Nik Favretto, P.E.
Practice Leader, Construction
SERVICES GROUP
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
How do construction claims arise, and how can Rimkus help resolve them?
Construction claims typically stem from disputes over project performance, schedule delays, budget overruns, construction defects, and incidents that cause property damage or injury. When these issues arise, we provide independent forensic engineering and construction consulting services to stakeholders to help them evaluate claims, identify root causes, assess damage, and support dispute resolution.
Can your findings be used in litigation or insurance claims?
Yes. Our investigations are conducted with the understanding that findings may be used in litigation, insurance coverage evaluations, mediation, arbitration, or settlement discussions. We maintain a rigorous chain of documentation and apply accepted engineering methodologies to support defensible opinions. When needed, our experts can provide written reports, deposition testimony, and expert witness services.
How do you ensure your conclusions remain objective and unbiased?
Objectivity is the foundation of forensic engineering. Our role is not to advocate for any party but to determine the facts based on engineering principles and available evidence. We follow established investigative methodologies, document our analyses thoroughly, and base our conclusions on observable facts and technical data. This independent approach enhances credibility and provides stakeholders with clear, reliable information for decision-making.
Background
Mr. Nik Favretto holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural and Earthquake Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, Idaho, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.
With more than 20 years of engineering experience, Mr. Favretto has performed structural analysis and design for new wood-framed, steel, and reinforced concrete buildings; as well as seismic evaluation and retrofit design of existing wood-framed, steel, concrete masonry unit (CMU), unreinforced masonry, and non-ductile concrete structures. His project portfolio spans residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, military, and institutional facilities, and includes extensive experience in construction administration and project delivery.
As a forensic engineer, Mr. Favretto has conducted engineering investigations for insurance carriers, attorneys, contractors, property owners, and public entities involving construction defects, property damage, and premises liability claims. His expertise includes building code analysis, design and construction deficiency evaluations, property condition assessments, building envelope failures, water and moisture intrusion investigations, foundation and slab movement assessments, weather-related damage evaluations, and repair scope analyses for residential and commercial properties.
Mr. Favretto has investigated and evaluated structural and site damage resulting from earthquakes, seismic events, foundation settlement, subsidence, fires, windstorms, hail, floods, tornadoes, snow and ice loads, construction vibrations, vehicle impacts, tree impacts, plumbing failures, moisture intrusion, and construction-related deficiencies. He has also determined the cause and origin of numerous structural failures, including concrete and masonry cracking, retaining wall failures, dock failures, and floor and roof system distress.
He is highly experienced in the application of industry codes and standards, including the International Building Code (IBC), ASCE 07, ASCE 41, ACI 318, TMS 402/602, AISC Steel Construction Manual, Steel Joist Institute (SJI) Specifications, Steel Deck Institute (SDI) Standards, and the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction.
In addition to his engineering and forensic practice, Mr. Favretto brings 7 years of owner and project management experience overseeing large-scale international construction projects. His responsibilities include client management, contract negotiations, budgeting, estimating, scheduling, procurement, subcontractor coordination, quality assurance, and field operations. He successfully managed the design and construction of NATO military facilities and the reconstruction of war-damaged buildings in international environments.
Mr. Favretto also has more than 12 years of executive leadership experience as a Principal and Engineering Manager. In these roles, he has led multidisciplinary teams, developed operational policies and budgets, and provided technical oversight for engineering projects. As Engineer of Record, he has directed the design and construction administration of residential, commercial, hospitality, worship, industrial, military, and institutional projects, overseeing technical reviews of drawings, calculations, specifications, and engineering reports.
Throughout his career, Mr. Favretto has combined strong technical expertise, practical construction knowledge, forensic investigation experience, and organizational leadership to deliver defensible engineering opinions, effective project solutions, and exceptional client service.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering, B.S.: San Francisco State University (2010)
- Civil Engineering with Structural/ Earthquake Emphasis, M.S.: San Francisco State University (2013)
- Professional Engineer: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, Idaho, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.
- Structural Engineers Association of Northern California, Member
- The American Institute of Architects, San Mateo County, Member
- Trained Disaster Services Worker: Office of Emergency Services
Publications
- “Residential Seismic Design Using Viscous Dampers”, N. Favretto and Jillian van Enckevort, Structure Magazine, July 2019.
- “Seismic Design and Performance Evaluation of Steel Plate Shear Walls Considering Frame Interaction”, J. Enright, C.Chen, and N. Favretto, EUROSTEEL 2014, September 10-12, 2014, Naples, Italy.
Contact Information
Testimony Experience
- Depositions
- Mediations