Andy Bryce
Andrew’s career in forensic engineering began while carrying out an undergraduate placement at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, analysing the cause of aircraft component failures for the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Following his Masters Degree he joined Rolls Royce plc, Military Engine Division in 1988 where he was trained in the forensic investigation of engine failures for both in-service and development engines. Other areas of responsibility included carrying out in-service turbine component condition assessments and writing quality standards. Andrew resigned from Rolls Royce at Senior Scientist grade and joined Hawkins in 1991. Since joining Hawkins, Andrew has carried out over 1700 forensic investigations involving engineering, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have covered a great range, from small domestic incidents to multi-million pound losses in shops, warehouses, factories, power stations (gas turbines & compressors), aerospace and marine. Andrew is experienced in the legal process and has given evidence in the capacity of an expert witness in Magistrates’ Courts, County Courts, High Courts, Crown Courts, Coroner’s Courts, mediations and arbitrations on numerous occasions. He is listed as an expert in the Expert Witness Directory. Andrew is currently a Director of Hawkins and based in the […]
Chemical Flux in Plumbing Systems: A State of Flux
Chemical Flux in Plumbing Systems: Flux, an aggressive acidic paste, is applied to copper pipe surfaces before soldering.
Hawkins Welcomes Plant Pathologist James Townsend
Hawkins is pleased to welcome Plant Pathologist James Townsend to our Reigate Office. James joins Hawkins with over 20 years’ experience in the biology and plant pathology fields.
Ice, Ice Baby
Winter sees a seasonal increase in escapes of water in both domestic and commercial properties due to the freezing of water pipes. The UK Water Regulations state that “All cold water fittings located within the building, but outside the thermal envelope, or those outside the building must be protected against damage by freezing”.
Failures of Plastic Welded Pipes
Plastic welding is a technique that many people seem to misunderstand. To the casual observer, it seems to be quite simple; you heat a plastic surface until it softens, push it against another plastic surface, and wait for the bond to cool. Job done? Not quite. There are many different plastic welding techniques, and each has its own intricacies, features and details that must be considered and understood, if the welding is to be done successfully.
Hawkins’ Materials Expert Speaks at Ipswich CII Virtual Conference
On Wednesday 27th October, Dr Christabel Fitzpatrick of Hawkins’ Cambridge Office was a speaker at a virtual conference held by The Chartered Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex.
BBC’s Expert Witness to Feature Hawkins’ Dr Andrew Moncrieff
Hawkins’ Managing Director, Dr Andrew Moncrieff, an accomplished Forensic Geologist, will be featured on a new series by BBC One. Expert Witness is a dramatic true crime documentary series
Hawkins’ Easter Eggsperiments #3: Egg-splosion
An exploding egg-speriment. Don’t try this at home! Our team includes chemists and forensic engineers who are highly trained and skilled in dealing with flammable items and the necessary safety precautions.
Hanging by a Thread: The Maintenance of Metal Wire Ropes
Metal wire ropes are widely used in hoist (lifting), towing or winching systems, such as cranes and lifts.
Looking into Glazing Failures
Looking into Glazing Failures: Glass isn’t traditionally seen as structural. Glazing failures can stem from construction, damage, or design flaws.