Services
Forensic Expert Witness
Our services include forensic investigations of claims related to structural failures or structure-related issues, construction defect litigation support, engineering repair designs, origin & cause investigation, and deposition & trial testimony.
We also provide expert services for premises liability issues involving slips, trips, and falls, along with coefficient of friction testing and analysis using the English XL Tribometer.
Structural Engineering Design
We provide structural engineering design and drafting services for small and mid-sized projects involving the use of wood, concrete, and steel building materials.
Our projects have included:
• 20 ft tall architecturally-sloped cantilevered solar canopy design with pile foundations, structural steel columns/beams, light gauge steel purlins and metal deck roofing
• Light gauge steel interior tenant improvement projects, exterior curtain wall systems, and standalone structures
• Equipment anchorage, lifting, and skid design, including roof-mounted units and modifications of existing buildings
• Retaining wall and foundation structures
• Repair of damaged structures and structural upgrades
SB326 Balcony Inspections
Our Structural Engineering staff were one of the first in the state to begin conducting Elevated Exterior Element (EEE) inspections back in 2021 in accordance with the SB326 balcony law. We have inspected and generated reports for over 150 communitites in northern and southern California.
We also conduct inspections required by SF Housing Code Section 604 and other inspections required by city ordinances throughout the state.
About the Engineer
Kirk Wagner began his career in structural engineering in 2010 where he worked at Filippin Engineering in Santa Barbara as a resident engineer intern.
After working at Ficcadenti Waggoner & Castle as a project engineer, where he first gained exposure to the engineering and construction defect litigation process, as well as a wide range of design projects utilizing a wide variety of structural materials including steel, concrete, masonry, timber, light-gauge steel, aluminum, and glass, he further broadened his expertise into facilities design in the oil and gas industry.
Kirk progressed into managing teams of mechanical, electrical, process, and instrumentation engineers and designers before deciding to utilize his knowledge to become a forensics expert in the field of his structural engineering base, while continuing to practice as a design engineer and structural engineer of record.
He also expanded on his forensic knowledge into the field of premises liability and has worked on slip, trip, and fall cases for a variety of clients and situations.
He has actively participated in mediations that have directly resulted in favorable settlements to his clients and has testified in both depositions and arbitrations as an expert witness pertaining to structural engineering matters.
Education
Masters of Science
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA – 2011
Structural Engineering & Geomechanics
Bachelor of Science
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA – 2010
Civil Engineering
Minor, Mathematics
Cum Laude
Associations
Professional Engineer License(s): AZ, CA (PE, SE) CO, HI(PE, SE), ND, NM, NV (PE, SE), OR, TX, WA, WY
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Certified XL Tribometrist (CXLT)
Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI)
Structural Engineers Association of Southern California(SEAOSC)