Forensic Engineering Analysis of Warehouse Freezer Subfloor Heating System Failure and Repair.

This study examines the theory and forensic engineering analysis of multiple freezer sub-floor heating systems, the accidental event that lead to failure of each, an Analytical Model to determine the viability of a corrective action approach, those results, the ensuing successful repair, and the resulting Legal Complaint. The case presented involves a food distribution warehouse facility operation located in Massachusetts which utilized a resistance heating element sub-floor heating system in the building's 65 foot by 130 foot freezer section (freezer height 40 feet). Resistance heat was used to precisely control the freezer sub-floor to a temperature of 34°F. This level of control allowed the freezer floor surface to be kept as cold as possible, while at the same time, keeping the sub-floor above freezing so that disruptive frost wouldn't develop. An incident occurred in which the floor heating system was damaged beyond repair and an entirely new heating system was installed. The new heating system experienced a catastrophic failure after a few months of operation, resulting in severe damage to the facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]