Investigative Engineering Services, various clients

ProjectLine provided forensic and investigative engineering services for various confidential clients. Recent projects include investigation of PVC pipe failures at a water treatment plant, and expert witness role in $2.5 million construction claim case. The case resulted from multiple catastrophic failures of 12-inch diameter PVC pipes at an ion-exchange treatment plant located downstream of groundwater well pump stations. Investigations concluded that failures resulted from inadequate pipe supports and lack of waterhammer protection. As follow-on work, ProjectLine designed remedies, including revised pipe supports, added expansion joints, and control features to prevent waterhammer and pipe failures. Remedies were successfully implemented, and the plant now operates as intended. ProjectLine’s expert witness role on another construction claim resulted from failure of seven chemical metering pumps to perform as intended for a wastewater treatment plant expansion project. Equipment failures during startup testing led to contractor claims against utility agency owner for over 300 days of construction delays, plus pump replacement. ProjectLine reviewed the design, evidence collected during testing, and depositions of key people involved. ProjectLine then evaluated claims made by pump supplier and general contractor, and provided independent recommendations to utility agency for claim resolution.