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08 November 2013 / Dr Rajen Lavingia
Issue: 7583 / Categories: Features , Expert Witness , Profession
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Standing up

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Dr Rajen Lavingia identifies the requirements of a forensic engineer

James Amrhein defined structural engineering as: “The art and science of moulding materials we do not fully understand; into shapes we cannot precisely analyse; to resist forces we cannot accurately predict; all in such a way that the society at large is given no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance” (Forensic Engineering, Kenneth L Carper).

Consulting structural engineers have been educated and trained largely for the design and construction of new works. Therefore, their focus is on how to make things work. They are often responsible for innovative design and researching and implementing daring new ideas. Good designers generally have a creative mind to develop simple and efficient solutions. As a result they have familiarity with industry standards and practices, codes and specifications.

Consulting engineers generally consider a number of design solutions during the initial design stages and then focus on one for the detailed design. They normally follow the design process based on well published and established design

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Walkers—Muriel Marseille

Ashurst's Chief Risk Officer joins Walkers

Excello Law—John Osborne

Excello Law—John Osborne

Northern family lawyer John Osborne joins Excello

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

mfg Solicitors—Rebecca Rogers, Kennedy Langley & Victoria Griffiths

Trio of promotions announced at Kidderminster law firm mfg Solicitors

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The Chancery Division's long history comes to an end this autumn as it is reborn as the Business and Property Division, prompting questions over whether the shake-up is really necessary
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
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