Gilberto D. Gil, Jr., P.E.
Senior Consultant
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
In storm damage assessments, distinguishing wind damage from pre-existing conditions is a constant challenge — what are the telltale signs you look for?
One telltale sign would be wind direction. During storm damage investigations, you can research the direction of the wind and compare that with the damages observed to determine if they match. Another sign would be resulting damage. If the claimed damage was a wind created opening, you would expect the resulting water intrusion damage due to the wind created opening to show signs of exposure of a similar timeframe as the lapsed time from the storm.
What’s the most surprising discovery you’ve made in your structural engineering work that no one saw coming?
The intricate nature of restoration versus new design. In restoration, you’re having to work with a significant number of in-place structures (or parts of structures). This makes the design to replace, repair, or add more complicated because of all the restrictions these existing structures impose. This would include both the space available for the component you’re designing for, and in the method of installing the new component. Limited space affects both.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?
One piece of advice for clients would be for them to provide as much historical documentation as available as soon as possible. This helps planning and estimating from the beginning of the assignment to comparing and correlating the physical evidence through the inspection and report.
Background
Mr. Gilberto Gil holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, a B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, and an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering specializing in structural engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Florida.
Mr. Gil’s professional experience includes property investigations on residential and commercial structures, including roof damage assessments, moisture intrusion evaluations, flooring damage assessments (tile, wood, etc.), plumbing system failures and repairs, and storm-related damage.
Mr. Gil has investigated existing structures and performed analyses of structural integrity and compliance with required codes. He has evaluated structures and components for impact, damage, or displacement due to storm activity, deferred maintenance, and other activities that affect performance. He is also experienced in the design and modification of structures for compliance and building restoration, along with preparing reports, specifications, and plans of various building components. Mr. Gil has project management experience working with projects from initial client contact, through investigation, bidding phase, construction administration, quality assurance, and project closeout. His experience has included single-family, multi-family, and commercial assessment, restoration, and repair projects including the assessment and repair of hurricane-damaged structures. He offers consulting services to a wide variety of clientele including community associations, developers, contractors, attorneys, and leading institutions.
Mr. Gil’s experience includes a wide array of projects including stucco analysis, repair, replacement, and design; window and door analysis, repair, replacement, installation, waterproofing, and design; roof analysis, repair, replacement, installation, flashing, and design; wood framing damage analysis, repair, replacement, and design; steel framing damage analysis, repair, replacement, and design; and concrete damage analysis, repair, replacement, and design.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering – Specializing in Structural Engineering, M.S.: Florida International University (2016)
- Civil Engineering, B.S.: Florida Gulf Coast University (2014)
- Environmental Engineering, B.S.: Florida Gulf Coast University (2014)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Florida
- Construction Documents Technology (CDT)
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Member
- International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI): Member