February 8, 2010
Metallurgy or Material Science
Roof Failures: The Effect and Cause and Why You Need a Civil Engineer
Meet the Expert: Thomas Destafney, M.E.C.E., P.E.
Metallurgy or Material Science
 The material of choice at a point in history often defines that period. For example, if you found yourself swinging a bronze sword around 3300 to 1200 BC, you would have been considered hot stuff…as you were wielding the cutting edge of technology at the time.
After the popularity of bronze came iron, then steel which allowed another defining moment in human history: The Industrial Revolution. Soon after came steel alloys and titanium, with the advancement of metal use culminating around the 1960s. Also around that time, anyone considered an expert in materials was called a Metallurgist. This is understandable, as the focus in that period was on steel and the steel alloys that were needed to build the skyscrapers, cars and railways demanded during that time period.
From around the 1980s and forward however, major advancements in the creation and use of plastics, ceramics and other composite materials exponentially increased. Modern manufacturing industries demand materials that not only have a high strength to weight ratios and can be formed into almost any shape, but can also have other qualities such as non-corrosivity and extreme heat resistance or can also act as semiconductors, superconductors and high voltage insulators. These materials are needed to make the super fast computers, light weight cell phones and the fuel efficient commuter jets that are the hallmarks of today's lifestyle.
Material Science evolved from Metallurgy. Metals, although still playing a vitally important role, are no longer in the spot light. Metallurgy is now considered a part of Materials Engineering. In the US, most “Metallurgical Engineering Programs” have now broadened their scopes to become “Materials Science and Engineering Programs.” So, the next time you think you need to consult with a Metallurgist, you may actually find yourself asking for a Material Science Expert.
Roof Failures: The Effect and Cause and Why You Need a Civil Engineer
 One of the more common types of construction cases CED investigates involves the evaluation of roof damages and the damages resulting from roof leaks. Our experts have extensive experience investigating roof failures on both commercial and residential buildings, flat and sloped surfaces. Our expertise with roof systems includes the knowledge of material performance and detailed analysis and investigation with virtually every type of roofing material used. Whether the roof is covering a shopping mall or a single family detached home, our experts are able to evaluate each factor leading to a sound conclusion by determining the following:
1. Were the materials used to construct the roof adequate for the loads and expected regional weather conditions?
2. Did the installer use the proper installation methods and materials?
3. Was the roof maintained in accordance with standards applicable to that type of roof?
4. If the roof was repaired prior to the damages being sustained, were the repairs carried out with the proper materials and techniques?
5. If there are allegations that the roof defects or damages led to further damages to the contents of the structure, are those damages consistent with the type of defects or damages actually sustained by the roof?
The three most common sources of damages to roofing system are defective construction, weather and faulty maintenance. Defective construction cases require an expert to inspect and evaluate whether the proper materials, tools and techniques were used to build the roof. Weather related damages often require a detailed inspection, not only of the roof, but also the historical weather data to which the roof was subjected. Finally, faulty maintenance claims involve a careful examination of the “before” and “after,” and whether the repairs and/or maintenance was performed in accordance with standards set by both private and governmental authorities.
When roofing defects or damages are alleged to have led to other damages, our experts will carefully compare the roof damages or potential defects to the damages sustained inside the structure. This comparison will permit the engineer to determine whether the two are consistent and if the damages or potential defects involving the roof could have led to the damages alleged to have been sustained inside of the structure.
CED engineers have investigated hundreds of roof related cases, providing extensive expertise in field investigation, consultation and expert testimony.
Meet the Expert: Thomas Destafney, M.E.C.E., P.E.
 Thomas Destafney, P.E. is CED's Senior Civil Engineer. Mr. Destafney has a vast degree of training and experience in the civil engineering field due to his management and oversight of more than $300 million worth of construction in locations all over the world, making him one of CED's most valued experts. Mr. Destafney holds a Bachelor's of Science degree and a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and is a registered professional engineer in numerous states. During more than 20 years experience as a U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer, Mr. Destafney oversaw hundreds of construction projects where he was responsible for schedules, quality assurance and safety, including the $50 million construction of an airport complex in the Palau Islands.
Other projects built under Mr. Destafney's oversight at locations such as the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland , include water/wastewater systems, roads, highways, waterfront bulkheads, multi-story buildings, power plants, major utility projects and whole house repairs. These multi-faceted projects all gave Mr. Destafney significant experience with reinforced concrete, concrete batch plants, rock quarry and dredge site operations, timber construction, piles and drilled piers, asphalt batch plants and paving, buried utility systems, environmental restoration, utility systems and roofing. On all of these projects, one of Mr. Destafney's primary duties was safety director. In this role, Mr. Destafney was required to ensure that contractors working under his direction complied with OSHA regulations as they pertain to construction work. Because of this, Mr. Destafney is quite adept with OSHA's safety standards for construction and general industry.
As the Director of Engineering at the U.S. Navy Public Works Center on the Island of Guam, Mr. Destafney managed a team of 100 engineers and architects who worked on design for projects built in the Guam and Marianas Islands region, giving Mr. Destafney an insight into the role and potential liabilities that designers may have with respect to design deficiencies and construction accidents.
Mr. Destafney also served for two years as the Operations Officer for one of the Navy's eight SEABEE battalions. During this time, Mr. Destafney oversaw large construction projects under austere conditions at locations ranging from Adak , Alaska to Saudi Arabia .
Mr. Destafney retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1999, at which time he was hired by CED. Since that time has worked on hundreds of cases ranging from construction accidents to building code violations. Mr. Destafney has considerable deposition and court room experience. This, coupled with his significant construction and safety experience, makes Mr. Destafney one of our premier experts. Mr. Destafney is also a licensed pilot and licensed scuba diver.
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