Erik C. Johnson, P.E.
Vice President, Forensic Technical Services
Get to know the expert
Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
How does investigating HVAC systems differ from plumbing systems, and what unique evidence or challenges does each present?
Many HVAC systems and all plumbing systems involve fluid transfer and dynamics, so they are more similar than they are different. So a strong fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics is key. However, because HVAC systems also involve heat transfer, this is an additional, fundamental understanding that is necessary for HVAC evaluations.
What’s the most common mistake parties make early in a mechanical and electrical failure investigation matter that complicates the investigation later?
They assume they understand what happened and do not preserve the evidence for further testing and analysis. Properly preserved evidence can provide a significant amount of information regarding causation and ultimately liability regarding mechanical and electrical failures.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do in mechanical engineering?
I have worked dozens of cases involving chairs and other furniture in public places. What most people do not appreciate is that the operation, maintenance and care of these chairs can have a significant impact on the public.
Background
Along with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, Mr. Erik Johnson has over 20 years of extensive industry experience in facility assessment, design, commissioning, and operation of building HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and direct digital control (DDC) systems.
He has also been involved in engineering analysis, automotive testing, and data acquisition related to survivability and performance of military vehicles and is familiar with and performed service on vehicle engines, suspensions, brakes, and electronics.
Mr. Johnson has applied his extensive mechanical engineering background to the reconstruction of vehicular accidents that range in severity from minor property damage to multiple vehicle and fatality collisions. His reconstruction experience includes accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreational vehicles, pedestrians, and commercial vehicles.
In the product liability space, Mr. Johnson has evaluated chairs, appliances, water heaters, door systems, crossbows, forklifts, vehicle components (including engines, fuel injection, tires, suspensions, and brakes), and various heavy machinery. His HVAC, mechanical, and plumbing system investigation experience includes multi-family residences, custom homes, commercial, high-rise commercial and residential, casinos, hotels, cellular telecommunication sites, restaurants, K-12 schools, and colleges.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: Brigham Young University (2003)
- Professional Engineer: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington
- Traffic Accident Reconstructionist: Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR #2867)
- LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design and Construction:S. Green Building Council