Wood Scientist - Consultant - Testing - Expert Witness Services
Consultation in All Areas of Wood Science
- Sampling and Testing Protocol Development
- Research/Design
and Supervision
- Wood and Wood Preservative Testing
- Consultation
on All Wood and Wood Products
- Education and Training:
Wood Utility
Pole Inspection and Safety Workshops
Hands-on Inspection/Treatment Workshops
for utility companies - "Hands On" Inspection and Application
- Member
of these Organizations:
The
Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists,
American
Institute of Timber Construction,
American
Plywood Association-Engineered Wood Association,
American
Society for Testing and Materials,
American
Wood Protection Association,
Forest
Products Society,
Society
of Wood Science and Technology
Wood Utility Pole Inspection and Safety Workshops
Hands-on Inspection/Treatment Workshops for utility companies
The Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists,
American Institute of Timber Construction,
American Plywood Association-Engineered Wood Association,
American Society for Testing and Materials,
American Wood Protection Association,
Forest Products Society,
Society of Wood Science and Technology
Philip Opsal is a wood scientist who offers services and scientific consulting on domestic and exotic woods. He has expertise on large and small products made with wood, including cigar tips, laminated wood skis, wagon wheels, boards, timbers, wood beams, utility poles, and wooden posts, for many applications such as ladders, decks, including oil well derricks and industrial cooling towers, stairways and railings. Expertise in wood structural components including laminated beams for large structures and roof systems, to bowstring trusses and heavy timber trusses for very large structures.
Extensive consultation experience in analysis of composite wood products, fiber board and oriented strand board used as structural components and cladding such as wood siding and sheathing. Experienced in the setup of a number of testing programs incorporating these materials. Knowledgeable in the specifications and standards of AITC, ANSI, ASTM, NESC, AWPA, OSHA and State Standards, Codes and Regulations.
Expert Witness Services
- Experienced in over 1,000 cases in all levels
of Court
- Scientific Testing of Wood and Wood Preservatives
- Forensic
Examination and Assessment
- Scientific Analysis of Wood Failures
Philip Opsal has experience in hundreds of cases by investigation and examination resulting in written assessments, reports to counsel, cooperation with counsel for development of lists for production and interrogatories. Expertise in sampling and testing protocols, supervising of scientists for testing, analysis of and presentation of resulting test data, deposition and trial testimony. Example Published Expert Witness Case (See Part II Paragraph 2)
Qualified as scientific expert witness in the courts of 19 states, with international experience in assessment and opinion presentation to counsel, barristers and solicitors.
Also experienced with environmental and damage problems and other issues concerning wood preservative chemicals and VOC's, molds on wood, deterioration of wood due to microorganisms (fungi) and insects (termites/carpenter ants). Scientific forensic analysis of fire, water, weather phenomena and vehicular collision as the causal factors.
Background of scientific wood analysis and forensic testing experience includes cases filed for one-half BILLION dollars (high-end office furniture), thirty MILLION dollars of over liability coverage, analyzing wood slivers from four (4") inches to fourteen (14") inches and various personal injuries, some ending in fatalities.
Presenter of Numerous Papers to Technical and Safety Groups
Former Professor of Wood Science, Colorado State University
Author of Publication "Lineman's Quick Reference on Wood Safety"
Wood Utility Pole Inspection Safety Workshop presented by Philip Opsal