The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) will convene in New Orleans for the Winter 2026 Conference, bringing together forensic engineering professionals for three days of technical education, professional exchange, and real-world case analysis.
Friday, January 16, 2026 – Arrival & Technical Tour
Friday serves as a light arrival day with optional meetings and a featured technical tour.
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Board of Directors Meeting (8:00 AM CT) and ASTM E58 Meeting (3:00 PM CT) are open to members
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FPA-E Surge Barrier Tour is a guided tour of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System protecting Greater New Orleans, with a focus on the Surge Barrier completed in 2013. The tour covers system design, construction, operation, and long-term flood risk management. (11:15 AM, Departure at 10:45 AM, Limited Space).
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The conference Welcome Reception, open to all conference attendees and guests, will be at 6:00 PM and the President's Dinner will be at 7:00 PM (registration required).
Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Technical Program
Saturday features a full day of peer-reviewed technical sessions curated by the NAFE Journal Editorial Board, covering forensic investigation methods, structural failures, material performance, and disaster-related damage.
Morning Sessions
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To Prove or Not to Prove: Different Levels of Forensic Investigation
Examination of how investigation depth impacts the ability to establish causation in forensic engineering, with case studies involving foundations, building envelopes, and retaining walls. -
Material Selection Error in Body Armor Design
Forensic investigation of a fatal body armor failure caused by misapplication of material standards, highlighting supply-chain responsibility and documentation gaps. -
Challenging the Abuse of “or Equivalent” in Residential Foundation Connections
Analysis of foundation-to-framing connections, evaluating mechanical performance, code interpretation, and water-management implications. -
Forensic Engineering Evaluation and Quantification of Hurricane Damage
Case study demonstrating how detailed forensic analysis can change damage attribution, repair scope, and settlement outcomes. -
Meeting of the General Membership
Just before we break for lunch, we will have a general membership meeting and induct our new board leadership.
Afternoon Sessions
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Wind Damage vs. Storm Surge Damage
A hurricane case study focused on distinguishing aerodynamic and hydrodynamic damage for accurate forensic attribution. -
Impact of Granule Loss on the Fire Resistance of Asphalt Shingles
Experimental testing showing how relatively small granule loss can significantly affect fire resistance classification. -
Beyond the Building Code: Retaining Wall Failure Analysis
Exploration of design requirements, geotechnical coordination, and forensic failure mechanisms beyond code compliance. -
Examining Failure Modes of the TITAN Submersible Hull
Technical review of the TITAN submersible failure, including design decisions, investigative challenges, and broader implications for engineering practice. -
End of Day Lobby Meet-Up and Dinner on Your Own
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Education & Panel Discussions
Sunday continues with focused educational sessions and extended panel discussions.
Morning Sessions
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From the Front Lines of Forensic Engineering
Lessons learned from decades of forensic engineering practice through case-based storytelling. -
The Hidden Load: Mental Health Challenges in Forensic Engineering
Exploration of burnout, secondary trauma, ethical pressure, and strategies for resilience in forensic practice. -
Seawall Collapse and Mitigation
Forensic analysis of a coastal seawall failure, addressing maintenance, environmental loading, and resilience. -
Water Losses and NFPA 921
Application of NFPA 921 investigative principles to water loss investigations.
Featured Panel
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Forensic Engineering Panel Discussion on the TITAN Disaster
A multi-hour, multidisciplinary panel covering structural analysis, U.S. Coast Guard investigations, life-support systems, electrical engineering, peer review, and long-term industry impact.
Full Schedule
This overview highlights key sessions and learning opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to review the full conference schedule for complete abstracts, speaker bios, and session timing.