[b]Hichborn Consulting Group Hires Senior Engineer[/b]

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 22, 2008 – Hichborn Consulting Group

Contact:   Rick Cook        
                      Cook & Schmid    
                      619/987.3897      
                      rcook@CookandSchmid.com      


HICHBORN CONSULTING GROUP HIRES SENIOR ENGINEER

Texas A&M graduate performs forensic investigations of defect allegations

ORANGE, CALIFORNIA — Hichborn Consulting Group, leading experts in the design, installation and performance of concrete and related construction materials, has added a Senior Engineer to its roster.

Alicia Cropper has joined the engineering consulting firm to perform forensic investigations related to allegations of defects in concrete and cementitious materials.

“Alicia’s strengths complement mine, increasing the value we bring to our clients,” said Geoffrey D. Hichborn, president of Hichborn Consulting Group. “We are delighted to have her on board as we continue to handle complex engineering and defect litigation assignments, particularly as they relate to allegations of sulfate attack in concrete.”

The issues of water penetration through concrete slabs and sulfate attack in concrete are now in vogue within the construction defect litigation market and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, Hichborn explained. Known as the “Concrete Detective” and currently president of the Orange County chapter of the Forensic Expert Witness Association, he regularly serves as an expert witness, for both defendants and plaintiffs, in some of the highest profile construction liability cases in California and around the country.

“This is great opportunity for me, being able to work with and be mentored by one of the most respected forensic investigators of concrete in the country,” Cropper said.

Cropper, a civil engineering graduate of Texas A&M University, is an experienced construction manager for large public works projects, including water and wastewater treatment facilities. She also has experience in the design, assessment and contract administration of water and wastewater transmission pipelines and related equipment, and she developed a water conservation plan for a Southern California community. As a project engineer, she championed a federal water needs assessment report that was reviewed by the U.S. Congress.

Cropper sits on the Orange County Committee for Water for People, a nonprofit group that supports the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources and sanitation facilities in developing countries. She also belongs to the National Association of Women in Construction.

Her certifications include: EIT, Certified Document Technologist, Confined Space Training, OSHA Health and Safety Training, and Dangerous Goods Regulations Training.

A photo of Ms. Cropper is available.

About Hichborn Consulting Group

Geoffrey Hichborn is active in the research and development of the standards and guidelines that govern the concrete industry. Attorneys, the news media, developers, homeowners and the concrete and concrete materials industries frequently seek his counsel and analysis on construction defect issues.
Hichborn regularly serves as an expert witness, for both defendants and plaintiffs, in some of the highest profile construction liability cases in California and around the country. The firm’s consultation generally involves evaluations of construction for defects in design, installation and performance of concrete and related materials, including cement, aggregates, plaster, gunite, masonry and other materials. For more information, go to www.hichborn.com.