This presentation will address the issues surrounding construction disputes and the practice of structural engineering – how to avoid potential traps, and what kinds of problems typically arise.  Examples and case studies will include partial collapses due to snow drift and ponding water, lack of proper investigation of existing structures, means and methods accidents, inadequate design and lack of supporting information/conflicts between drawings and specifications, excavation of adjacent structures, and the engineer’s standard of care as well as duty on his or her project.  At the end of the presentation, a question and answer session will be held and will include responses from a construction law attorney and an insurance broker.

William D. Bast joined Thornton Tomasetti in 1998 and is the Principal in charge of the Chicago office’s Building Performance practice. With 28 years of experience, Mr. Bast’s areas of technical expertise include structural engineering and design, building failure investigations, litigation support, building façade evaluation, remedial repair of distressed buildings, and restoration and preservation of old and historic structures. In addition to his project work, Mr. Bast is involved in numerous organizations, serving as Past President of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, Past President of the Structural Engineers Foundation, Past President of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and council member for the City of Hope's Chicago Construction and Real Estate Council. He holds master's and bachelor's degrees in civil engineering from Lehigh University and is the recipient of the 2005 Structural Engineers Association of Illinois’ Distinguished Service Award.

(Advance reservations required) Contact Donna Childs at 312.726.4165 x200 or office@seaoi.org