Traffic Accident Reconstruction
J2 Engineering provides services in all areas of vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction. Reconstructions involve trains, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. The services provided include determining vehicle speed, vehicle changes in velocity and accident avoidability. We examine the given accident scenario and compare it against the available physical evidence to determine the accuracy of any statements. We also evaluate low speed impacts with respect to impact severity, the forces sustained by vehicles and occupants and the relationships between the forces and injury potential. We inspect vehicles for the analysis of mechanical and/or electrical component failures and their potential to cause or contribute to accidents.
J2 Engineering owns, and is certified to operate, the equipment necessary to download data from the airbag modules (Black Box) of passenger vehicles. We work with manufacturer's representatives to access the equipment and software necessary to allow our download and analysis of data from the engine control modules of commercial vehicles. The data from the airbag modules and engine control modules are used in conjunction with standard methods of analysis to provide information on vehicle speeds and the acceleration and braking rates.
At J2 Engineering we use several simulation programs including HVE, PC-Crash and M-SMAC. The simulation programs are physics based analysis tools which can also be used in the courtroom to demonstrate the mechanics of an accident. Data from a simulation can be combined with photographs, video of the accident scene and the involved vehicles to create an animation which can be used to highlight individual aspects of the collision process.
Simulations & Animations
At J2 Engineering we use several simulation programs including HVE, PC-Crash and M-SMAC. The simulation programs are physics based analysis tools which can also be used in the courtroom to demonstrate the mechanics of an accident. Data from a simulation can be combined with photographs, video of the accident scene and the involved vehicles to create an animation which can be used to highlight individual aspects of the collision process.
Safety Engineering
J2 Engineering is involved in all aspects of the investigation of Industrial accidents. Our cause and analysis investigation includes an evaluation of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, a review of the Job Safety Analysis, and a review of the specific requirements of applicable ANSI, ASTM, ISO and OSHA regulations.
J2 Engineering investigates accidents with respect to premises liability involving facilities access routes including sidewalks, stairways, ramps, handrails, and illumination. We investigate with respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Building Code Compliance and failure to properly maintain.
Mechanical and Electrical Failure Analysis
J2 Engineering provides services in the investigation and analysis of failed structures, materials, and mechanical components. In the investigation of machine failure we look for the adequacy of mechanical, safety and control system design adequacy. We also investigate with respect to requirements and proper use of machine guarding and whether or not proper warnings were utilized.
Premises Liability
J2 Engineering provides a full range of investigation, testing and analysis in the area of slip, trip and fall accidents. Our slip and fall investigations include an evaluation of the walking surface, the effect of the presence of any contaminants and the nature and condition of the shoe sole material. We conduct scene testing to determine the slip resistance of walkway materials and walkway surfaces as they are utilized under differing conditions. When testing a walkway surface, we use ASTM approved test equipment and procedures, as well as protocols developed during ASTM sponsored research.
J2 Engineering has worked with major shoe manufacturers in the development, testing and analysis of tread patterns and shoe soling materials. We have completed testing for tile and under-floor lighting manufacturers in the evaluation of glazing types and patterns. J2 Engineering also consults with the manufacturers of decking in the analysis of the slip resistant properties of composite materials and wood patterns.
J2 Engineering is involved in state of the art research in walkway safety and the development of national standards for the analysis of slip resistance. As members of ASTM International Committee F-13 (Safety and Traction for Footwear), we investigate the relationship between utilized and required friction and work to develop standards for the measurement of walkway slip resistance. As members of the Research Subcommittee of F-13, we help design and direct research in fall protection.
As a Collaborative Researcher at the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory of the University of Southern California, we investigate gait biomechanics with respect to slip and fall, and evaluate the biofidelity of slip meters.
J2 Engineering also inspects walkways and stairways for the presence of hazards including discontinuities and deficiencies in illumination which can lead to a slip/trip and fall. Stairs and walkways are evaluated for compliance with the appropriate building codes, Life Safety Codes and ASTM and ANSI standards. Walkway safety and facilities access are examined for compliance with the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA).
