Polaris experts have considerable experience designing and analyzing complex structures. We are intimately familiar with load transfer and have a robust technical understanding of building codes and design and construction standards. We regularly evaluate failures associated with structures and structural elements ranging in severity, including catastrophic collapse. Regardless of the scale of the structural failure, our experts can determine what happened and why. We can also provide structural repair recommendations, and with our design and drafting capabilities, can prepare structural repair drawings.
Polaris was engaged to evaluate the partial collapse of the roof of a greenhouse structure in Texas. The greenhouse consisted of four (4) approximately 45-ft wide by 300-ft long bays—one (1) office/administrative bay and three (3) growing bays. Upon arrival, Polaris observed that the roof structure at the central portions of the three (3) growing bays had collapsed. The growing bays each had exhaust fan cupolas within the collapse area, each of which contained six (6) exhaust fans. The 18 exhaust fans had been replaced shortly prior to the collapse.
Polaris’s scope of work included determining the cause of the collapse. Polaris’s structural engineering experts did not identify any design or construction deficiencies which would have caused or contributed to the failure of the roof trusses. Polaris reviewed historical weather data on and around the date of collapse. No significant weather events occurred; and therefore, there was no wind or other loading conditions in excess of those considered during design.
Review of the construction drawings, specifications, and truss designs also revealed that the weight of the newly installed exhaust fans would not have resulted in loading conditions in excess of those considered during the design. During Polaris’s site visit, it was reported that the collapse occurred during testing of the newly installed exhaust fans. All 18 of the exhaust fans were running during the testing. The building automation system was believed to have been manually bypassed; however, the manual bypass was unsuccessful, which resulted in the automatic closure of the exhaust vents on both ends of the growing bays.
Polaris’s mechanical engineering experts evaluated the conditions within the greenhouse caused by the 18 running exhaust fans and the closing of the vents—specifically, the negative pressure created due to the amount of air exhausted from the structure and the lack of make-up air caused by the closing of the vents. Polaris determined that the negative pressure within the growing bays would have been several orders of magnitude higher than the code-required loading conditions (e.g., dead, live, and wind loads) utilized in the design of the roof structure. Therefore, Polaris attributed the collapse of the structure to loads caused by the testing of the exhaust fans, in conjunction with the unexpected closing of the vents.
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Leah Long joined Polaris Forensics in 2025 as the Director of Business Development and Marketing, bringing over 15 years of expertise in business development and client relationship management. She is passionate about community engagement, business expansion and strategic growth.
Leah excels at building strong partnerships and facilitating effective communication, ensuring long-term success for both clients and the company. Her ability to develop and nurture key relationships plays a vital role in Polaris Forensics’ continued growth and industry leadership.
Now, as an empty nester, Leah enjoys reading, traveling, attending concerts, and trying new restaurants. Movies and golf tournaments are another way she spends quality time with valued friends and family.
Parasar Gosain is a skilled civil and structural engineer with over five years of experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Florida International University. As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Parasar has extensive expertise in building inspections, structural assessments, and forensic investigations. In addition, he holds a Level II Thermographer certification and a Drone Pilot license, enabling him to conduct thorough and comprehensive investigations with advanced tools and techniques.
Parasar’s unique combination of advanced academic qualifications and hands-on experience allows him to deliver accurate, reliable engineering solutions for complex structural challenges, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and the long-term durability of every project.
Outside of work, he likes to spend time with his wife and friends and exploring different cuisines and new flavors.
