Failure Analysis Services

• Site Inspection and Fiberglass Sampling
• Document Review
• Engineering Analysis
• Review of Design and Maintenance History
• Fiberglass Samples Testing and NDT
• Expert Testimony

Overview
Fiberglass Structural Engineering, Inc. is nationally known for expertise in the investigation, analysis and forensic testing of failed fiberglass (FRP) equipment, including structural and corrosion containment failures. Our experience includes (but is not limited to) failure investigation and expert testimony related to above and below ground storage tanks and piping, including large underground circulating water piping at fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. Clients include major petroleum and petrochemical companies, chemical plants, municipalities and pulp and paper mills. FSE has performed extensive failure investigations as well as integrating preventive maintenance and engineering services for firewater piping on offshore drilling rigs, including comprehensive laboratory and on-rig forensic testing. FSE can mobilize field inspectors and engineers to the failure site on very short notice.

When to Use These Services
FSE failure analysis services can be applied to virtually any type of fiberglass FRP equipment failure situation. Failed FRP equipment can include ruptured piping, collapsed FRP tanks or tank tops, breached stack liners, heat or chemically burnt corrosion liners and structural walls, delaminated joints and overlays, cracks and buckling. Often, the symptoms of failing FRP equipment are not obvious, and these serious results have not yet happened. This is generally the case when the FRP corrosion liner has failed, but the FRP structural wall has not yet failed. Use of FSE failure investigation services at the first signs of failure can often lead to prevention of serious damage to the FRP equipment or piping and unsafe operating conditions.

Benefits of FSE Failure Analysis Services
Quickly and accurately determining the cause of failed fiberglass FRP equipment can provide the owner with valuable information needed to make effective repair or replacement decisions. Untrained evaluation of failed fiberglass equipment can result in unnecessary delays, which can be very costly in lost production downtime. Also, expert FSE testimony can provide companies with the reliable, scientific basis for litigation if needed.

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