Christopher Pinnow
Senior Forensic Engineer, Forensic
With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University, Mr. Pinnow is a registered professional engineer in California and Hawaii. Mr. Pinnow is also an International Code Council certified Structural Special Inspector for reinforced concrete, structural masonry, prestressed/post-tensioned concrete, wood structures, and fireproofing materials.
Mr Pinnow has experience across varied markets including single- and multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, military, and marine structures; water/wastewater systems; hospitals; school facilities; and unique special projects. Specifically, Mr. Pinnow’s experience has encompassed a range of specialties that have uniquely threaded geotechnical, civil, and structural expertise. Throughout his career, he has produced construction documents, including grading, drainage, and erosion control plans; written and reviewed specifications; performed geotechnical investigations, compaction test, and observation during grading and backfilling operations; hydrology and drainage studies; construction administration; cost estimating; and budget control. He has also performed forensic field investigations, and he has been retained as an expert witness for geotechnical- and soils-related issues, drainage and erosion issues, and construction defect matters. He has also provided construction support, inspection, and consultations for new construction and renovations.
Mr. Pinnow is experienced in the application of multiple industry standards and specifications including the International Building Code, California Building Code, ASCE 07 (for seismic and wind loads), ACI (concrete structures), TMS 402/ACI 530 (masonry), and NDS (wood structures). Mr. Pinnow has investigated and evaluated building and site damage caused by earthquakes and seismic disturbances, subsidence, settlement, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, soil erosion and scour, floods, mechanical forces, and construction defects.
Mr. Pinnow has investigated the cause and origin of concrete and masonry cracking, retaining wall failures, seawall failures and undermining, pool distress and failures, foundation distress, floor and roofing system failures, and conducted moisture intrusion investigations through building envelopes. He has prepared structural calculations for timber structures, retaining walls, and utility structures. Mr. Pinnow’s range and variety of project experiences have contributed toward his expertise, enabling him to uniquely combine disciplines with discerning judgment.
Education & Certification
B.S., Civil Engineering, San Diego State University
Professional Engineer (PE) – Civil, State of CA
Professional Engineer (PE), State of HI
Special Inspector – City of San Diego, State of CA
OSHA 10, State of CA