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Karel C. Terwel, Michiel Schuurman, and Arjo Loeve

What do collapsed buildings, infected hospital patients, and crashed airplanes have in common? If you know the causes of these events and conditions, they can all be prevented.

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What do collapsed buildings, infected hospital patients, and crashed airplanes have in common? If you know the causes of these events and conditions, they can all be prevented.

In this course, you will learn how to use the TU Delft mind-set to investigate the causes of such events so you can prevent them in the future.

When, for instance, hundreds of hospital patients worldwide got infected after having gall bladder treatments, forensic engineering helped reveal how the design and use of the medical instruments could cause such widespread infections. As a result, changes were made to the instrument design and the procedural protocols in hospitals. Learning from failure in this case benefitted patient health and safety across the world.

After taking this course you will have an understanding of failures and the investigation processes used to find their causes. You will learn how to apply lessons gained from investigating previous failures into new designs and procedures.

The TU Delft Forensic Engineering mind-set involves recommendations for:

  • Data collection ranging from desk studies (theoretical/predicted performance of structures) to field investigations (actual performance of failed structures)
  • Hypothesis generation techniques for technical and procedural causes of failure
  • Hypothesis testing for engineering aspects of forensic cases
  • Reporting findings about the most likely causes and consequences
  • Improving engineering designs based on lessons learned from forensic cases

The course uses case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering. All of these provide great examples that illustrate the approaches and highlight technical and procedural causes of failure. You'll find that not only is it crucial, but it's also exciting to learn from failures.

This course is most useful for:

  • Students who want to familiarize themselves with forensic engineering
  • Building, aeronautical, biomechanical designers and engineers
  • Forensic investigators, police, legal and insurance professionals
  • Professionals from municipalities, government agencies or clients who are asked to perform internal forensic investigations

This course has been designed by TU Delft's international experts on safety issues, failure investigations and forensics. Arjo Loeve, Michiel Schuurman and Karel Terwel are members of the TU Delft Forensics community, the Delft Safety & Security Institute and the CLHC Expertise Center for Forensic Science and Medicine.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The basic steps in a forensic investigation
  • Essential forensic engineering methods and techniques
  • How to apply the tu delft forensic engineering mind-set in the fields of building engineering, aeronautical engineering and biomechanical engineering
  • Ways to develop a positive attitude and the right mind-set to learn from failures

Syllabus

*Modules 3-5 will be offered at the same time, to allow students to choose or prioritize their preferred module(s) based on their main areas of interest.
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Module 1: Introduction to Forensic EngineeringYou will learn what Forensic Engineering is and why it is important. Furthermore, you will be introduced to basic concepts such as lifecycles of constructed facilities, failure, and damage.
Module 2: The Forensic Engineering InvestigationYou will learn the basic steps of a Forensic Engineering process and how the TU Delft mind-set can help to perform these steps in a factual, reliable and systematic way.
Module 3*: Case from Civil EngineeringYou will learn about various structural failure mechanisms and you will practice setting hypotheses for structural failures.
Module 4*: Case from Aerospace EngineeringYou will learn about the failure mechanism fatigue in airplanes and how you can test to see whether this occurred.
Module 5*: Case from Biomechanical EngineeringYou will learn about contamination of medical instruments and how technical and procedural aspects play a role.
Module 6: Course debriefingIn this week, the outcomes of the different cases from Modules 3-5 are revealed. Best practices and tips for the future are discussed and some results and contributions from participants are put in the spotlight!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores concepts and topics that are fundamental to understanding complex systems' failure mechanisms
Provides the basic knowledge and skills needed in forensic engineering
Taught by three experts in the field of engineering, safety, and forensics from TU Delft, who are recognized for their work in these areas
Introduces multiple case studies to illustrate failure mechanisms and forensic engineering practices in building engineering, aerospace engineering, and biomechanical engineering
Develops a positive attitude and the right mind-set to learn from failures, which is essential for engineers and professionals in various fields

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Reviews summary

Essential airport design

Learners say this course is largely positive if you are interested in learning about the design of the air side of an airport. The course reviews well by students for its clear explanations and engaging assignments.
The course is positive and well structured
"nice course with clear explanations."
"Curso bien estructurado y de fácil comprensión con los ejercicios y respectivas resoluciones."
The instructor is positive
"Excellent, Interesting topic."
"The course is very good but i think that the exam demostration video, with a resolution of a similiar exam, it must be before the exam, not after the exam. Best regards."
"This course has introduced me to the field of airport designing in a very successful way."
The exercises are positive and engaging
"nice course with clear explanations. Feel free to go through and enjoy the course as well. I give this review because i have taken this course"
"The course is very good but i think that the exam demostration video, with a resolution of a similiar exam, it must be before the exam, not after the exam. Best regards."
"Me gustó mucho, muy didactico el contenido y lo mejor que cuenta con ejercicios practicos."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures with these activities:
Prepare for an investigation
Complete a comprehensive review of basic principles to prepare for complex engineering investigations
Browse courses on Forensic Investigations
Show steps
  • Review concepts of lifecycle of constructed facilities, failure, and damage
  • Refresh on principles of conducting thorough literature reviews
Review engineering principles
Refresh your knowledge of engineering principles to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Civil Engineering
Show steps
  • Review key concepts from previous engineering courses
  • Read articles and watch videos on relevant engineering topics
Review the steps involved in a forensic investigation
This activity will help you refresh your knowledge of the steps involved in a forensic investigation, which will be essential for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on Forensic Investigation
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and make a list of the steps involved in a forensic investigation.
  • Find a case study of a forensic investigation and follow the steps involved.
  • Write a summary of the steps involved in a forensic investigation.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Follow a tutorial on forensic engineering techniques
Expand your knowledge of forensic engineering techniques, which will help you conduct more thorough and effective investigations.
Browse courses on Structural Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources of information on forensic engineering techniques.
  • Follow a tutorial on a specific forensic engineering technique.
  • Apply the technique to a practical exercise.
Explore forensic engineering software
Hands-on experience with forensic engineering software enhances technical proficiency.
Show steps
  • Identify and research different software tools used in forensic engineering.
  • Select a software tool to explore and complete tutorials or online courses.
  • Practice using the software to analyze data, visualize results, and generate reports.
Practice identifying failure types
Improve your ability to identify and classify different types of failures, which is essential for conducting thorough forensic engineering investigations.
Browse courses on Failure Analysis
Show steps
  • Review different types of failures, such as structural, mechanical, and electrical.
  • Analyze case studies of real-world failures to identify the root causes.
  • Practice identifying failure types in mock forensic engineering scenarios.
Develop a data collection plan
Sketch out a comprehensive data collection plan for a forensic investigation scenario
Browse courses on Data Collection Methods
Show steps
  • Summarize common sources of evidence to collect for forensic investigations
  • Identify and assess appropriate data collection methods
  • Present a data collection plan with supporting rationale
Practice hypothesis generation
Develop your ability in forming well-reasoned hypotheses for technical failures
Show steps
  • State several types of potential failure mechanisms for a given engineering failure case
  • Generate multiple hypotheses for each potential failure mechanism
  • Compare and contrast plausible hypotheses
Practice identifying the causes of failures
This activity will help you develop your skills in identifying the causes of failures, which is a critical skill for forensic engineers.
Browse courses on Failure Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a case study of a failure and identify the potential causes.
  • Develop a hypothesis for the cause of the failure.
  • Test your hypothesis by conducting experiments or simulations.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Create a presentation on a forensic engineering case study
Develop your skills in presenting complex technical information to audiences, which is essential for effectively communicating your forensic engineering findings.
Show steps
  • Select a forensic engineering case study that you find interesting.
  • Research the case study and gather relevant information.
  • Develop a presentation that outlines the key findings of your research.
  • Practice delivering your presentation.
Conduct a small-scale forensic engineering investigation
Apply your forensic engineering knowledge and skills to a real-world situation, which will greatly enhance your practical experience and understanding of the field.
Browse courses on Failure Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a small-scale forensic engineering problem to investigate.
  • Gather data and evidence related to the problem.
  • Analyze the data and evidence to determine the root cause(s) of the problem.
  • Develop recommendations to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.
Develop a forensic investigation report
Enhance your ability to present forensic engineering findings in a clear and concise manner, which is crucial for communicating your conclusions to stakeholders.
Browse courses on Technical Writing
Show steps
  • Gather and analyze data related to the failure.
  • Determine the root cause(s) of the failure.
  • Develop recommendations to prevent similar failures in the future.
  • Write a comprehensive forensic investigation report that documents your findings and recommendations.
Create a presentation on a forensic engineering case study
This activity will help you develop your communication and presentation skills, which are essential for forensic engineers. It will also allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Choose a forensic engineering case study to present on.
  • Research the case study and gather information.
  • Develop a presentation outline.
  • Create presentation slides.
  • Practice your presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Forensic Engineer
Forensic Engineers are employed by insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies to conduct investigations. They may be involved in criminal and civil cases involving accidents, product failures, and other incidents. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to collect data, analyze evidence, and present findings. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Safety Engineer
Safety Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing safety procedures and protocols in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. This course will help you build a foundation in forensic engineering principles and techniques, which can be applied to safety engineering practices. You will learn how to identify and assess hazards, develop risk mitigation strategies, and conduct safety audits. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with examples of how forensic engineering principles can be used to improve safety.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers design and analyze structures to ensure their safety and stability. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze medical device failures. The course also covers case studies from Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Aerospace Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and develop a wide range of machines and systems, from cars to robots. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze mechanical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and develop infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze structural failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, which will provide you with a specific understanding of the field.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers develop and test materials used in a wide range of products, from cars to medical devices. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this field, including how to analyze material failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and develop computer systems and software. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze computer failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineers develop and implement quality assurance and control systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze quality failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design and improve industrial processes and systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze industrial failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and devices. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze electrical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Reliability Engineer
Reliability Engineers develop and implement reliability engineering principles and practices. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze reliability failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes and systems. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze manufacturing failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical processes and products. This course may be helpful to you in understanding how to analyze chemical failures. The course also covers case studies from Building Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Biomechanical Engineering, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the field.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures.
Construction Failure: A Practical Guide for Engineers and Contractors comprehensive guide to the causes and prevention of construction failures. It provides a detailed overview of the principles of structural analysis, the theory of structural stability, and the techniques that are used to prevent structural failures.
Forensic Materials Engineering: Case Studies collection of case studies on the forensic investigation of materials failures. It provides a practical understanding of the principles of forensic materials engineering, the theory of failure analysis, and the techniques that are used to investigate and analyze materials failures.
Forensic Engineering: Applications of Science to Criminal and Civil Law comprehensive textbook on the applications of science to criminal and civil law. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of forensic science, the theory of forensic engineering, and the techniques that are used to investigate and analyze forensic evidence.
Forensic Investigation of Buildings provides a comprehensive overview of the forensic investigation of building failures. It is an essential reference for engineers, architects, and investigators who are involved in the investigation of building failures.
Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System comprehensive textbook on the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of biomechanics, the theory of musculoskeletal function, and the techniques that are used to analyze musculoskeletal function.
Engineering Failure Analysis comprehensive textbook on engineering failure analysis. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of failure analysis, the theory of failure mechanisms, and the techniques that are used to investigate and analyze failures.
Failure Mechanisms in High-Performance Composites comprehensive textbook on the failure mechanisms in high-performance composites. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of composite materials, the theory of failure mechanisms, and the techniques that are used to investigate and analyze failures in high-performance composites.
Engineering Mechanics of Solids comprehensive textbook on the engineering mechanics of solids. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of solid mechanics, the theory of elasticity, and the techniques that are used to analyze the mechanical behavior of solids.
Metallurgy for Engineers comprehensive textbook on metallurgy for engineers. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of metallurgy, the theory of materials science, and the techniques that are used to design and analyze materials.
Advanced Engineering Mathematics comprehensive textbook on advanced engineering mathematics. It provides a thorough understanding of the principles of advanced mathematics, the theory of calculus, and the techniques that are used to solve engineering problems.

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