Carter Terry, P.E., CWI
Construction Practice Leader
SERVICES GROUP
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Your background includes hands-on maritime experience. How has working in real operating environments influenced the way you approach investigations today?
My background and experience as a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, and an operator of commercial watercraft, combined with my experience as a forensic consultant and testifying expert gives me the perspective to investigate marine casualty matters not only as a experienced investigator, but also as someone who knows and understands the demands and challenges of working aboard, and operating marine vessels.
In storm damage assessments, distinguishing wind damage from pre-existing conditions is a constant challenge. What are the telltale signs you look for?
We use visual evidence, such as erosion of the fractured edges of brittle materials, or oxidation of exposed wood framing, to determine of damage occurred as a result of a recent weather event, or as a result of a previous strain placed on the element. Accumulation of debris, such as dust, cobwebs, and insects, within cracks is one of the most useful tools we have to clearly demonstrate that a material defect has been in place for months or years.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do in construction claims and disputes?
To be an effective resource for your client, a construction claims expert has to have a broad understanding of how buildings are designed, but also how they are put together during construction. It’s not enough to understand the code requirements that went into the design of a building. A good consultant also understands the difference between a construction detail that meets the requirements of a given code, but can’t be constructed; and a detail that can be reasonably constructed in the field.
Background
Mr. Carter Terry has a bachelor’s degree in Small Vessel Operations from Maine Maritime Academy and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He is a registered professional engineer in multiple states with experience in structural analysis and design, project management, construction administration, building condition assessment, civil infrastructure evaluation, and forensic engineering.
As a practicing structural engineer, Mr. Terry has experience in new and existing structural building systems, including the design and detailing of new structures in timber, masonry, concrete, and steel, and the assessment of existing historic structures. His background in traditional wooden vessels, while working as a professional merchant marine, provides a broad experience in wood-framed construction and analysis of wood deterioration. He has been the structural engineer of record on several projects in a variety of sectors, including industrial manufacturing facilities, mental health care facilities, federal infrastructure facilities, and residential structures. Prior to becoming an engineer, Mr. Terry worked as a professional merchant marine on traditional sail vessels, tugboats, and research ships. Mr. Terry also spent time working as a structural iron worker, welder, and fabricator. At Rimkus, Mr. Terry performs a broad range of inspections and cause and origin analyses of storm-related damage, water damage, structural fire damage, construction defects, design defects, premises liability, construction site accidents, and building code evaluations.
Education and Certifications
- Small Vessel Operations, B.S.: Maine Maritime Academy (2004)
- Civil Engineering, M.S.: University of New Hampshire (2014)
- Registered Professional Engineer: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
- American Welding Society (AWS): Certified Welding Inspector
- Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT): Level 1 Rope Access Technician
- Infrared Training Center: Level 1 Certified Thermographer
Publications
- “Structural Analysis Integration as an Aid to Segmental Bridge Deck Replacement”, University of New Hampshire Master’s Thesis, 2014.