Photogrammetry 101

Photogrammetry has been in use for centuries and for many different uses. The Tomahawk Cruise missile, for example, uses an advanced form of sophisticated photogrammetry to guide it to its intended target. Photogrammetry in accident reconstruction is used to supplement or verify existing scene measurements. It may also be used to create scene measurements when there were none taken on the date of the accident.  All, of course, are contingent on good, reliable photographs. In instances where little or maybe no measurements were taken at an accident scene where other evidence of significance was overlooked and may be visible in the scene photos the use of photogrammetry to place those pieces of significant evidence can mean the difference between determining if one has a case worth pursuing or not.

In this subject case the fluid spill became a significant piece of evidence, but had not been measure-documented at the time of the accident. Only photographic documentation (Fig. 1) was available. Knowing, however, some specifics about typical highway lane striping and utilizing a date-sensitive aerial photo, basic assumptions could be made about lane line separation and roadway widths. With these known physical characteristics the needed physical evidence could be placed on a scale diagram (Fig. 2) by a simple method of photogrammetry. At BEC Consulting we can use this simple method of photogrammetry to locate and diagram physical evidence for your cases that were not thoroughly and completely measure-documented at the time of the accident.

Position Filled!

BEC Consulting LLC, an established engineering firm in Tallahassee, FL with over 35 years in business, has the following immediate opening:　

Administrative Assistant - Full Time　

This is a terrific opportunity for an experienced, detail oriented applicant to work directly with our engineering teams in work involving forensic engineering, accident reconstruction and product liability analysis.

Position is responsible for coordinating directly with clients and team personnel to schedule appointments and travel, assist with project case management (for multiple concurrent projects) as well as complete general day to day administrative tasks. 　

Requires 3 - 5 yrs related education/experience with proficiency in Office-Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 　

Interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Experience working with insurance companies and legal practitioners a plus.

Individual should possess strong analytical skills, have the ability to work in a team environment, meet deadlines, strong computer skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.　

Salary commensurate with education/experience and competitive benefit package. Non-smoker. Apply on line HERE or mail resume, salary requirements and work availability to: HR (Admin), 3660 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 or Fax 850-575-8454. EOE/Drug Free Work Place.

FARO 3-D Scanning

Portable 3-D scanners and software technology can be used in a variety of engineering applications.  The precise and detailed digital scans, which include high resolution photographs, deliver realistic and accurate three dimensional models, providing our consulting engineers with thorough details of accident scenes, vehicles, product designs and more.  These powerful graphics are used in the analysis of each case file and provide effective results and deliverables for our clients.

• Detailed Digital Scans
• High Resolution Photographs
• Three Dimensional Models
• Powerful Graphics

Trips

A trip is when the momentum of a foot is impeded by an object to the extent that a loss of balance occurs.  Some common causes include foreign objects in walking paths (wheel stops in parking lots, torn carpet, etc.), sudden changes in elevation (jagged sidewalk expansion joints, unexpected steps, etc.), or even inattention and/or familiar complacency (knew it was there but forgot). How do you think a cell phone might contribute to a pedestrian’s attention or inattention?

Did you know that a change in elevation on a walkway surface greater than ¼ inch is likely to be non-code compliant and creates a potentially unsafe walking surface?

Slips

Slips arise from the failure of traction on the interface between the footwear and the walking surface. Four factors that affect footwear traction include floor surface, contaminants on the floor, footwear, and human gait dynamics. Can you identify which of these factors are controllable and which are not? Part of slip accident investigation includes being able to identify the elements of the accident in these four factors and then provide analysis and evaluation as to the proper specification and execution of these elements. Traci Campbell, P.E., CXLT and our team of engineers and technicians have the expertise and experience to answers these critical questions for you.

Coefficient of Friction and slip resistance of surfaces also plays a big role in slip accidents. Traci Campbell, P.E., CLXT is a certified XL Tribometrist and able to assess the slip resistance of your floor and advise on how it plays a role in your accident.

Position Filled

BEC Consulting LLC,  has the following immediate opening:

Graduate engineer to assist with work involving engineering, accident reconstruction and product liability analysis.  

Candidates with related experience or education in mechanical engineering,  automotive mechanics, police investigation techniques, project management, AutoCad, Pro-E, Rhinoceros, HVE, Mathcad, SolidWorks, Office-Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Pinnacle Studio-Or video editing software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Photoshop, or Google Earth preferred however, all interested candidates should apply.  

This is a great opportunity to train in forensic engineering.  Position is responsible for assisting an engineering team with project case management for multiple concurrent projects, field work and site investigations, graphics presentations, deposition and other file material summarization, engineering calculations, research and other technical/engineering services.  

For this position, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.  Experience working with insurance companies and legal practitioners a plus.  Individual should possess strong analytical skills, have the ability to work in a team environment, meet deadlines, strong computer graphic skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary commensurate with education/experience and competitive benefit package.  Non-smoker.  Limited travel may be applicable.  Apply on line @ www.becconsult.com or mail resume, salary requirements and work availability to:  HR (Eng.), 3660 Hartsfield Road, Tallahassee, Florida  32303 or Fax 850-575-8454. EOE/Drug Free Work Place.

Falls

A fall occurs when you leave an erect position suddenly and involuntarily. Many times a fall will result from being unable to recover your balance from a slip or a trip. Some common causes of falls including uneven floor surfaces, unsuitable floor coverings, unguarded holes or openings, wet floors, changes in levels, poor lighting, and poor housekeeping. Being able to assess the root cause of a fall can be critical in the evaluation of an accident.

Falls are often associated with other safety issues such as guarding, slip resistance, and equipment operation. Traci Campbell, P.E., CXLT and our team of engineers and technicians can help put all the pieces of the puzzle together and give you a full scope analysis of your accident.

What About Construction Zone and Roadside Safety?

Construction zones can be a dangerous place for motorists, pedestrians, and construction personnel. When an accident does occur, you need the right team to analyze the situation. Dr. Brian Pfeifer, and our team of engineers and technicians will evaluate the maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan to determine whether or not it was developed and executed properly.

Even after the construction is over, roadside safety is critical to the traveling public. Roadside appurtenances such as guardrails, bridge rails, crash cushions, and sign supports are installed along roadways for this very reason. To maintain safety, however, proper implementation of these devices is crucial. Our engineers have training and experience unique to these issues and can assist you in evaluating your case.