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Trent Nelson

President of Apex Structural Design, LLC

Sioux Falls, SD
Forensic Structural Engineering – Buildings and Building Components

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Professional Summary

Trent Nelson, P.E. is a structural design and forensic engineering expert specializing in the analysis and evaluation of building components and systems. With extensive design experience in timber, steel, and concrete construction, he brings a comprehensive understanding of structural integrity and failure analysis to his litigation work. His work centers on investigating structural deficiencies, assessing storm and environmental damage, and evaluating whether construction practices meet industry standards.

Mr. Nelson has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the Midwest, involving commercial, residential, and industrial property types. His Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from South Dakota State University, along with Haag Roof Inspector Training – Commercial & Residential, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving structural failures and damage assessments.

Work Experience

HKA — Partner | Present

Expert Intelligence

AI-Generated AnalysisBased on public information

Best Descriptor

Trent Nelson specializes in structural design and forensic engineering for various building types.

Best Use Cases

  • 1expert witness in structural design litigation
  • 2forensic analysis of building failures
  • 3consultation on construction project disputes

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Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 1989

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 1997

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 2006

  • Masters Degree in Civil Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 2009

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 2020

  • Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering

    South Dakota State University · 2022

Licenses

  • Professional Engineer (IA)
  • Professional Engineer (MI)
  • Professional Engineer (MN)
  • Professional Engineer (MO)
  • Professional Engineer (MT)
  • Professional Engineer (NE)
  • Professional Engineer (ND)
  • Professional Engineer (SD)
  • Professional Engineer (UT)
  • Professional Engineer (WI)
  • Professional Engineer (WY)
  • Professional Engineer (IA)
  • Professional Engineer (KS)
  • Professional Engineer (MN)
  • Professional Engineer (NE)
  • Professional Engineer (NM)
  • Professional Engineer (SD)
  • Professional Engineer (VA)
  • Professional Engineer (SD)
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