TexASCE Webinar: Forensic Engineering: Navigating Ambiguities in Property Damage Investigation
August 4 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
This presentation outlines the role of the forensic engineer in investigating and reporting on property damage claims. It explores the governing industry standards and methodologies established by organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), ASTM International (ASTM), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, along with applicable federal guidance.
Mr. Gulilat distills these standards into four fundamental pillars of forensic engineering:
- Evidence gathering
- Analysis and scientific evaluation
- Consideration of alternative hypotheses
- Acknowledgment of limitations
Through this “Four Pillars” framework, the presentation demonstrates how forensic engineers navigate ambiguity and deliver clarity in property damage investigations. This framework ensures conclusions that are transparent, defensible, and capable of withstanding professional and technical scrutiny.
Speaker
Kifle P. Gulilat PE, DFE – Principal Engineer, KG Engineering Services, LLC
Mr. Gulilat is the proprietor and Principal Engineer at KG Engineering Services, LLC. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with two decades of experience in structural design, forensic engineering, and disaster recovery. He holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University, both with a concentration in structural engineering. Mr. Gulilat has led over 3,500 property damage assessments and has provided expert testimony in over 50 litigation cases.
Mr. Gulilat is certified in windstorm and special construction inspections and holds multi-state professional engineering licenses. His leadership, technical insight, and litigation experience position him as a trusted expert in structural damage evaluations, particularly in hurricane-prone regions. His work is defined by deep industry knowledge and efficient technical methodology, providing clients with reliable conclusions that help streamline decision-making.
