposed
repair protocols and associated costs.
Construction sites: Sometimes the
investigator is called in long after the occurrence in question. Construction sites,
like accident sites, are in a dynamic state
which can occasionally impede the evaluation. In many cases, it is nearly impossible to recreate the conditions at the time
of the accident. Site information gathered
utilizing 3-D documentation can be efficiently merged with other data such
as construction plans and aerial photographs of the accident scene to accurately
recreate the accident site. This data is
analyzed to produce diagrams that will
graphically illustrate the conditions at the
time of the accident.
Floor elevation map: Utilizing 3-D
documentation can allow for repeat-
able data collection and measurements
to sub-millimeter accuracy. It can also
eliminate potential errors associated with
traditional data collection methods. For
example, a floor can be documented to
such a detailed level that the construction
tolerances for the slab/framing and floor
finishes can be accounted for. This data
can be analyzed to produce diagrams that
will graphically illustrate elevation chang-
es throughout the floor at a single point
in time, or visually show deviations that
occur during an extended period of time.
This allows for visualizations that empha-
size the vital details in an investigation.
Modeling/animation: While the value
of 3-D documentation with respect to
evidence preservation is clearly evident,
it extends beyond the initial investigation, enabling advanced visualization
and simulations. This underscores the
importance of presenting the necessary
facts in a clear and impactful manner. A
video based upon real-life data gathered
via 3-D documentation can make all the
difference in the pursuit to convey “what
happened” to a jury.
The use of 3-D laser scanning does not
replace the engineer or investigator on
a scene or their analysis. Traditional forensic engineering methodology coupled
with the revolutionary technology of 3-D
scanning has changed the way investigators document a scene and utilize site
data. Litigation visualizations can be produced with the resulting data to a degree
of accuracy that was previously difficult
to imagine. This scanning technology
also allows investigators to document
minute details so as to be prepared regardless of changes to a site or the direction the case takes, all while maintaining
safety and reducing costs. A 3-D scan
captures today, so the information can be
used tomorrow.
Ryan Siekmann is a national sales executive
for S-E-A, Ltd. focusing on the automotive, legal and manufacturing sectors. Over the past
nine years with S-E-A, he has held various
roles, including regional sales representative
for S-E-A’s Baltimore office and manager of
sales for S-E-A’s Fire/Explosion and Vehicle
Dynamics Practice Groups. He can be
reached at rsiekmann@sealimited.com.
