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ASTM E2713-11

(Guide)

Standard Guide to Forensic Engineering

Standard Guide to Forensic Engineering

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58 Committee standards that are focused on specific technical disciplines, for example Guide E2493.
The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic engineering in the United States, though elements of practice in other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms “engineer” and “engineering” are regulated by state and federal law; this document uses these terms only to describe a technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts may decide that individuals with qualifications other than those described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.
Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidents and claims may be related to the behavior or condition of one or more physical systems, or the manner in which they were used. These investigations may also be related to compliance inspections, subrogation, litigation, and other activities. It is important to note that some incidents may be considered alleged, particularly when objective proof of their occurrence is not apparent.
Suggested additional readings are listed in Appendix X1.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides an introductory reference to the professional practice of forensic engineering, and discusses the typical roles and qualifications of practitioners.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
14-Nov-2011
ICS
07.140 - Forensic science
Technical Committee
E58 - Forensic Engineering
Drafting Committee
E58.01 - General Practice
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaced By
ASTM E2713-18 - Standard Guide to Forensic Engineering
Effective Date
15-May-2018
Referred By
ASTM E2292-21 - Standard Guide for Field Investigation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incidents
Effective Date
15-Nov-2011
Referred By
ASTM E3176-20 - Standard Guide for Forensic Engineering Expert Reports
Effective Date
15-Nov-2011

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ASTM E2713-11 - Standard Guide to Forensic Engineering
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2713 − 11
Standard Guide to
1
Forensic Engineering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2713; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms
“engineer”and“engineering”areregulatedbystateandfederal
1.1 This guide provides an introductory reference to the
law; this document uses these terms only to describe a
professional practice of forensic engineering, and discusses the
technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts
typical roles and qualifications of practitioners.
maydecidethatindividualswithqualificationsotherthanthose
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.3 Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidents
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and claims may be related to the behavior or condition of one
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
or more physical systems, or the manner in which they were
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
used. These investigations may also be related to compliance
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
inspections, subrogation, litigation, and other activities. It is
2. Referenced Documents
important to note that some incidents may be considered
2
alleged, particularly when objective proof of their occurrence
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is not apparent.
E2493 Guide for the Collection of Non-Volatile Memory
Data in Evidentiary Vehicle Electronic Control Units
4.4 Suggested additional readings are listed in Appendix
X1.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: CHARACTERISTICS OF
FORENSIC ENGINEERING PRACTICE
3.1.1 expert, n—an individual with specialized knowledge,
skills, and abilities acquired through appropriate education,
training, and experience. 5. Individual Characteristics
3.1.2 forensic engineering, n—the application of the art and
5.1 Typical Qualifications:
science of engineering in matters which are, or may possibly
5.1.1 The equivalent of a Bachelor degree or Bachelor of
relate to, the jurisprudence system, inclusive of alternative
Science degree, or graduate degree, in engineering, from an
dispute resolution.
appropriately accredited college or university program. De-
3
National Academy of Forensic Engineers
grees obtained from accredited engineering programs typically
include education in the areas of advanced mathematics, the
4. Significance and Use
theoretical and practical study of physical sciences, the design
4.1 This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58
of physical systems, and logical reasoning. Note that forensic
Committee standards that are focused on specific technical
engineeringitselfisnotaseparatedisciplineofengineering—it
disciplines, for example Guide E2493.
is an application of engineering, as defined above.
4.2 The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic
5.1.2 State licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in one
engineeringintheUnitedStates,thoughelementsofpracticein or more disciplines of engineering. It is noted, however, that
there are many disciplines of engineering (for example,
1 biomedical, ceramic) for which PE licensure is not offered.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E58 on Forensic
Engineering and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E58.01 on General
Licensure is available for the engineering disciplines that most
Practice.
commonly pertain to public works (chemical, civil, electrical,
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2011. Published December 2011. DOI:
mechanical, etc.), though each state may vary the disciplines
10.1520/E2713-11.
2
offered for licensure. Some states require PE licensure as a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
preconditionforpracticingcertainaspectsofforensicengineer-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ing. Current requirements for attaining a PE license typically
the ASTM website.
3 include the following elements; these requirements also vary
Available from National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), 174 Brady
Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532, http://www.nafe.org. by state:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2713 − 11
5.1
...

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide may be useful to forensic engineers, courts, jurists, attorneys, insurance adjusters, and clients of forensic engineers. Although this guide is directed to the practice of forensic engineering, its description of the elements of investigative reports may be useful to practitioners in other disciplines that embrace scientific laws and theories.  
5.2 This guide is based on Guide E2713, which discusses elements of the practice of forensic engineering and provides suggested readings which may be of interest to those creating (or reading) forensic engineering reports.  
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4.1 This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58 Committee standards that are focused on specific technical disciplines, for example Guide E2292.  
4.2 The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic engineering in the United States, though elements of practice in other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms “engineer” and “engineering” are regulated by state and federal law; this document uses these terms only to describe a technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts may decide that individuals with qualifications other than those described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.  
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4.1 The design and configuration of an audio laboratory, as well as the maintenance of equipment, are factors that must be considered to ensure an optimal environment to produce the best results. This guide is intended to provide general guidance for laboratory setup and maintenance.  
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1.1 This guide sets forth recommendations for the creation of a forensic audio laboratory space as well as the configuration, verification, and maintenance of the equipment contained within the lab.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The overarching goals of the forensic analysis of geological materials include (A) identification of an unknown material (see 11.3), (B) analysis of soils, sediments, or rocks to restrict their possible geographic origins as part of a provenance analysis (see 11.4), and (C) comparison of two or more samples to assess if they could have originated from the same source or to exclude a common source based on observation of exclusionary differences (see 11.5). XRD is only one analytical method that can be applied to the evidentiary samples in service of these distinct goals. Guidance for the analysis of forensic geological materials can be found in Refs (2-4).  
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5.2.1 Non-destructive XRD analysis can be performed in situ on geological material adhering to a substrate (see 8.12.3).  
5.2.2 The most common forensic applications of XRD to geological materials are (A) identification or confirmation of a selected phase or fraction of a sample (see 8.12), (B) identification of minerals in the clay-sized fractions of soils (see 8.8), and (C) identification of the phases of the hydrated cement component of concrete or mortar.  
5.3 This guide is intended to be used with other methods of analysis (for example, polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, palynology) within a more comprehensive analytical scheme for the forensic analysis or comparison of geological materials.  
5.3.1 Comprehensive criteria for forensic comparisons of geological material integrating multiple analytical methods and provenance estimations (see 11.4) are ...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques and procedures for the use of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the forensic analysis of geological materials (to include soils, rocks, sediments, and materials derived from them such as concrete), to enable non-consumptive identification of solid crystalline materials present as single components or multi-component mixtures.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A training program provides the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for a trainee to become a qualified forensic hair examiner.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 µ-XRF is a nondestructive qualitative elemental analysis technique used for polymers. It involves excitation of a sample by an X-ray source resulting in the emission of characteristic X-rays detected using an energy dispersive X-ray detector. Results are displayed simultaneously as a spectrum of intensity as a function of energy for elements of atomic number 11 or greater.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is designed to assist an examiner in the selection of appropriate sample preparation methods for the analysis, comparison, and identification of fibers using IR spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy can provide additional compositional information than is obtained using polarized light microscopy alone. The extent to which IR spectral comparison is conducted will vary with specific sample and case evaluations.  
5.2 IR analysis should follow visible and fluorescence comparison microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectroscopy. If no exclusionary differences are noted between the known and unknown samples in optical properties, then proceed to IR spectroscopy as the next step in the analytical scheme, as applicable.  
Note 1: IR analysis generally follows the aforementioned techniques since sample preparation (for example, flattening) irreversibly changes fiber morphology.  
5.3 IR spectroscopy should be conducted before dye extraction for chromatography due to the semi-destructive nature of the extraction technique. Because of the large number of sub-generic classes, forensic examination of acrylic and modacrylic fibers is likely to benefit significantly from IR spectral analysis (5). Useful distinctions between subtypes of nylon and polyester fibers can also be made by IR spectroscopy.  
5.4 IR spectroscopy can provide molecular information regarding major organic and inorganic components. Components in lesser amounts are typically more difficult to identify. Reasons for this include interference of the absorption bands of the major components with the less-intense bands of minor components, and sensitivity issues whereby the minor components are present at concentrations below the detection limits of the instrument.  
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SCOPE
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a valuable method of fiber polymer identification and comparison in forensic examinations. The use of IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, has greatly simplified the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory. This guide provides basic recommendations and information about IR spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to fiber examinations. The particular method(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend upon available equipment, examiner training, sample suitability, and sample size.  
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1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 TLC is an inexpensive and simple technique that could be used to complement other analytical techniques within a general analytical scheme related to forensic fiber examination.  
5.2 Consider the forensic analysis of fiber colorants using TLC for single fiber comparisons only when the sample size is adequate (that is, enough colorant can be extracted for analysis) and it is not possible to discriminate between the fibers of interest using other techniques, such as comparison microscopy and MSP. Larger fibrous units (for example, thread or tuft) can be treated as an individual sample if determined to be homogeneous. Do not treat fibers that cannot be directly related to each other as a collective sample for the purposes of TLC.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended as an overview of the Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) of fiber colorants (or individual dye components) present in dyed fibers. It is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme for the forensic analysis of fiber samples. TLC could provide information that cannot be obtained through other color analyses (such as microspectrophotometry (MSP)) (1).2  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Color is an easily observable characteristic of soils and is integral to the taxonomic classifications of soils (6-8); factors including parent material, hydrology, vegetation, and extent of soil weathering, can affect soil color, making color a valuable diagnostic tool for forensic examination purposes.  
4.2 Soil color is sufficiently variable among soils to be used for differentiation of many soils in forensic examinations (9, 10) (see Section 6 for the test method for color determination and comparison criteria) as determined by visual characterization in the Munsell color system.  
4.3 Instrumental techniques are suitable for color determination of soil evidence but are not covered within this practice.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers visual color determination of soil/geologic material within the context of a forensic examination and is intended for use by laboratory personnel.  
1.1.1 This practice recommends use of soil color for: the initial screening of soil samples in forensic casework, prioritization of known soil exemplars for detailed analysis, and includes a test method for color determination in the Munsell color system and comparison among samples.  
1.2 Units—Units in the Munsell color system are used throughout this document.  
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1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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