Articles and Resources

Articles

50-Year Anniversary Timeline

Augspurger Komm Engineering & President David Komm  Recognizing its 50-year anniversary in 2025, Augspurger Komm Engineering (AKE) is a well-respected engineering firm based in Phoenix, Arizona that provides forensic engineering services and expert witness testimony nationwide. Some of the areas for which it is known include construction, biomechanics, human factors, accident reconstruction, roadway design, workplace safety, and civil and mechanical…
February 4, 2025
Articles

STEM Presentations From AKE at an Elementary School

During the 2023-2024 school year, Augspurger Komm Engineering (AKE) Senior Consulting Engineer and parent Todd Springer presented to several classes at Fuller Elementary School in Tempe, AZ. His presentations relate to the theme of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The introduction and explanations of STEM topics in an elementary school…
December 4, 2024
Case Study

Analysis & Design Services for Historic Buildings — Part I: Wrigley Mansion

Source: Arizona Memory Project When it comes to maintaining the integrity and character of historic buildings, experts must balance the preservation of its original design construction, and character with modern-day code requirements and functionality to mitigate the potential for failure while providing continued occupancy for years to come. Augspurger Komm Engineering, Inc. provides niche expertise in Structural Engineering design and…
September 19, 2024
Articles

Internship Program & PV Schools Partnership

Early education of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers is especially important to introduce during high school age, when students are in the mindset of choosing a career path to pursue. STEM education efforts can help young adults discover a strong passion for careers they wouldn’t have otherwise explored, igniting curiosity and promoting analytical skills. Augspurger Komm Engineering, Inc.…
September 19, 2024
Case Study

Vehicle Crash Into Augspurger Komm Engineering Building

(Completed: 2019)  Overview  In late June of 2019, a quite ironic incident occurred in which a vehicle crashed into the building of Augspurger Komm Engineering, where forensic engineers often investigate these types of cases. Fortunately, the building was vacant on that clear Sunday morning around 6 a.m. when a sedan at normal speed took a dangerously wrong right-hand turn into…
June 6, 2024
Case Study

Forensic Analysis of a Baseball Impact

(Completed: 2010)   Overview  During batting practice at a major league development team facility located in a municipal multi-use park with a common parking lot, balls often cleared the outfield fence. On one occasion, a ball struck a six-week-old infant in the face while being buckled into his car seat leaving a nearby flea market event. The question posed to AKE…
March 25, 2024
Case Study

Chocolate Factory Leak

(Completed: 2010)   Abstract  In an investigation involving a loss at a chocolate manufacturing facility, wherein a leak occurred in a section of process piping that allowed water to contaminate the chocolate, Augspurger Komm Engineering (AKE) expert, Mark Cannon conducted inspections at the facility and of the pipe section where the leak occurred.   Overview  Subject Unit Summary  The subject pipe section…
February 9, 2024
Articles

Fire Riser Corrosion: Accountability, Responsibility and Inevitable Consequences

By: Todd Springer, PE The gradual deterioration of materials can result in costly damage and is an ongoing and everlasting concern with water-conveying systems, including fire sprinklers. Sprinkler systems have become more and more commonplace over the past several decades, to the point where they are prevalent throughout the built environment. The safety of building occupants in the event of…
January 26, 2024
Case Study

Michigan Propane Explosion

(Completed: 2009)  Abstract:  In one notable case involving a propane gas-fueled residential explosion, which resulted in a 500-foot diameter debris field, an in-depth investigation was conducted to determine the exact cause and conditions that resulted in the complete structure demolition. This case study delves into the forensic investigation of the catastrophic gas explosion that occurred in Michigan in 2005.   The…
November 10, 2023
Articles

Consumer Product Battery Fires: Understanding Risks and Minimizing Damage 

In recent years, the surge in consumer product battery fires has raised significant concerns about safety, property damage, and even loss of life. Devices like e-bikes, hoverboards, drill packs, and e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, but their reliance on lithium-ion batteries has introduced new risks. From the perfect storm of elevated temperatures and a lack of regulation on substandard batteries,…
September 22, 2023