ASTM_E_2713_-_11.pdf

Designation:E271311Standard Guide toForensic Engineering1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2713;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide provides an introductory reference to theprofessional practice of forensic engineering,and discusses thetypical roles and qualifications of practitioners.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E2493 Guide for the Collection of Non-Volatile MemoryData in Evidentiary Vehicle Electronic Control Units3.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 expert,nan individual with specialized knowledge,skills,and abilities acquired through appropriate education,training,and experience.3.1.2 forensic engineering,nthe application of the art andscience of engineering in matters which are,or may possiblyrelate to,the jurisprudence system,inclusive of alternativedispute resolution.National Academy of Forensic Engineers34.Significance and Use4.1 This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58Committee standards that are focused on specific technicaldisciplines,for example Guide E2493.4.2 The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensicengineering in the United States,though elements of practice inother countries may be similar.Commercial use of the terms“engineer”and“engineering”are regulated by state and federallaw;this document uses these terms only to describe atechnical discipline,and not to confer title or status.Courtsmay decide that individuals with qualifications other than thosedescribed herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.4.3 Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidentsand claims may be related to the behavior or condition of oneor more physical systems,or the manner in which they wereused.These investigations may also be related to complianceinspections,subrogation,litigation,and other activities.It isimportant to note that some incidents may be consideredalleged,particularly when objective proof of their occurrenceis not apparent.4.4 Suggested additional readings are listed in AppendixX1.CHARACTERISTICS OFFORENSIC ENGINEERING PRACTICE5.Individual Characteristics5.1 Typical Qualifications:5.1.1 The equivalent of a Bachelor degree or Bachelor ofScience degree,or graduate degree,in engineering,from anappropriately accredited college or university program.De-grees obtained from accredited engineering programs typicallyinclude education in the areas of advanced mathematics,thetheoretical and practical study of physical sciences,the designof physical systems,and logical reasoning.Note that forensicengineering itself is not a separate discipline of engineeringitis an application of engineering,as defined above.5.1.2 State licensure as a Professional Engineer(PE)in oneor more disciplines of engineering.It is noted,however,thatthere are many disciplines of engineering(for example,bio-medical,ceramic)for which PE licensure is not offered.Licensure is available for the engineering disciplines that mostcommonly pertain to public works(chemical,civil,electrical,mechanical,etc.),though each state may vary the disciplinesoffered for licensure.Some states require PE licensure as aprecondition for practicing certain aspects of forensic engineer-ing.Current requirements for attaining a PE license typicallyinclude the following elements;these requirements also varyby state:5.1.2.1 An engineering degree as described above,orequivalency recognized by the state licensing board.Statelicensing boards may also require post-graduate coursework.5.1.2.2 At least four years of professional experience inengineering.Depending upon the state,experience credit maybe given for earning a masters degree or doctorate;conversely,1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E58 on ForensicEngineering and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E58.01 on GeneralPractice.Current edition approved Nov.15,2011.Published December 2011.DOI:10.1520/E2713-11.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from National Academy of Forensic Engineers(NAFE),174 BradyAvenue,Hawthorne,NY 10532,http:/www.nafe.org.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 additional experience may be required for those with educa-tional credentials outside those previously discussed.5.1.2.3 Successfully passing two nationally standardizedeight-hour examinations on the fundamentals,principles,andpractices of engineering.5.1.3 Possible professional certification in one or morefields of technical knowledge.Such certifica