Daniel A. Riedel, P.E., ACTAR
Principal Consultant
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
How does investigating structural assessment differ from vehicle accidents?
From an engineering and forensic standpoint, there is meaningful overlap between the two areas. Both disciplines require the application of fundamental engineering principles, including physics, material behavior, and causation analysis. In my practice, for example, structural investigations routinely involve evaluating load paths, material degradation, and subsurface conditions, while vehicle accident reconstruction requires analysis of motion, impact forces, and time-distance relationships.
Having testified as an expert witness, what’s the most challenging aspect of presenting premises liability and security findings in a way that resonates with judges and juries?
The most challenging aspect of presenting premises liability and security findings is translating technical evaluations and code-based opinions into clear, relatable concepts that a judge or jury can readily understand and apply to everyday experience. Ultimately, the communication needs to be technically defensible, but also logically compelling and consistent with the observable facts.
What’s something about premises liability and security that would surprise most people outside the field?
Codes and industry guidelines are designed to reduce risk to a reasonable level—not to create a zero-risk standard. As such, the focus is not just on the condition itself, but whether it deviated from the standard of care and created an unreasonable hazard.
Background
Mr. Daniel Riedel graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, with a specialty in Structural Engineering. Mr. Riedel was examined by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and is a registered professional engineer in multiple states.
He has experience in construction engineering and inspection (CEI) on highway/roadway projects in Florida. His experience includes interpretation of contract plans, plan review, preparation of as-built drawings, documenting of material testing for construction, and tracking of construction costs. He is also familiar with interpretation of soil mechanics, as well as familiarity with deleterious conditions including buried debris, organic-laden soils, and clayey soils.
As a forensic engineer, Mr. Riedel has individually participated or led groups of multi-discipline specialists in the performance of distress assessments for residential and commercial structures. These assessments commonly included causation analysis of various individual building components and overall systems. Certain assessments involved geotechnical testing methods to evaluate the impact of subsurface conditions on overlying structures and provide remedial recommendations, if applicable. Remedial recommendations include design and monitoring of soil improvement by compaction grouting, slurry grouting, and/or chemical grouting, and foundation modification by helical pins and pin piles. Mr. Riedel has performed premises liability evaluations of walking surfaces, illumination, ramps, and stairways. He has also relied on experience in transportation projects to evaluate roadway design, construction, and maintenance in regard to vehicle accident reconstruction projects. Mr. Riedel has provided deposition and trial testimony.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering (Specialized in Structural Engineering), Cum Laude, B.S.: University of South Florida (1996)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Florida (56811), Louisiana (41003), Texas (124220), Illinois (62068768), North Carolina (44120), New York (097052) (inactive)
- Certified English XL VIT
- Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist: Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR)
Associations and Memberships
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Tau-Beta Pi (National Engineer Honor Society)
- Chi Epsilon (National Civil Engineer Honor Society)