Specialties

Hydrology studies model the geographic watershed — the area from which rainfall is collected and channeled toward the property at risk. Subbasins are modeled with land characteristics that affect runoff; a design storm (typically the 100-year storm) is modeled to calculate water flow at risk points.

Hydraulic studies — using LIDAR-surveyed terrain and engineering fluid-mechanics equations — establish the extent, depth, and velocity of flooding at any point within the surveyed area. Critical for both causation and risk assessment.

Marcor has performed structural investigations of homes and properties impacted by rain, hail, wind, snow, fire, earthquakes, landslides, lightning, floods, tornadoes, tropical storms, hurricanes, and even volcanoes — including multiple inspections in the wake of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.

Licensed in 22 states, territories, and federal districts — meaning rapid response to natural disasters across the United States is operationally feasible, not aspirational.

Buildings and structures are regulated by adopted Building Codes — most US jurisdictions adopt versions of the ICC's IBC. Marcor has acted as a building code expert witness on 27 alleged code violations across a 20-unit apartment complex, studying the IBC, IEBC, NEC, IFC, IFGC, and IMC. ICC CBO–credentialed analysis throughout.

A forensic project management investigator evaluates a proposed or executed project, compares it with PMI Body-of-Knowledge guidelines and best practices, identifies root causes of failure, and provides expert opinion. Marcor — PMP credentialed — testified at a three-day trial regarding the feasibility of constructing an underground 230 kV power line through Jurupa Valley, California.

Mother Nature is not the only potential source of damage. Human error — including construction defects, planning defects, and even malicious actions — accounts for much of the damage that can occur to structures. After a major impact, it is crucial to sort the man-made sources from the natural ones.

Example: a Porte Cochere impacted by a garbage truck. Damage was found at multiple locations, including an eyebolt connection for a tension tie rod. An opposing expert claimed the damage was due to wind forces. Detailed calculations of both wind forces and truck-impact forces — versus the connection capacity — established truck impact as the cause.