Charles B. Pyke, Ph.D., Principal Scientist and Primary Expert Witness of Associated Science Experts, LLC, American Weather & Earth Sciences, LLC, and  Environmental Science & Energy, Inc., offers expert bridge inspectors, including railroad bridge inspectors, to investigate problems or defects--some of them partially hidden--in wooden, concrete, steel, and other bridges, spanned by roads, railroads, and pedestrian walkways - problems that may have been missed or overlooked by, or have developed since, a prior bridge inspection.  These experts are experienced in forensic discovery and expert testimony in the fields of:

• Asbestos (occasionally present in older wooden bridges).

• Aging or weakening of structural or other materials over time. 

• Barnacle buildup below the water line on bridges spanning rivers, lakes, or bays. 

• Concrete foundations, supports, or entire structures.

• Construction detects.

• Deterioration of structural or other materials over time.

• Earthquake damage; earthquake hazards; earthquake resistance of bridge structural elements.

• Electrical wiring problems, where lights or other electrical devices are present..

• Fatigue of metal, concrete, or wooden structure or other elements of the bridge. 

• Foundation solidity and integrity.

• Fire damage.

• Flood damage or gradual damage from long-term river flow.

• Human aspects:  negligent, accidental, and possibly criminal.

  • Failure to protect against the elements.

  • Faulty maintenance procedures; non-adherence to maintenance schedules.

  • Improper design, defective or compromised materials.

  • Inadequate or incompetent bridge inspection.

  • Intentional damage, sabotage.

  • Shoddy construction.

  • Undisclosed damage or defects.

• Leaks, seepage. 

• Mold, fungus, or rot, including rotting of wooden bridge structural elements, above and below water lines.

• Natural gas piping, where applicable:  efficiency, leaks and other safety issues.

• Water piping deficiencies, where applicable.

• Safe load determination for road and railroad bridges (a requirement of the Federal Railroad Administration)..

• Safety:  walking or driving surfaces, railroad tracks, electrical wiring where applicable..

• Security:  Locks, security systems, window bars, other.

• Soil contamination around the bridge foundation.

• Soil stability under and surrounding the bridge foundation.

• Suspension cables:  weakening or deterioration over time, damage from a variety of sources. 

• Termites in wooden bridges:  dry wood, damp wood, and subterranean; termite damage.

• Toxic substances (possibly hidden) present in the original construction materials or introduced later.

• Water damage above or below water line.

• Weather damage.

• Numerous other items.