Playing CSI
Playing CSI
(OP)
I am involved in a very minor accident investigation where I work and have been offered the opportunity to play CSI. We know that a forklift hit a column, and have tracked down which lift was responsible by the shape of the forks- but the accident went unreported.
As it is, I have a structural engineer coming in Friday to provide guidelines for how to repair the column. However, I am left wanting to know if the machine was turning left or right at the time of impact (for my own sake, and to settle a dispute.) I believe the pictures and evidence suggests a left to right motion. My coworker believes the opposite.
The only difference this will make to the end report will be some degree of certainty whether it was the left or the right fork of the counterbalance lift that impacted the column. It is trivial, but I was wondering if anybody had any input to settle the dispute.
The first picture should show the column including the main area of concern and an additional "glancing blow" that is believed to have occurred at the same time. The second picture is a close up that I hope will help identify the direction of the forks at the time of impact.
Anyhow, I appreciate any suggestions. Please feel free to lie and say it was a left-right impact even if you agree with my coworker...

As it is, I have a structural engineer coming in Friday to provide guidelines for how to repair the column. However, I am left wanting to know if the machine was turning left or right at the time of impact (for my own sake, and to settle a dispute.) I believe the pictures and evidence suggests a left to right motion. My coworker believes the opposite.
The only difference this will make to the end report will be some degree of certainty whether it was the left or the right fork of the counterbalance lift that impacted the column. It is trivial, but I was wondering if anybody had any input to settle the dispute.
The first picture should show the column including the main area of concern and an additional "glancing blow" that is believed to have occurred at the same time. The second picture is a close up that I hope will help identify the direction of the forks at the time of impact.
Anyhow, I appreciate any suggestions. Please feel free to lie and say it was a left-right impact even if you agree with my coworker...






RE: Playing CSI
In true CSI style why not try to recreate the impact. Not at full scale obviously but maybe a blade screwdriver with the tip ground down to approximate the shape of the forks, hammered into a softish piece of aluminum or something.
You could try doing something into play dough but I'm skeptical how well that would work.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Playing CSI
The idea of softer aluminum actually holds promise. There is some thicker stock in the shop that would work. Sounds like a project for tomorrow, thanks.
RE: Playing CSI
TTFN

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RE: Playing CSI