Forensic structural engineering is the investigation of failure or non-performance in the built environment.

Forensic Engineering

The role of the forensic structural engineer is to identify and communicate the cause of structural failure, and in some situations but not all, provide expert opinion as part of dispute proceedings. Failure is not limited to catastrophic failure, but includes any situation where there is an unacceptable difference between expected and observed performance.

The forensic engineer relies mostly upon actual physical evidence found at the scene, verifiable facts related to the matter, and well-proven scientific principles. The forensic engineer then applies accepted scientific methodologies and principles to interpret the physical evidence and facts (Noon, 2001, in “Forensic Engineering Investigation”).

Without the forensic process, the identified cause/s of failure are more likely to be incorrect. Proceeding on the basis of an assumed or incorrectly identified cause may lead to repeat failures, inappropriate rehabilitation strategies, and/or skewed dispute outcomes.