Forensic structural engineering

What it covers

Forensic structural engineering investigates why a structure failed, cracked, moved or under-performed, and what is responsible. It covers failure and collapse investigation, defect and crack diagnosis, damage assessment after fire, flood, impact or settlement, and the expert reports and evidence that disputes and insurance claims need. The engineer gathers the physical and documentary evidence, analyses the failure mechanism, and reports findings that stand up to scrutiny.

When you need it

You need a forensic structural engineer when a structure has failed, cracked or moved and you need to know why, when a building defect is in dispute, when an insurer or court needs an independent expert opinion, or when you must establish the cause and the fix after damage. The work is as much about evidence and clear reasoning as about analysis.

Standards, codes and tools

Commonly used tools: Strand7, Spacegass, site investigation methods.

What to look for

Look for an engineer with genuine investigation experience and, where a dispute is likely, expert-witness experience and an understanding of the relevant code of conduct for expert evidence. Ask whether they can both diagnose the cause and present it clearly to a non-engineer. Independence matters, so a forensic engineer should be willing to report what the evidence shows, not what a party wants to hear.

Forensic structural engineering by city

Common questions